WCW - Lesson Two - Is the Bible Enough?

Is the Bible Enough? Lesson Two Counselors and Counselees Desire Genuine Change  Authentic Biblical counselors are not interested in ______________________ …  They are interested in ________________________________ by God’s power. See 2 Timothy 3:5 It Is   However, one must come to a place where he or she not only believes that ___________________________________, but also, that _________________ do not bring about desired changes within the human heart. God’s ways are not our ways!  The biggest impediment to real change is the failure to believe God’s Word is powerful enough to transform a life.  Our problem is the same as the Pharisees! Matthew 22:29 God’s Word Changes God’s People  Counseling is primarily a work of the __________________________.  The Holy Spirit always works through the ____________________  John 17:17; 1 Thessalonians 2:13 The Power of God’s Word  Psalm 119:24; Psalm 119:104; Jeremiah 15:16; Job 23:12; Psalm 17:4 God Provides the Means  God provides the means for change through the __________________________ and _____________________________. Outside the Word and the Holy Spirit, there are no solutions to any problems of the human soul. Two Problems We Face . . .  Problem #1 - Many Christians have lost confidence in the power of God's Word to change lives because they have never really learned its truths or learned how to _____________________ them properly.  Nehemiah 8:8 When Our Focus Changes  When our main focus shifts from God to ____________________, our confidence in God's Word, God's methods and God's power diminishes. We Must First Know Him  2 Peter 1:2-4 – Through the knowledge of_______________________________ and precious ________________________. Problem #2 – We Often Disregard the Work of the Holy Spirit. • Counseling is foremost, a work of ______________________________, not the human counselor __________________________. The Holy Spirit is called the "paraclete" (which is: comforter, supporter, helper, intercessor, counselor.) • John 14:16-17 The Work of the Holy Spirit • is to ___________________________ us, conform us to be like Christ (sanctification). • 2 Corinthians 3:18; Galatians 3:3 This is Crucial! • We have no power outside ourselves over sinful or enslaving thoughts and actions until we _______________________________________. • Galatians 5:16-17 The By-product • Knowing Christ, walking with Him, depending on Him and His Word gives us what we need to: • understand the problems of life, apply specific truth to life’s specific problems, acquire needed discernment and wisdom (which is life’s navigation system!), develop insight, strength, motivation, and all the fruit of God’s Spirit that enables us (by God’s power and grace) to live a joyful, blessed life. • John 6:63; Galatians 5:22-23 Heart Level Change is Not Possible . . . • apart from God's power/abiding in Christ. This is why our first priority, even in counseling, is to _________________________ those we counsel ____________ ______________________________________! • John 15:4-5 God’s Truth is Powerful • John 8:31-36 He is Truly the Potter, We the Clay • Isaiah 64:8 We are His Work • Philippians 1:6; Hebrews 12:2