Problem:
Study the worksheet Biblical Psychology and
apply the concepts to all situations whether counseling self or
others. God looks at us from the perspective of our 'feelings',
'doings' and 'root ' levels, and we are to do the same. It is
through these levels, we assess and evaluate the problem, the
diagnostics.
Our 'feelings' tell us what is happening, but we are not to make decisions or live by those 'feelings'. This is what distinguishes a Christian from the world. The world lives by' feelings' but a Christian lives by his will and his will is based on the word of God which is the will of God. He is to do what God says to do regardless of his 'feelings'.
The 'doing ' of God's word regardless of feelings is illustrated by God's commandment to love our enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who persecute you. This is all contrary to our natural feelings but our true self in exercising God's command, the self in union with the Holy Spirit, transcends the natural and changes our feelings into compassion rather than retaliation.
The emphasis in the Christian life is in the 'doing'. It is the 'doing' that changes our feelings as well as our 'root' level. As we do what God's word commands, the Holy Spirit changes our 'root' from selfishness and self-centeredness, to conform us to the image of the Lord Jesus Christ in our very' root' being.
This is a lifelong process that continues changing us from glory to glory when we simply obey God's word.
Solution:
Accordingly, we are to view the problem from 'God's perspective',
and His word provides the solution, the 'hope', and with hope
are 'changes' that are necessary, and the 'practice' of these
changes to conform you to the image of Christ.
Depending upon your problem or situation, the following are provided to assist you in seeking God's solution:
The Life Studies are divided into three categories:
These time segments cover all of life's experiences and must be dealt with biblically. Counselee must know that he is identified with Christ, that by the blood of our Lord, counselee's conscience is washed and cleansed of guilt and shame once and forever. Now he is to live the new life, empowered by the Holy Spirit, collaborating with God, to deal with his present, the daily offenses and irritations of life, and thereby establish God's will on earth. Thus, he is enabled to leave the future in God's hands.
Counseling Tools
For individual counseling cases, it is suggested you begin
by completing the Problem/Solution Worksheet.
This document provides the data to determine what the problem
is, and the possible biblical solutions, the agenda.
For homework assignments, in addition to the "Life Studies" worksheets which can used for discussion purposes during the counseling session as well as a handout, the following forms are available to assist counselee to grow and mature in Christ (see below).
For an in-depth biblical understanding of the specific issues addressed in the Life Studies ,and the Marriage course, we recommend the following books and tapes:
Remember: You are given life so that Life may indwell you, Christ Himself, and you are to work out this life daily being conformed to His image. God's word is your authority, and the indwelling Holy Spirit is your power to enable you to be a blessing instead of a curse on this earth. Go now as you make a disciple of yourself, go and make disciples of others and fulfill Christ's command. Let a godly lifestyle be a living witness of Christ walking this earth in, as, and through you.