Page 18 - Biblical Counseling I Textbook

If the gospel is the power of God for salvation, then the gospel is what we

proclaim as we offer help.

The following are just a few examples of how the New Testament uses the gospel to ground its appeals for
change:

• Matthew 18:21-35 This passage amounts to a command to those who are holding on to offenses to be
merciful and forgive the one who has offended them. This command is grounded in the forgiveness of Christ
found in the gospel. It says, “You have received mercy for your great sin, so show mercy to those who have
sinned against you”.
• Romans 12:1; 13:10-12; 15:7
• Ephesians 4:32; 5:2; 5:25
• Colossians 3:12-13
• Hebrews 12:1-3

• 1 Peter 3:1; 3:17-18
• 1 Corinthians 15:3;
• 2 Corinthians 1:4 (cf. Hebrews 4:14-16)

We preach the gospel to ourselves no matter the situation or the need.

If we are to be of any real help to others, we must first learn to preach the gospel to
ourselves as our own means of help. We can only deliver to others what we have first
received.

Only genuine believers can receive true counsel.

A changed life requires a changed heart. The “heart” is the term most used in the Bible to describe or identify
the inner person. It is comprised of the mind, the emotions, and the will. It is the seat of understanding and the
motivating force of action. In Mark 7:21-23, Jesus says, “For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the
evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit,
sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness. All these evil things proceed from within and defile the man.”
Note that Jesus says that these things come “out of the heart of men” but then also says that these things
proceed “from within”. Jesus is using the term “heart” to describe the inner person.

In Luke 6:45, Jesus says, “The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the
evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart.”
Matthew 12:33, Jesus says that (cf. John 3:3-8).

Unbelievers need Christ, not counsel. In other words, they need to hear the message of the gospel from an
evangelistic perspective. This is not to say that we cannot speak to them about their problems but that their
problems should become the gateway to sharing the gospel (Romans 8:6-7; 1 Corinthians 2:14).

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