Page 19 - Biblical Counseling I Textbook

Counseling toward change apart from the gospel is legalism and results in external change at best (John 15:3;
Galatians 3:1-5; 2 Tim 3:5 and 14-16)

The local church is God’s primary instrument of grace for His people.

The local church is God’s primary means for providing care and discipleship.
• He provides instruction through the church (Matt. 28:20; 2 Tim. 4:1-2).
• He provides comfort through the church (2 Cor. 1:3-7).
• He provides encouragement through church (1 Thess. 5:11, 14).
• He provides help through the church (Acts 20:35; Rom. 16:2; Phil. 4:3).
• The local church is God’s primary means for providing accountability (authority).

For those receiving counsel within the local church we are accountable to God appointed leaders (Heb. 13:17; 1
Peter 5:1-3). We are accountable to one another (Matt. 18:15-17; Gal. 6:1; Eph. 5:21)

For those giving counsel, leaders are accountable to other leaders (1 Cor. 14:32; 1 John 4:1). Leaders are
accountable to the church as a whole (Matt. 18:15-17; Gal. 1:6f; 1 Tim. 5:19-20)

3.4 Let’s Practice…

1. What is the difference between general revelation and special revelation?

2. What role does special revelation play in a counseling ministry?

3. What is the power of God to bring salvation?

4. Explain why only genuine believers can truly receive and apply biblical counsel.

5-9. Give 4 ways that God uses the church as an instrument of grace for His people.

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