Page 3 - Biblical Counseling I Textbook

Biblical Counseling I
By Kelly Larsen, M.Div.

Study Section 1: Answering Key Questions about Biblical Counseling

1.1 Connect

Many people are very confused about life in general. The media tells us to live our life for
maximum pleasure and to get even against all those who offend us. Some Philosophers tell us that
there is no truth and no real right and wrong. It all depends on each person’s perspective and on
how each person feels about things. Scientists tell us that life is a mere accident of millions of years
of cosmic mutations and that man is nothing more than an advanced animal. Everyone seems to
be bombarded from every angle about how to live their lives.

As believers in God’s Word, we know that most of those who are seeking to advise people have instruction that
is contrary to His Word. We also know that God’s Word is TRUTH. Any advice a person may listen to that is
contrary to the Bible is FALSE guidance and will lead that person down the wrong pathway. So, as we begin a
course on Biblical Counseling, we are referring to giving others counsel or guidance in accordance with God’s
Word. We must give God’s guidance on how to live our lives. Only then can we experience fruitful lives. So,
let’s learn about how to give Biblical guidance…..

1.2 Objectives

1. The student should be able to give a definition of biblical counseling.

2. The student should be able to describe the various human roles play in counseling and how they
are inadequate.

3. The student should be able to state the various ways that human thought has crept into the ideas that a
Christian counselor has about counseling.

1.3 What is Counsel?

Counsel is simply instruction or advice for living (Proverbs 1:1-5; Exod. 18:19)

When people speak of needing “counseling”, they often have in mind those times when they are
suffering from some overwhelming issue or are struggling under the weight of some besetting
sin or crushing emotion, but biblical counsel encompasses much more than just the “big” issues
of life. Proverbs 1:5 says, “A wise man will hear and increase in learning, and a man of understanding
will acquire wise counsel.” The context of this statement makes clear that the subject matter of learning
and the wise counsel received is in reference to the ordinary matters of life, those things that lead to
“wise behavior” (v 3) and “prudence” (v 4). The counsel that Moses’ father-in-law gave him was aimed
at improving his ability to lead the nation of Israel well. It concerned organizational matters. In both

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