Page 71 - Biblical Counseling I Textbook

Remember that the Spirit of God is the one who motivates.
• He is the one who convicts (John 16:8).
• He is the one who empowers (Eph. 3:16).
• He uses the Word as His instrument (John 17:17).

Remind him or her to continue to seek the help of the Lord (Heb. 4:15-16).

If the person refuses to make changes that are clearly biblical, you may need to end your efforts of direct help
and involve the church if possible (Matt. 7:6; 18:15-17; cf. Prov. 29:1).

Implementation.
Implementation is the process of helping the person to actually apply the gospel to their problems. It is the
doing of the Word, the follow through upon the commitment, the making of the “yes” to their “yes” (cf. Matt.
5:33-37).

Some will see you as the one who will change them. They may be looking for the magic solution, but diligence
is required (Prov. 8:17; Rom. 12:10-13; Heb. 6:11-12).

The time you spend in counsel is not an end in and of itself. Action is required.

Help the person understand how progressive sanctification works and that it takes work.

Most progress will be made between your meetings.
• Prepare them for the temptations they will face (1 Cor. 10:13).
• Prepare them for the failures they will experience (1 John 2:1-2).
• Express hope that change will take place by expecting it (Heb. 6:9).

Give them specific assignments to be working on during the week. Examples:
• Assign Scripture to read, meditate upon, or memorize. Ask them to journal their responses.

• Ask them to journal or keep a record of incidents.
• Ask them to answer specific questions and be prepared to discuss.
• Give them specific action steps to complete (e.g. “meet with so and so this week in order to seek
forgiveness”).

Why is it important to give assignments?
• This sets an expectation of change.
• Good assignments clarify expectations (yours and theirs).
• This facilitates their growth and emphasizes the need for personal effort.
• This keeps them from becoming dependent upon you.
• This helps you and them to track progress and growth.
• This allows them to exercise faith and grow in hope.

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