Page 8 - Biblical Counseling II

Introduction to Biblical Counseling II

Connect…

According to Gary Collins, author of Christian Counseling (2007), Jesus Christ is the best model we have of an
effective “wonderful counselor” whose personality,
knowledge, and skills enabled him to assist anyone who needed help (p. 29). Collins states that “basic to
Jesus’ style of helping, however, was his personality. In his teaching, caring, and counseling, he demonstrated
those traits, attitudes, and values that made him effective as a people-helper and that serve as a model for
us. Jesus was absolutely honest, deeply compassionate, highly sensitive, and spiritually mature in all of his
dealings with people. He was committed to serving his heavenly Father and his fellow human beings (in that
order), prepared for his work through frequent periods of prayer and meditation, was deeply familiar with
Scripture, and sought to help needy persons turn to him, in whom they could find ultimate peace, hope, and
security” (p. 30). Think about Jesus as a counselor as you learn about Biblical Counseling II.

The Lesson ...

What is counsel?
As you have read, I am a Christian and a counselor, but I am not a pastor. My training is in counseling, rooted
in psychology. Let’s break down what this means as it impacts what you will learn. In Biblical Counseling I,
you learned the answer to the question “What is counsel?” You also developed an understanding of the core
beliefs of Biblical counseling. Let’s review and add in how psychology impacts Biblical counseling.

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 cases, the Bible refers to the advice given as “counsel,” and we
should understand it in this manner as well (BCI, p. 1).

Review of Core Beliefs from Biblical Counseling I:

1. All humanity is fallen and by nature sinful (Rom 3:10f; Eph. 2:1-3; Jer. 17:9).
2. Man is not neutral toward God (Rom. 8:5-8).
3. The Bible provides sufficient help to solve all non-physical problems (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:3).
4. Christ in us is the only hope for true change (John 15:4-5; Rom. 8:10; Col. 2:24-29).
5. All believers are called to provide biblical counsel and should be striving toward biblical maturity together
(Matt. 28:19-20; Gal. 6:1-2; Titus 2).
6. Humans are a psycho-somatic whole, that is, we are comprised of body and soul.
7. There are real biological illnesses that need to be treated by medical professionals
(BCI, p. 5).

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