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SL EverydayCounselor BY SHAUNA VAN DYKE
TRUTH RENEWED MINISTRIES
To empower and equip the everyday counselor in You.
Let’s turn your opinions into wisdom as you encourage others.
QUESTION: HOW DO I COUNSEL SOMEONE TO LEARN AND APPLY SCRIPTURE?
T he Bible is the authoritative Word of God, so the best way to counsel a friend is to “God gave us
share the life giving truths we find in Scripture. It is our standard for living. It allows us
the Bible not
to know our Creator and Savior, the Way of salvation, what our purpose is in life, what
He commands of us, how to live with true hope, and so much more. The Bible is suffi-
cient for all matters of life and contains all that we need in order to know God’s will just to inform
and live a life pleasing to Him. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for
our minds,
teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of
but also to
God may be competent, equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Our goal is to not just teach them what Scripture says, but also how to study the Bible for transform
themselves and learn to apply it. This can be intimidating at first so begin with a smaller book
like James or 1 John, and share a clear method to guide their understanding such as the our hearts.”
“TAP” method I have created and use myself. This is a simple and effective way to offer the
– JOHN PIPER
kind of counsel that will truly be a gift that keeps on giving.
TRUTH. What is this text clearly stating (observation)? What does this text mean (interpreta-
tion)? Identifying the truth is a process, so begin by reading the full passage and writing down
your observations (example: key words, characters, locations, repetition). Then go back
through the passage and seek to bring clarity to your observations (example: definitions, commentaries, other translations).
The Bible is all about the triune God, so delight in the Scriptures as you learn more about His character and nature.
The more you know God, the more you will love God. As we listen and meditate in the Truth it will transform our mind.
If there is a command to be obeyed, APPLICATION. How should this truth change me? How do I practi-
cally apply this to my life? As believers, we have the obligation and
we obey it.
privilege to put into practice what has been revealed by God. The
Bible equips us for good works and gives us practical principles to
If there is a promise to be embraced, live out in obedience to God, which allows us to grow in spiritual
we claim it. maturity by becoming more and more like Christ. As we surrender
and submit to Scripture it will transform our lives.
If there is a warning to be followed, PRAYER. Who am I relying on? The Holy Spirit is our powerful
we heed it. Guide who teaches us the truth and helps us actively apply it to
our lives. We are not on our own and must pray without ceasing
– JOHN MACARTHUR (1 Thessalonians 5:17), remembering the important role the Holy
Spirit plays in our spiritual growth. We pray for wisdom, retention,
discernment and disciplined consistency to abide in Him. As we pray
and walk in dependence of the Spirit it will transform our hearts.
12 FEBRUARY 2019 | SocietyLifeMag.com
