Biblical Soul Care in Small Groups Speaking with Truth & Grace

Transcription

1 Biblical Soul Care in Small Groups Speaking with Truth & Grace Session #3 I. Love II. Know III.Speak IV. Do 1

2 What Would You Say? Surgeon is dying of cancer, you are the hospital social worker/chaplain, or maybe you re a relative visiting, perhaps for the last time before he passes away. He s confessed that as he was operating on a murder-suspect, that he intentionally let the young man die, assuming that the courtsystem wouldn t bring justice. He asks you for help with his guilt 2

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4 The Need for Instruction The Bible does more than lay out the Creation- Fall-Redemption-Consummation story-line The Bible does more than define Worldview The Bible does more than give answers The Bible (Special Revelation) comes to us, where we live, to meet our deepest needs (in the person of Jesus Christ) as they emerge in history (humanity s & OURS). 4

5 The Need for Instruction Man cannot rightly understand himself apart from Biblical Instruction (Special Revelation). What the Bible contains we all desperately need. We are finite, fallen & forgetful. What is obvious to you may not be to others. Others see things you CANNOT see. We re blind and blind to our blindness (called the noetic effect ). 5

6 Giving Instruction Instruction refers to skillfully applying Track II.1-4;III.4) the Bible to individuals in their present needs and compassionately placing (Track III.1-2) those truths into the heart (noutheteo) by teaching what the Bible (whole counsel of God-Acts 20:20-27) says & means (hermeneutics- Track II.5) with instruction on how to apply it. Instruction brings the power of the Gospel to bear on the human heart, giving enlightenment, wisdom, understanding, hope and courage that results in changed perspectives, and motives, that enables a response to life-circumstances that transforms the heart, and God-glorifying change. 6

7 Instruction & the Holy Spirit Him [Christ] we proclaim, warning [noutheteo] everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. (Col. 1:28) Instruction without the Holy Spirit s conviction and transforming power, is merely information. (1 Cor. 1:19-25; 2:14; 3:19) However, you must not assume that He will do what He expects you to do. 7

8 Biblical Growth & Prayer 15 For this reason,..., 16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, 18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, (Eph. 1:15-19) 8

9 Foundations for Instruction Giving Instruction Bringing it all together. The Bible is relevant, superior (Track I.1;Track II.1-4; 9-12) Man is Depraved, yet Redeemable (Track I.2&3) Goal is Worship, glorify, please God (Track I.4) Goal is progressive sanctification & heart-change (I.5-7) Instruction gives hope (Track III.1) Gathering information and Interpreting the person, problems, patterns, perspectives, motives. (Track III.2-3) 9

10 The Bible IS the Foundation Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 5 Level 4 Level 6 Practical Theology How a person changes and grows Systematic Theology Unifies fruit of biblical theology into a useable whole Biblical Theology Propositional statements, doctrine Exegesis Translation, vocabulary, grammar, forms, structural relations, syntax Hermeneutics Grammatical historical method Canon How does it apply to life? The inspired, inerrant, authoritative, sufficient Word of God What does the whole Bible say about it? What truths & doctrines does it teach? What does the text mean? What does the text say? Is it true? 10

11 The Bible is Comprehensive, Addressing 4-dimensions Spiritual Emotional Relational Intellectual Volitional/Responsible Desires of the Heart Biblical counselors also consider PHYSCICAL issues, DNA, family, culture, health Horizontal Vertical Internal External Horizontal 11

12 Comprehensive Instruction The Person The Problems The Patterns of problems, thoughts & behaviors Their Perspectives (world-view) about... himself his problems God The solutions to his problems The Motives/idols of the heart; Defines Purposes Understand biblical descriptions of today s maladies 12

13 BIBLICAL Instruction Relevant biblical principles Practical, skillful, biblical application to specific Intentions, goals, motivations Thinking, attitudes, perspectives Actions, behaviors, responses, patterns Speech, words, communication-styles The only person who can really operate at a level of depth is the person who knows how to go the heart of a man s problem. And the only way to go to the heart of a man s problem is through the Gospel of Jesus Christ ministered in the power of the Holy Spirit, and thus transforms his life patterns. Jay Adams 13

14 BIBLICAL Instruction Identifies (warns of sin) put-offs (Eph.4:17-22) Renews thinking (Eph.4:23) Indentifies (explains biblical goals) put-ons (Eph.4:1-16; 24-6:20) Explains how (giving specific directions) Encourages and motivates Clarifies between Precepts ( Thou shalts & thou shalt nots ) Principles (honesty, integrity, compassion, one-anothering) Preferences (Bible versions, # of elders, eating meat) Interprets in CONTEXT, the person and the text 14

15 Examples of BIBLICAL Instruction For the sufferer - Matt. 11:1-6; 2 Cor. 1 For the self-righteous legalist - Lu.15 For the grumbler/complainer Lu. 17:1-10; Dt.1 For the depressed Lam. 3:1-26; Ps. 73 For the wife of an unbeliever 1 Pet. 3:1-7 For the overwhelmed Is. 61:1-3; Lu.4:18-19 For the fearful, worrier Phil.4:4-9; 2Cor.4 For eating disorders Gen. 3 Old Testament and New Testament 15

16 Modes of Instruction Lecture Drama-role-playing, DVD, observation Hands-on experience-real-life application Study-reading, DVD, audio Dialog, discussion Interviews asking others Assignments Make a list of every time you re sinned against Read 1 Cor. 10:13 out loud to yourself 3 time s a day, write out the meaning of the passage, be ready to discuss next time Make a T-chart, God s vs. your kingdom, 16

17 Modes of Instruction QUESTIONS promote personal evaluation in a perfect world, how WOULD that have looked? (a do-over ) Modeling (from you, others) Your personal experiences Church-related venues, services, sermonarchives, small groups, getting involved in ministries, etc. Tutoring-discipleship ; e.g. Titus II-woman 17

18 Developing Caution Too much too soon can cause choking Truly Irrelevant don t share just cause you know Talking too much I have to interrupt my counselor Perceived irrelevance addressing something they don t believe is pertinent Bad timing (other dynamics, too quick of responses, going after the wrong spouse) Inappropriate approach (venue, tone of voice, types of materials, your appearance) 18

19 Developing Caution Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. (1 Cor. 8:1) be killing pride and cultivating humility, Brad Bigney Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety. (Pr. 11:14) Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed. (Pr. 15:22) Involve others; develop a team-approach when appropriate. In a multitude of counseling philosophies, there is confusion, use caution and wisdom, pursue balance. 19

20 Instruct Like the KING For I have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment what to say and what to speak. (Jn. 12:49) Where God has chosen to close his holy mouth, it behooves us not to open ours. If you don t know what God has said, find out before you speak! 20

21 Homework As you read your Bible, develop a Word-doc or note book re: counseling-related topics Choose one topic and find 5 Scripture-passages that pertain to that particular topic Fear, salvation, progressive sanctification, the character of God, justification, forgiveness, guilt, etc. 21

22 Going Deeper Quick Scripture Reference for Counseling, John G. Kruis A Christian Growth and Discipleship Manual, W. Mack A Homework Manual for Biblical Living, vol. 1&2, Mack What to Do On Thursday, Jay E. Adams Our Sufficiency in Christ, John MacArthur Think Biblically, John MacArthur Read Chapter 12 in, Counseling; How to Counsel Biblically, by John MacArthur 22