The Biblical Counselor: A Close Personal Walk with God A close personal walk with God is why we exist Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. Jesus sacrifice gave me life I live for Him Ephesians 3:14-19 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, 16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. How would an accurate perception of the immense dimensions of Christ s love change your life? How would truly knowing that love to a greater degree impact your ability to counsel? Revelation 21:6-7 Then He said to me, It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost. 7 He who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son. On that day, how will today appear?
I will live accordingly There is a correlation between personal godliness and ministry capability 1 Timothy 1:5 But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 1 Timothy 4:7-8 On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; 8 for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 1 Timothy 4:15-16 Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all. 16 Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you. 2 Timothy 2:10 For this reason I endure all things for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory. 2 Timothy 2:15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:21-22 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work. 22 Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 2 Timothy 2:24-25 The Lord s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, 25 with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth Is this truth significant?
Will you seek to become the counselor described in the verses above? A close personal walk with God is an example for counselees 1 Timothy 4:12-13 Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe. 13 Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching. Hebrews 13:7 Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith. 1 Thessalonians 2:8 Having so fond an affection for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us. 2 Peter 1:15 And I will also be diligent that at any time after my departure you will be able to call these things to mind. An example of respect for God A living illustration of His love Confidence in the Word worthy of being followed Doing preparation work in a manner honoring to God A personal walk with God that glorifies Him Prayer Notice the variety of type and content of prayer in the following examples.
John 12:27-28a Now My soul has become troubled; and what shall I say, Father, save Me from this hour? But for this purpose I came to this hour. 28 Father, glorify Your name. 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing; 1 Timothy 2:1-6 First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. 3 This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time. Psalm 100:1-5 Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth. 2 Serve the LORD with gladness; Come before Him with joyful singing. 3 Know that the LORD Himself is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. 4 Enter His gates with thanksgiving And His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name. 5 For the LORD is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting And His faithfulness to all generations. Colossians 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving; Mark 1:35 In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there. 1 Peter 3:7 You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with someone weaker, since she is a woman; and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered. Philippians 1:3-5 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, 5 in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now. 1 Thessalonians 5:25 Brethren, pray for us.
Psalm 62:8 Trust in Him at all times, O people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Luke 18:1-8 Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart, 2 saying, In a certain city there was a judge who did not fear God and did not respect man. 3 There was a widow in that city, and she kept coming to him, saying, Give me legal protection from my opponent. 4 For a while he was unwilling; but afterward he said to himself, Even though I do not fear God nor respect man, 5 yet because this widow bothers me, I will give her legal protection, otherwise by continually coming she will wear me out. 6 And the Lord said, Hear what the unrighteous judge said * ; 7 now, will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry to Him day and night, and will He delay long over them? 8 I tell you that He will bring about justice for them quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth? James 5:13-14 Is anyone among you suffering? Then he must pray. Is anyone cheerful? He is to sing praises. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Luke 18:9-14 And He also told this parable to some people who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and viewed others with contempt: 10 Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood and was praying this to himself: God, I thank You that I am not like other people: swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I pay tithes of all that I get. 13 But the tax collector, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, God, be merciful to me, the sinner! 14 I tell you, this man went to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted. Matthew 6:6-7 But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you. 7 And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words.
James 5:16b-18 The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. 17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months. 18 Then he prayed again, and the sky poured rain and the earth produced its fruit. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 in everything give thanks; for this is God s will for you in Christ Jesus. Luke 22:42-44 saying, Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done. 43 Now an angel from heaven appeared to Him, strengthening Him. 44 And being in agony He was praying very fervently; and His sweat became like drops of blood, falling down upon the ground. Philippians 1:9 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment I most often pray in the formats of: I least often pray in the manner of:
THE WORD: ESSENTIALS OF TIME IN THE WORD Essentials of Personal Study Passion Psalm 119:2 Psalm 119:47 How blessed are those who observe His testimonies, Who seek Him with all their heart. I shall delight in Your commandments, Which I love. Evaluating your life by the Word 2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. Your Response: Prayer and planned action to do what it says James 1:22-25 But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does. Coming as sinner in need of change, not scholar in need of knowledge Psalm 119:9-11 How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word. With all my heart I have sought You; Do not let me wander from Your commandments. Your word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against You.
1 Peter 2:1-3 Therefore, putting aside all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander, like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation, if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord. Memorization; meditate day and night; daily study Psalm 119:15-16 Psalm 1:1-3 I will meditate on Your precepts And regard Your ways. I shall delight in Your statutes; I shall not forget Your word. How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers. Topical studies Psalm 119:24 Your testimonies also are my delight; They are my counselors. Hearing the Word and thinking differently because of it Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any twoedged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
What ideas did God use to speak to your heart in this section? How do these truths from God s Word apply to you? Highlight the key words from these passages that speak of change required in your life. Write down what changes you will make: how you think about the Word, your commitment to God and His Word, and your planned mode of study. Good job! Give thanks to God for His provision of the Word and for the times in the Word ahead of you. Hindrances For each item that applies to you, write down the thoughts and feelings that go with it. Belief that you already know so much. Belief that you are too busy. Going elsewhere as the primary source for the analysis of Scripture.
Belief that it is too hard to study/understand. Checking off boxes and not hearing the Word. Contentment. Feelings. Sin. What other hindrances to time in the Word and its benefits exist in your life? What truths from God s Word show these hindrances to be false? Repent now. Commit your way to giving the Word the place in your life God requires. Commit to changing your thoughts, feelings and actions regarding these hindrances. Results of Quality Time in the Word
Wisdom Psalm 119:98-100 Proverbs 16:20 Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, For they are ever mine. I have more insight than all my teachers, For Your testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the aged, Because I have observed Your precepts. He who gives attention to the word will find good, And blessed is he who trusts in the LORD. Equipped for every circumstance in life Psalm 119:92 If Your law had not been my delight, Then I would have perished in my affliction. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. Obedience Psalm 119:4 Psalm 119:112 You have ordained Your precepts, That we should keep them diligently. I have inclined my heart to perform Your statutes Forever, even to the end. Fruit Psalm 119:56 Psalm 119:104 This has become mine, That I observe Your precepts. From Your precepts I get understanding; Therefore I hate every false way.
Sanctification John 17:17 Psalm 119:67 Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth. Before I was afflicted I went astray, But now I keep Your word. Renewal Psalm 119:28 Psalm 119:93 My soul weeps because of grief; Strengthen me according to Your word. I will never forget Your precepts, For by them You have revived me. Go forward, my friend. Pursue God s Word daily with the passion, high regard and desire to obey it which it demands it is the Word of the living God. Rejoice in these great things that God has for you as a result of setting your heart on His Word.
New Testament Study Sheet (ORIGIN UNKNOWN) Make copies of the blank form (following page) for New Testament study. Use ½ page for each chapter. List the chapter and date of study in the spaces provided. Main Ideas : Record the main idea of each paragraph (or section) of the chapter. This process helps the Christian to notice all that is being said and to interact with the Lord in relation to each truth. Key Verses : Write out, word for word, the most important verses of the chapter. Which verses are selected will vary from person to person. Key verses include verses summarizing ideas or verses containing new or important truths that apply to the life of the reader. Being a Doer of the Word : Write down specific actions you will perform to live out the truths of the Word in this chapter. This may include doing something ( I will speak more kindly to my brother, I will not let the day end without spending time in the Word, I will faithfully care for my wife by cleaning the yard Saturday at 8 ), ceasing to do something ( I will never again include false expenses on my taxes, I will no longer have cable TV in my home, I will stop teasing less popular kids at school ), praising God ( Lord, thank You so much for Your strength and these opportunities to be faithful, Father, thank You so much for these truths about Your ongoing love and involvement in my life, Father, this passage clearly defines your holiness; I praise You and thank You for the grace by which I am Yours ), taking stock of life ( The 12 ways I could regard others as more important are, Words I can remember which were not edifying that I spoke last week include, For me to hunger and thirst for righteousness here and now would involve these 9 areas ), or many other forms of application. Confess any sin of which you became aware and repent (be able to honestly say to God I intend to not sin against you in this way again ). Pray for help to put into practice the applications of which you became aware. Keep all of your completed sheets so you can review and add to your notes in future studies of the same chapters.
This format is also a family Bible study tool that God has used to transform families. Use it with kids between 9 and 18. Read a New Testament chapter aloud, together. Then, silently, each person completes each section of the study sheet, concluding with prayer for help to obey. Next, the family discusses together the key verses and what they are planning to do to put the truths of the Word into practice. Many important things occur. Accountability increases. Encouragement expands. Knowing each other at the heart level deepens because each person is letting the others in on their interaction with God about the Word (Hebrews 4.12). Faithful parents become examples of Christians putting off sin and putting on righteousness. Parents are viewed (accurately) as sinners who need to grow, not as perfect. Communication about God, hope, change and life becomes normal.
Chapter Date - - Main Ideas Key Verses Being a Doer of the Word Confessed Sin / Repented Prayed for Help to Obey Chapter Date - - Main Ideas Key Verses Being a Doer of the Word Confessed Sin / Repented Prayed for Help to Obey
Questions for discussion What are the strengths of your walk with God? What must change for the Scriptures we ve seen tonight to describe your life? Why is it helpful for one counseling others to be consistent in how they respond to the Word every day? What portions of a Christian s life with God can be measured at the heart level? What parts are be measured by action?