What You'll Discover in this Episode:
Part 2: The Word of God for the Hard of Hearing
In this episode of the Biblical Counseling Podcast, Jeff Christianson and Bill Hines continue their dialogue starting with 2 Timothy 3:16-17. “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” The scripture is clear and even children can understand it. God breathed scriptures communicate the heart of God and contain everything that God wanted to communicate to humanity. To function as an effective biblical counselor, you must know the Bible well and have an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.
Jeff Christianson and Bill Hines share many biblical insights in this podcast. Jesus Christ is the perfect standard, but by the grace of God we can be sanctified and grow to be more like Him. When someone gives us criticism, we should receive it even if it is not done in love or with the right motives. We should pray over it and consider our lives in light of God’s word. All Christians are called to counsel and what it really comes down to is, are we giving good or bad counsel? We will all give an account before God concerning the counsel that we give, and we should do our best to give counsel that is saturated with God’s word.
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God’s Word is sufficient for every area of our lives. This is such a key for every believer to understand. All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for us for doctrine, teaching, and correction, and reproof. I agree that knowing other subjects are important, but the Scripture is the most important thing for us to know. As we get to know Scripture, we get to know the God of Scripture. I love how Jeff said that the best Biblical counselor knows the Bible well and the Scripture. A Biblical counselor often has the gift of teaching as well. I think this is important to be able to speak the truth and teach others in a way that they will hear it and understand. It is important to share the truth in love and to build trust and a relationship before being able to speak the truth into their lives.
Thank you for another great pod cast Pastor Jeff and Pastor Hines. What stood out to me is when you said how God did not change the personalities or their abilities of the ones righting the Scripture, He used them just as they are, which helps me to see I don’t need to pretend or be a certain way to be used by God, He uses us just the way we are. In order for us to be good counsel we should let the Holy Spirit be our guide and we should also know the Scripture and use that as our counsel. So many times people counsel without even really knowing the Word and try to teach based on what they know.
Amen Margaret!
Thanks Jeff I agree with what you said that the word of God sorts out truth and corrects us. I have found this as i’ve continuously read the word during my Christian life, it has corrected me, caused conviction, helped me to repent and move forward in sanctification, mature. Also it is so important for pastors to preach about sin and explaining what sin actual is. The preaching about sin and the need for daily repentance and daily personal study of word is sadly lacking in churches. People need the daily study of the word of God now more than ever!
I agree with you Anne Marie, it’s sad to see just how much is lacking in the church such as the need for personal repentance and daily personal study of the Word. We all need to be in the Word because there is so many false teachings in the churches and so many ways to get side tracked that if we are not in the Word of God daily and seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit it is to easy to get manipulating by the false teachings and counsel by those who only counsel by what they think according to there thoughts not truth through the scripture.
I loved what Bill and Jeff talked about having a humble heart and when someone corrects us we have to take time before the Lord and pray about it. I have had times when people have corrected me and they have misjudged my heart and I have brought it before the Lord and knew that it was not correct, but other times when the Lord was already convicting me and I have to realize He is wanting change in my life and has sent the person in my life to continue the work in me. In the same way that we need to be sensitive to the spirit working in us, I want to be sensitive to the Lord working in others. It is not always easy to hear correction, but often times as they have time to think the Lord will continue to speak to them and convict them. I want to be merciful, loving and patient as I minister to people God’s word.
I am always in awe of the supernatural transmission and preservation of the Word of God! It is amazing how the LORD used various people at various times and cultures to speak His message to all of humanity. 2 Timothy 3:16 is my go-to-verse in counseling others and directing them to the only manual they will need to foster change and transformation. The authority, inerrancy, and sufficiency of Scripture are powerful characteristics to remember, however, I am glad that Pastor Jeff reminded me that the pursuit of Scripture is the pursuit of knowing God for yourself. It is not a means to simply accumulate knowledge about God, but to know Him personally and become like Him. I am currently on the lookout for a systematic theology textbook to help bring coherence to all the various doctrines of the faith. Any suggestions? Thanks, Pastor Jeff and Dr. Hines.
This was such a good podcast. Thank you, Pastor Jeff and Pastor Hines. Two things stuck to me on this podcast. The first one was what you said about God not changing the personalities and abilities of the people He used to write the Bible, instead, He used their differences to accomplish what He wanted to accomplish in people lives. This makes me think about us today where we don’t have to be a certain way or have certain things to be able to be used by Him. Another thing that stuck to me was when it was said that biblical Counselors are doing also a job of an evangelist. I can relate to that because when I’m counseling, I tend to share things in my life that have been changed because of what Jesus has done. It is amazing to be able to share with others especially those who we counsel the work of God in our lives and how it works. Thanks, again!
This morning’s devotion was proverbs 20:11” Even small children are known by their actions, so is their conduct really pure and upright? I thought of the show I used to watch when i was younger “That, kids say the darnest things”. some speak what is in their heart with no hesitation and with no shame. I know that we are called especially as counselors to think before we speak, but i’d like to get to a point that as i speak i want the Holy Spirit to speak through me, and without any hindrances like me trying to form words or phrases to best fit the counselee and always trying to be politically current, but like Christ speak with compassion in His authoritative position, and with confidence and directness.
Johan, God has given you a gift that you have been using all your life. You have a compassionate heart and at the same time, you are very direct in your words and very real. It is so good to see how the Lord is using you now that you have the Holy Spirit in you. God is absolutely good and faithful.
In this week’s podcast was very convicting but inspiring. Love how Pastor Jeff and Pastor Bill spoke on the responsibilities and accountability of a biblical counselor. When Pastor Jeff stated that God will hold account of ours words and how we use the Bible in our counseling sessions was very powerful for me. We as biblical counselors or leaders in the church need to be the word and know it well. We can’t let our ego or pride get in the way and interpret God’s scripture incorrectly. Misusing the scripture to make a point or use it to manipulate someone is very dangerous and careless. This has challenged me to be in the word and study well.
Hi Michelle, it is so true that biblical counselors must be people of the Word. To whom much is given, much will be required (Luke 12:48). Sometimes I wonder if I have what it takes to counsel anyone with the knowledge I currently possess. Nevertheless, it is the Spirit who enlivens the Word and brings what we studied/memorized back to our remembrance at the right time. He is the one who brings the increase to our efforts, and for that, I am so grateful. I can remember leaving sessions with folks feeling like I should have done this or done that, but as long as we place His Word above our own opinion, we can rest knowing that His Word will accomplish what it was set forth to do (Isaiah 55:11). God Bless you!
Hi David, I can relate to not feeling worthy to be able to counsel others. I love that christianese saying “That God doesn’t call the equipped but equips the call” That has encouraged me to keep on the path of what I know God has called me to do. And that is a Biblical counselor. Thank you for your encouraging words.
This is so good. When listening to the podcast I didn’t catch this. I’m so glad you did. It is so true that we need to make sure that our words line up with God’s word and the counsel that we share is correctly dividing the word of truth. It cannot be our own interpretation, but God’s word and its application. So good to remember and it is so challenging.
Hi Kristie, when I heard what Pastor Jeff and Pastor Bill spoke in accountability it stirred something in me. It made really check myself so that I can be above approach when teaching or sharing God’s truths. When we misinterpret word’s God we misinterpret who God’s is. That can hurt or grieve someones spiritual growth. It definitely convicted me.
Michelle, it was very convicting for me too. We as leaders and Counselors will be held accountable to a higher standard. God has given us the Source needed to know Him and to get Him known, and we have not to excuse. We need to know His Word well for our sake and for the people we counsel sake. We do have to check our hearts and motives when we use scripture making sure that God is getting the glory and the person we are counseling is getting JESUS!
Very true Michelle we have a responsibility to handle the word of God well. As we are ambassadors for Christ. Taking the time required to study the word correctly and spending time in prayer before we speak to our counselsees or discipleship groups. It all takes hours of study and a commitment to humble ourselves and let the Holy Spirit take control. Your comment really made me think. Thanks.
Hi Anne Marie, you are so correct in order to know God’s word we must be in constant study and prayer. Yes, it does require a commitment of time but it is worth very second, minute, hour. Thank you for sharing that.
you made a good point on how we should not use Scripture to manipulate someone how that could be very dangerous. Counseling others has really challenged me to get in the Word more and to study well and not base anything on how I feel personally but to go to scripture to get and give the correct counsel. To many times I have seen people give counsel based on how they feel or think, only to go Scripture and realize what was been said was actually twisted to fit their need at the time.
Hi Margaret, I also have seen and experienced scripture being twisted for selfism reasons. Your comment shows your discernment and knowledge of the word to recognize when scripture is being misused or misinterpreted. Thank you for sharing.
I really enjoyed this week’s podcast, and this statement “The scriptures are authoritative, and they are clear, and final”. The clarity of the word, even a child can understand, but it wasn’t until I was reborn and filled with the Holy Spirit till I can truly understand the word for what it really means . The word is inspired, God-breathed and the very heart and mind of God. Condemnation is from the enemy but when we are convicted it is from God, and it calls us to repentance. Being open to criticism for me in the past when i was spiritually immature, I would surely get offended, but today I enjoy criticism that does not belittle or degrade but produces encouragement and solutions. Counsel that is sound doctrine, and not something that itches the ears, i respect and i appreciate more than someone who is holding back a suggestion or some advice that can help me in the long run.
Thank you for sharing. I can totally understand about having a hard time receiving criticism especially when I was young in the Lord. I took criticism very personally and was not able to receive the value that it brought to me. As I matured criticism has been, even when expressed harshly, something I can now receive with open arms.
Hi Johan, I am grateful that we have the Holy Spirit in us to tutor us and teach us what the Word is speaking. Even with that, we still have to grow in maturity through continual prayer and obedience to the Word. You made a great distinction between condemnation and holy conviction which leads us to repentance. I admire your willingness to receive criticism. None of us have arrived or apprehended, so let us all continue pressing toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus, my fellow brother!
I remember feeling the same (offended) as a young and immature believer. But God is gracious and patient with His children. I am so grateful for those people that talk life to me, and I know that is God talking to me through that person given the opportunity for repentance. If you remember Johan, God has used you many times to speak with encouraging words to my life. I love honesty because it does something amazing to my heart, and this is how we need to be as counselors.
Johan, I agree that it is so important to discern the difference between the condemnation of Satan and the conviction of the Holy Spirit. God desires to convict us to change where the enemy wants us to feel condemned and stay in shame and in our sin.
Faith is essential to salvation. But hearing God’s word is essential to faith. You cannot just make up your own personal faith and truth from the thoughts you collect and the opinions you form. God’s word must be conveyed to you by the inspired writings of the apostles of Christ who preached that word. Any teacher today must pass on the word of scripture and no other. we cannot just let some still small voice, some “gut feeling” or some imagined “revelation” be our guide. The only voice of God today is in the scriptures. we cannot be saved without faith. we cannot have faith without God’s word. We cannot hear God’s word without the Word being spoken and taught correctly.
Hearing Christ’s word (Romans 10:8-17, Matthew 7:24). Believing, having faith (Romans 1:16-17, John 3:16). Repentance from sin (Romans 2:4-5, Romans 6:1-2, Luke 5:31-32). Confessing Christ (Romans 10:8-10, Matthew 10:32). Ongoing commitment (Romans 12:1-2, Romans 12:11-12, Luke 9:62).
Hi Josh,
Your emphasis on the sufficiency of scripture is encouraging and your emphasis on the importance of the Bible for every aspect of the Christian life is spot on. Like you said, we need it to be saved and to live the Christian life.
Hey Chase,
Thank you for that, I appreciate the likeminded agreement and the feedback. sadly, more and more are moving away from this truth and embracing all other kinds of deception and lies.
You are absolutely correct! We must not allow ourselves to fall into false teaching and let the Holy Spirit guide us into truth. To be able to put aside our own feelings on how “we see things” and let God’s thoughts be our own. Thank you for that reminder.
Thank you Michelle,
This is so very critically important for us to remember, to do daily, and remind others. The constant battle and struggle are ever-present, we must go to the one source that has overcome and conquered all of it. we must constantly take on the mind and heart of Christ in all that we do, say or think. Thank you for commenting!
Romans 10:17 “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Scripture is essential to our Christian life, and we have a responsibility as Biblical Counselors and as Christians in general, to be in the Word where God is speaking continuously. God in His mercy provided this amazing Book which is sufficient to everything in our lives. Thank you Josh for such great word.
Amen Ritter, the study of the word is vital for our survival, encouragement. God speaks every time I read his word. I come to my readings expecting God to speak and its food for my soul. I am so thankful for the word of God as my companion in this life.
I have said this many times since i’ve heard one of my campus Pastors state” Faith is the action towards what you believe”. I know that we cannot work for salvation, and there’s nothing we can do to attain it, but simply to accept what Jesus has done for us on the cross, and His Word which is living and active filled with revelations from God Himself.
Josh, I agree that the Word of God is the only true authority when it comes to the heart of God and the message of salvation. We cannot be saved apart from His revelation in His Word and His truth being revealed to us through His Word.