1. What are we doing? Counseling for Every Christian Session 1

2. I. What are Christians supposed to be doing? a. The New Testament is filled with “one another” commands. God never intended for the local church to be a place we “attend,” but rather: - A family we love and participate in - A body we sustain by functioning properly - A house that we build

3. I. What are Christians supposed to be doing? b. Our concentration this weekend is on the commands to believers that deal with “counseling” Instruct, warn, admonish, encourage, exhort

4. II. What does it mean to counsel one another? a. New Testament teaching on counseling one another b. Definition of Biblical counseling “Biblical counseling is discerning thinking and behavior that God wants to change, using God’s Word to change that thinking and behavior, for the benefit of the counselee and the glory of God.” (Faith Biblical Counseling Ministries)

5. III. What is the source of our counsel? a. The Bible is absolutely and completely true in all of its parts b. The Bible is the only source of absolute authority for man

6. III. What is the source of our counsel? c. The Bible is totally sufficient to address man’s needs d. The Bible is the source of growth and guidance for the Christian

7. IV. What key doctrines are foundational for change? Creation a. Every man is created in God’s image b. God knows man (literally) inside and out

8. IV. What key doctrines are foundational for change? Fall c. The fall has brought every person into a sinful condition d. Sin affects every thought, deed, and relationship e. All suffering is the result of the fall

9. IV. What key doctrines are foundational for change? Redemption f. The gospel is the power of God to transform a sinner g. The believer’s union with Christ provides confidence and joy h. The Holy Spirit is active in the process of sanctification

10. IV. What key doctrines are foundational for change? Restoration i. All believers have the hope of final restoration and glorification j. Eternal joy trumps temporal suffering and sin

11. IV. What key doctrines are foundational for change? Believers in the Son of God, relying upon the Spirit of God, have the privilege of using the Word of God to help others see their suffering and sin in the light of the promises of God and the character of God.