Using Scripture in Counseling
I. There are several things that we must
believe about the Scripture.
A. It is the word of God (I Th. 2:13).
B. It represents the will of God (Rom.
12:2).
C. It is the ultimate authority over the
believer’s life (Deut. 4:1-2; Rev.
22:18-19).
D. It gives us an accurate view of the
heart of man (Ps. 51:5; Jer. 17:9;
Rom. 7:15-25).
E. It gives us all that we need to live
godly in Christ Jesus (II Pet. 1:2-4).
F. It will thoroughly equip us for every
good work (II Tim. 3:16-17).
“The idea is, that whatever good work
the man of God desires to perform, or
however perfect he aims to be, he will
find no deficiency in the Scriptures,
but will find there the most ample
instructions that he needs.” –Barnes
Notes
G. It is powerful in and of itself to reveal
hearts and affect change (Ps. 107:19-
20; Is. 55:10-11; Heb. 4:12).
H. It must not be mixed with humanistic
thought (I Cor. 2:14).
I. It is the standard by which we measure
all activity (Is. 8:19-20).
J. It gives an accurate assessment of
human behavior (I Cor. 6:9-11).
K. It has the power to set our thinking
straight (Ps. 33:4).
L. It can give us certainty in an age of
uncertainty; it is a sure foundation
and it offers a sure reward (Ps.
119:89; I Pet. 1:25; I John 2:17).
II. There are several ways that the
Scriptures will assist us in the counseling
process.
The Scriptures can assist the counselor
in…
A. Labeling the specific problem.
B. Locating specific passages that relate
to the problem (See Supplement).
C. Identifying scriptural principles that
may apply to the situation.
D. Identifying scriptural solutions to the
specific problem.
E. Developing a biblical plan of action.
Biblical plans of action will always
include words like repentance,
confession, forgiveness, restitution,
reconciliation, putting off and putting
on.
F. Following through on the biblical plan
of action.
1. For this we need grace.
2. For this we need the power of the
Holy Spirit.
3. For this we need positive
encouragement.
III. There are certain times when it is
appropriate to use the scripture to
challenge the counselee.
A. When the counselee seems to be
resisting you or accusing you of being
too hard.
B. When the counselee does not consider
their activity to be sinful.
C. When the counselee needs to be warned
of ultimate judgment and accountability.
D. When the counselee needs to be
assured of God’s promises to them.
E. When the counselee doubts God’s love
and genuine concern for them.
F. When the counselee feels like their
situation is hopeless.
G. When the counselee needs a challenge
to live by faith not by feelings.
IV. There are several ways to use the
scripture in the counseling process.
A. Reading specific scriptures that apply to
problem or solution areas.
B. Giving homework assignments may
include Bible reading and memorization.
