BASICS FOR BIBLICAL LAY COUNSELING

What are we to do?


1. Minister to one another (from Paul’s example)


• "Therefore be on the alert, remembering that night and day for a period of three years I did not cease to admonish each one with tears." (Acts 20:31)


• "And we proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, that we may present every man complete in Christ." (Colossians 1:28)


2. Be subject to one another. "Be subject to one another in the fear of Christ" (Ephesians 5:21)


3. Admonish one another. "And concerning you, my brethren, I myself also am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, and able also to admonish one another." (Romans 15:14)


4. Encourage one another. "And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together as the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as we see the day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25)


Who is to do this?


1. All believers


• "Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching one another and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God." (Colossians 3:16)


• "But as for you, speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine . . . Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips, nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be dishonored." (Titus 2:1,3-5)


• Also see Romans 15:14 (above)


What should counseling be based upon?


1. Scripture.


• "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work." (II Timothy 3:16-17)


• "I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction." (II Timothy 4:1-2)


• Much of Scripture is written to exhort (for example, Proverbs, Paul's letters to the churches, accounts of Old Testament saints and sinners)


What is the process?


1. Prerequisites


• Knowledge of the Scriptures for they are the basis for exhortation.


• Have a loving attitude - "But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith." (I Timothy 1:5)


2. Confess your sins - "Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much." (James 5:16)


3. Instruct, reprove, admonish, exhort, encourage, and pray for one another.


Definition of terms:


1. Instruct: to communicate knowledge (teach)


2. Reprove: to express disapproval (rebuke)

3. Admonish: to caution against specific faults (warn, reprove mildly)

4. Exhort: to urge earnestly by advice, warning, etc. to do what is proper

5. Encourage: to give courage, hope, or confidence, to help