FOUR BASIC QUESTIONS TO ASK IN COUNSELING:

Problem

1. What are the symptoms of the problem? (The counselee discusses the problem/s)
   
   
2. What are the real root issues involved? (The counselor uses his wisdom and skill to determine this--commonly through the asking of important questions.)

Solution

1. What are the various possible courses of action? (Both wise choices and foolish ones--in order to provide contrast and emphasis--just as Scripture itself does).
   
   
2. What course of action does the Word of God teach? What does the Bible say about this issue? What would the Spirit of God want done?

• The goal of Scripture for all believers is not that we be happy but holy. We build a wrong foundation when we postulate that God wants all people to have a happy life and be free of very difficult situations.
• All counseling is essentially discipleship. It is a matter of a strong, wise, mature Christian discipling a weaker or struggling brother through an issue.
• Scripture and the Spirit of God are indespensible and sufficient in counseling to produce proper change that will result in true and eternal good.
  
  
  

• God wants us happy
• God wants us free of problems
• God will understand if we violate Scripture when things are difficult enough
• We can postpone obedience to God until we "get our lives straightened out"
• If situations are difficult enough people may be unable to obey God
• Scripture and the Spirit of God are insufficient to make every believer joyful, sanctified, and fruitful
• We are not responsible for our actions
• Secular methods of counseling bring about sanctification or spiritual progress
• God has left us to our own devises regarding mental health