Counseling with Christ: Focus, Responsibility, and Service
Summary
In today's reflection, we explored the profound responsibility and privilege of offering counsel and instruction to one another within the body of Christ. We began by examining the story of a pastor, Icabad Spencer, who misdiagnosed a woman's spiritual condition, leading to years of unnecessary anguish. This story serves as a humbling reminder of the importance of accurately discerning the needs of those we counsel. Misdiagnosis, whether in spiritual or physical matters, can lead to unnecessary suffering. We must be diligent in seeking the Lord's wisdom to rightly diagnose and address the root issues in people's lives.
We then turned to the example of Jesus, the ultimate counselor, who consistently directed people away from distractions and toward the heart of the matter. In the story of Martha and Mary, Jesus gently corrected Martha's misplaced focus, redirecting her attention to what was truly necessary—sitting at His feet and knowing Him. Similarly, when Peter was preoccupied with John's future, Jesus reminded him to focus on his own walk with Christ. These examples highlight the importance of redirecting our focus from others to our personal responsibility and relationship with the Lord.
We also delved into Isaiah 58, where the Lord addresses the Israelites' misguided attempts to seek Him through fasting and religious rituals while neglecting justice and mercy. The passage challenges us to examine our own lives for areas of selfishness and neglect of others. True comfort and spiritual breakthrough come when we align our actions with God's heart for justice and mercy.
Finally, we considered the insights of Andrew Fuller and Robert Phillips, who emphasized the transformative power of serving others. When we shift our focus from ourselves to the needs of others, we often find the comfort and peace we seek. This principle is not only biblical but also deeply practical, offering a path to spiritual renewal and joy.
Key Takeaways:
- The Danger of Misdiagnosis: Misdiagnosing someone's spiritual condition can lead to unnecessary suffering. We must seek the Lord's wisdom to accurately discern and address the root issues in people's lives, rather than relying on assumptions or preconceived notions. [05:12]
- Christ-Centered Counseling: Jesus, the ultimate counselor, consistently redirected people from distractions to the heart of the matter. In our counseling, we should aim to point others to Christ, helping them focus on their personal relationship with Him rather than external comparisons or distractions. [20:16]
- The Call to Justice and Mercy: Isaiah 58 challenges us to examine our lives for areas of selfishness and neglect of others. True spiritual breakthrough comes when we align our actions with God's heart for justice and mercy, serving the needs of the oppressed and the poor. [33:41]
- The Transformative Power of Serving Others: Shifting our focus from ourselves to the needs of others can lead to spiritual renewal and joy. As we serve others, we often find the comfort and peace we seek, as God blesses us in our efforts to bless others. [45:58]
- The Importance of Personal Responsibility: We must take personal responsibility for our spiritual growth and relationship with Christ. Rather than being preoccupied with others' actions, we should focus on our own walk with the Lord, seeking His guidance and direction. [30:35]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - Struggles with Assurance
- [00:40] - Misdiagnosis in Counseling
- [01:44] - A Humbling Realization
- [03:27] - The Power of Words
- [06:37] - The Role of a Counselor
- [08:01] - Romans 15: Competent to Counsel
- [11:24] - Personal Responsibility in Counseling
- [12:07] - Learning from Christ's Example
- [15:02] - Martha and Mary: A Lesson in Focus
- [21:09] - Martin Lloyd Jones: A Modern Example
- [26:41] - Jesus Restores Peter
- [31:09] - Isaiah 58: A Call to Justice
- [41:04] - Andrew Fuller's Insight
- [52:00] - The Danger of Selfishness
- [59:38] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Luke 10:38-42
2. John 21:20-22
3. Isaiah 58:1-12
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Observation Questions:
1. In the story of Martha and Mary (Luke 10:38-42), what was Martha's main concern, and how did Jesus redirect her focus? How does this illustrate the importance of focusing on personal responsibility? [15:50]
2. In John 21:20-22, what question does Peter ask Jesus about John, and how does Jesus respond? What does this reveal about Jesus' approach to personal responsibility and comparison? [28:23]
3. According to Isaiah 58, what were the Israelites doing that seemed righteous, and what was God's response to their actions? How does this passage challenge our understanding of true spiritual practices? [33:41]
4. How did Pastor Icabad Spencer's misdiagnosis of the woman's spiritual condition affect her, and what lesson does this teach about the importance of accurate spiritual discernment? [02:19]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Jesus' response to Martha in Luke 10:38-42 challenge our understanding of what is truly necessary in our spiritual lives? What does it mean to choose "the good portion"? [17:26]
2. In John 21:20-22, why do you think Jesus emphasizes personal responsibility to Peter instead of addressing his curiosity about John's future? How can this principle be applied in our own lives? [29:11]
3. Isaiah 58 highlights the disconnect between religious rituals and genuine acts of justice and mercy. How does this passage redefine what it means to seek God sincerely? [33:41]
4. Reflecting on the story of Pastor Icabad Spencer, how can we ensure that our counsel to others is both biblically sound and contextually appropriate? [02:19]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you were more focused on others' actions rather than your own spiritual growth. How can you shift your focus to your personal relationship with Christ this week? [30:35]
2. Consider the distractions in your life that prevent you from sitting at Jesus' feet like Mary. What practical steps can you take to minimize these distractions and prioritize your time with God? [17:26]
3. In what ways can you align your actions with God's heart for justice and mercy, as described in Isaiah 58? Identify one specific action you can take this week to serve the needs of the oppressed or the poor. [33:41]
4. Think about a situation where you might have misdiagnosed someone's spiritual condition. How can you seek God's wisdom to better discern and address the root issues in people's lives? [05:12]
5. How can you incorporate the principle of serving others into your daily routine? Identify one person or group you can serve this week and plan a specific way to bless them. [45:58]
6. Reflect on a time when you compared your spiritual journey to someone else's, like Peter did with John. How can you focus on your own walk with Christ and avoid unnecessary comparisons? [29:11]
7. How can you ensure that your spiritual practices are not just rituals but are genuinely aligned with God's desires for justice and mercy? What changes might you need to make in your approach to worship and service? [33:41]
Devotional
Day 1: The Perils of Spiritual Misdiagnosis
Misdiagnosing someone's spiritual condition can lead to unnecessary suffering and prolonged anguish. It is crucial to approach each situation with humility and a deep reliance on God's wisdom, rather than relying on assumptions or preconceived notions. Just as a doctor must accurately diagnose a physical ailment to provide effective treatment, so must we seek the Lord's guidance to discern the true spiritual needs of those we counsel. This requires a heart attuned to God's voice and a willingness to listen deeply to those we are helping. By doing so, we can offer counsel that truly addresses the root issues and brings healing and peace. [05:12]
"Whoever gives an honest answer kisses the lips." (Proverbs 24:26, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a time when you may have misjudged someone's spiritual needs. How can you seek God's wisdom to better understand and support them today?
Day 2: Redirecting Focus to Christ
Jesus, the ultimate counselor, consistently redirected people from distractions to the heart of the matter. In the story of Martha and Mary, Jesus gently corrected Martha's misplaced focus, reminding her of the importance of sitting at His feet and knowing Him. Similarly, when Peter was concerned about John's future, Jesus urged him to focus on his own walk with Christ. These examples teach us to guide others toward a personal relationship with Jesus, helping them to focus on their own spiritual journey rather than external comparisons or distractions. By doing so, we help them find true peace and purpose in their relationship with the Lord. [20:16]
"Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth." (Colossians 3:2, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways have you been distracted from your personal relationship with Christ? How can you refocus your attention on Him today?
Day 3: Embracing Justice and Mercy
Isaiah 58 challenges us to examine our lives for areas of selfishness and neglect of others. The Israelites sought God through fasting and religious rituals, yet they neglected justice and mercy. True spiritual breakthrough comes when we align our actions with God's heart for justice and mercy, serving the needs of the oppressed and the poor. This passage calls us to move beyond mere religious observance and to live out our faith through acts of compassion and justice, reflecting God's love to a hurting world. [33:41]
"He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one area in your life where you can better align with God's heart for justice and mercy. What practical step can you take today to serve someone in need?
Day 4: The Joy of Serving Others
Shifting our focus from ourselves to the needs of others can lead to spiritual renewal and joy. As we serve others, we often find the comfort and peace we seek, as God blesses us in our efforts to bless others. This principle is not only biblical but also deeply practical, offering a path to spiritual growth and fulfillment. By serving others, we participate in God's work in the world and experience the joy that comes from being His hands and feet. [45:58]
"Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God." (Hebrews 13:16, ESV)
Reflection: Who is someone in your life that you can serve today? What specific action can you take to bless them and experience the joy of serving?
Day 5: Taking Personal Responsibility
We must take personal responsibility for our spiritual growth and relationship with Christ. Rather than being preoccupied with others' actions, we should focus on our own walk with the Lord, seeking His guidance and direction. This involves a commitment to personal spiritual disciplines and a willingness to follow where He leads. By taking responsibility for our spiritual journey, we open ourselves to the transformative work of the Holy Spirit and grow in our relationship with God. [30:35]
"Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!" (2 Corinthians 13:5, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your spiritual life where you need to take more responsibility? How can you commit to growing in this area starting today?
Quotes
"I was utterly amazed here I had been for years for years aiming to make conviction of sin more deep instead of binding up the broken heart I had been aiming to lead a sinner to Christ instead of showing her that she was not a stranger and an outcast I was ashamed of myself I had often talked to this precious woman as if she had been an alien from God." [00:01:48]
"Misdiagnosis whether whether you're just totally misreading the situation um it can lead to unnecessary suffering Have you or have I caused someone unnecessary suffering through giving counsel that was not meant for them It might have been biblical but it was given to the wrong person Has that ever happened to you Can anyone think of a situation?" [00:05:05]
"Not just counseling Christian to Christian but Christian to professing Christian Christian to an atheist an outright unbeliever right We we face these different situations And what I don't want you to do is log out and say 'Well I'm not a doctor I'm not a spiritual doctor This doesn't apply to me.' Right And that's why I'd remind you of Romans 15:14 about what Paul is stating to a church." [00:08:18]
"Father thank you for these precious believers Lord who I even have this great privilege of being one of their shepherds And Lord I can go through my mind and think of all sorts of conversations as I look around the room that I've had with different ones of these affectionate children of yours And Lord I I I realize there's times I've not hit the nail on the head and said exactly what was needed but Lord I've had wrong assumptions I've had not not asking the right questions." [00:06:53]
"Often in counseling people are distracted from the main thing They're not they're not seeing it And you and I have a responsibility to bring them to recognize that Or else people get caught in this repetitive cycle and they want out of the cycle and you want them out of the cycle They're caught in this whatever the cycle a cycle of despair and you want to get them out and you're trying to think how do you get them out What do you say?" [00:15:07]
"Imagine if it wasn't Christ who got the rich young ruler the guy might have ended up being baptized and in the in a non-lordship church or something like that You don't know what was going to happen And so you learn from how if you want to learn how to evangelize the greatest person to go to to learn how to evangelize is the greatest evangelist the Lord Jesus Christ And I would say if you want to learn how to instruct and counsel brethren who is the great supreme example we could go to the wonderful counselor we go to the Lord." [00:13:40]
"Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them The one whom also had leaned back against him during the supper and had said 'Lord whom is it who is going to betray you?' When Peter saw him he said to Jesus so he's just got done Christ restoring him counseling him in this way And then Peter's now talking about this And G Peter says 'What What about this man Is it eerily similar to what we saw in Luke 10 I'm anxious and troubled about many things What about Mary?' Right Pretty similar This is We just want to talk about everyone else." [00:27:58]
"Isaiah 58 cry aloud do not hold back Lift up your voice like a trumpet Declare to my people their transgressions to the house of Jacob their sins Yet they seek me daily So he's going to a people to declare to them their sins And now look at what describes the the state of these people They seek me daily They delight to know my ways Which by the way in Romans 7 it mentions that they you know if you take Romans 7 is Paul being prior to being regenerate People say delights the law in his inner man Well these Jews here who it seems are vastly mostly unconverted they delight in the law too." [00:31:04]
"Behold in the day of your fast you seek your own pleasure So they're being selfish You oppress all of your workers Behold you fast only to quarrel and to fight and you hit with a wicked fist Fasting like yours this day will not make your voice to be heard on high Interesting So we're fasting We're daily seeking the Lord But we're oppressing our workers and we're being selfish And the Lord's saying 'I'm not going to hear you If such the fast that I choose a day to person to humble himself is it to bow down his head like a reed?'" [00:36:15]
"At that time God directed my attention to the plight of the heathen in India I mean they why why direct them to that They got enough problems don't they I realized we had been focused on ourselves and had neglected the souls of others I shared this conviction with my congregation They were moved to tears grieving over their past indifference to the lost They began talking about a Baptist mission Women started collecting money for the spread of the gospel We gathered to pray for the heathen to discuss what we could do for them and then we acted on it As this unfolded the complaints ceased." [00:44:52]
"Yet despite their faithfulness and outward worship the Lord did not renew their strength nor did he meet them to bless them. And he didn't even frame his delay as a test of their faith saying 'Though the visionary wait for it.' Why did God withhold his presence The main reason was their selfishness He would not comfort them without addressing their besetting sin I'm telling you I'll never forget I think it was at Craig's at the single study I went like one time I mean I was obviously married but I went to record it on different things of trials." [00:49:25]
"Brethren we want to be a people who always take pains to have a clear conscience You know a brother just shared in the men's chat this morning clearing his conscience about something that he stated that it came across in a way ultimately of being dishonest You know what That's the type of thing we need to continue to happen in this church where people you're willing to take pains to have a clear conscience It should make you wonder is there any subtle way I've actually become desensitized in this area of the by pursuit of personal holiness and my sensitivity to sin and my sensitivity to how I present myself." [00:56:52]
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