Who can I turn to?

We cannot avoid all trouble, some trials, some tribulations we will face at the hands of others. Some we face will be at the hands of ourselves, others at the hands of God to help us to learn to lean on Him more and grow our faith by trusting Him more. Jesus gives some great words of comfort - in (Slide)

John 16:33 NASB95

33 “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”

(Slide) Don’t we all need people that we can turn to, that we can count on to be there with us and for us when we face these times of tribulation? - but who and where we turn is very important. -----We first must face the fact we need to turn somewhere, most do not want to admit they need help with anything, that they can figure it out on their own. Then where do we turn, if going to seek Godly counsel from Elder, or Minister someone might see and talk about me. Or going to a counseling center same thing, but also may get counseling filled with the world vs. the Bible.

I. Why Should We Seek Counsel?

Proverbs 20:18 NASB95

18 Prepare plans by consultation, And make war by wise guidance.

(Slide) We are commanded - It is biblical to seek counsel, first and foremost from God and His Word;

(Slide) We have examples of others -Others have been through many things, some similar to what you are going through and you can help each other by the experiences you share.

(Slide) We have others perspectives - Sometimes we need to have someone who is removed from the situation to help us get a better perspective

(Slide) We may be blind to see things; in other words, blindspots - we may have blind spots in front of us that are keeping us from seeing the truth or acting on the truth as revealed by God and His Word or that we are so close to the problem we cannot even see the problem.

(Slide) - First turn to the Lord, in prayer, knowing He will sustain you!

Psalm 55:22 NASB95

22 Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.

- A N.T. update from the Psm quote. not only will He sustain you, he will give you rest!

Matthew 11:28–29 NASB95

28 “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. 29 “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Then there is what it says in - just another example to seek, inquire of God first!

1 Kings 22:5 NASB95

5 Moreover, Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, “Please inquire first for the word of the Lord.”

(Slide) Sometimes we do really need someone to help us see our blindspots -

Proverbs 12:15 NASB95

15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But a wise man is he who listens to counsel.

II. Where should we seek Counsel?

(Slide) Seeking counsel is a big deal, it is humbling and then comes knowing where to seek counsel.

(Slide) Depends on the nature and extent of the thing you are seeking counsel about

(Slide) Knowing the available resources in the area

(Slide) Professional

(Slide) Family

(Slide) Friends

(Slide) Other Christians

(THIS IS NOT ON SLIDE) In (Look up and read) Titus2:1-8 we see instruction on helping one another

(Slide) Older men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith

(Slide) Older women, reverent, not malicious gossips, teaching what is good to younger women.

(Slide) Young men, sensible, showing yourself to be a good example with purity in doctrine and sound speech above reproach

(Slide) According to - we are to bear, carry one another’s burdens

Galatians 6:2 NASB95

2 Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.

(Slide) But again you need to be careful where you get counsel, 1Kings12:6-15 is an example of getting some poor counsel. (James, turn there and summarize only)

(Illustration) -insert a personal illustration of good counsel

The problem with the world is that we draw the circle of our family too small.

Mother TeresaOther Christians

III. In Whom Should We Seek Counsel

- So maybe we should be looking at some qualities in someone we seek counsel from

Romans 15:14 NASB95

14 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.

(Slide) Is the person a biblically spiritual person? - - - is this person walking the talk, living by biblical principles

(Slide) Is the person tight mouthed? - - - is the person able to keep confidentiality (gosip, even when formed as a prayer is wrong)

(Slide) Does the person have success in the area seeking counsel? - - - is the person able to relate to you and your problem

(Slide) Is the persons own life a reflection of Christ - - - is the persons personal life a reflection of Christ, how is the persons family life

Now choosing to seek counsel and where to seek and in whom to seek all are important, but there are some dangers too

IV. Dangers in Seeking Counsel

- We cannot compare ourselves with others or expect others to be like us

2 Corinthians 10:12 NASB95

12 For we are not bold to class or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves; but when they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are without understanding.

(Slide) Danger is looking for someone to co-sign or rubber stamp your thoughts

(Slide) Danger of not being really listening to the counsel

(Slide) Danger of turning to the wrong type of counselor

(Slide) Danger of not really identifying the problem

(Slide) Danger of waiting too long to seek counsel

(Slide) Danger of getting too much counsel

(Slide) Danger of wanting answer vs. solutions

So we have looked at lot’s of areas regarding counsel. One more area to look at before we close.

V. How To Be A Good Counselor

Invite everyone to -(Slide) Join me in turning to Col3:12-16 and let’s look at it together.

(Slide) Put on godly virtues, be of godly character ()

Ephesians 4:22–27 NASB95

22 that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, 23 and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth. 25 Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth each one of you with his neighbor, for we are members of one another. 26 Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and do not give the devil an opportunity.

Ephesians 4:22–27 NASB95

2. (Slide) Put On Love ()

BCol 3:14)

Colossians 3:14 NASB95

14 Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.

Colossians 3:14 NASB95

14 Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.

3. (Slide) Let the peace of God dwell in your heart ( )

Philippians 4:7–9 NASB95

7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. 9 The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

4. (Slide) Finally, be thankful ()

Psalm 138:1–3 NASB95

1 I will give You thanks with all my heart; I will sing praises to You before the gods. 2 I will bow down toward Your holy temple And give thanks to Your name for Your lovingkindness and Your truth; For You have magnified Your word according to all Your name. 3 On the day I called, You answered me; You made me bold with strength in my soul.

5. (slide) OK, just one more, Let the Word of God dwell in you richly ()

Colossians 3:16 NASB95

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

Many examples in scripture of seeking counsel, some good like Moses from Jethro his father in law, Paul with the Apostles at Jerusalem council. Then there is the not so good counsel we spoke of with Rehoboam from 1Kng12.

In this world there are many hurting, wandering, lost people. There are hurt within the church or the churched who have left the church. We have the opportunity to get help if we need help, to offer help to others and I believe it is commanded.

Galatians 6:2 NASB95

2 Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:2 NASB95

2 Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.

INVITATION: Are you carrying a burden? seek the Lord, seek counsel and leave the burden. Are you able to help someone carry a burden? Prayerful consider it and step out to help someone. The biggest burden, sin, Christ is willing to take on for you . . .