As Romans 7 reminds us, even believers like the apostle Paul continue to struggle with sin in this life. Progress in holiness is really possible by God’s wonderful grace (see prior post on that issue here), but we will never be fully rid of sin while still in this life. So, the question then becomes: How do I diagnose and respond to the sin patterns in my life? Well, there are two basic answers to that in our world: a therapeutic answer and a biblical answer.
The therapeutic answer is that (a) the cause of your problems is outside yourself (your upbringing, your parents, society), and (b) the solution to your problems is inside yourself (more self-esteem, more self-awareness, more self-acceptance, more self-reliance, etc.). The biblical answer is virtually the opposite: (a) the cause of your problems is inside yourself (a corrupt, sinful nature), and (b) the solution to your problems is outside yourself (the redeeming power of Christ).
In order for us to take the biblical approach to our sin, and not just a therapeutic one, we have to diagnose ourselves in light of what Scripture says. In other words, theological and biblical categories should dominate our thinking, not psychological ones.
On that score, I have to mention again my wife’s wonderful new book, The Envy of Eve, which strives to do precisely that. She tackles the challenging issue of contentment within a scriptural framework, rather than in the Oprah Winfrey-style framework our world is so attuned to. In fact, a recent review of her book over at The Upward Call sums it up nicely:
This book was such a refreshing read in comparison to many other Christian women’s books which try to excuse bad tendencies by making all women out to be “victims” in some manner. My tendency to have covetous attitudes about female friendships could be because I was bullied in junior high school and suffer from fear of rejection. But no, it’s not; my struggle comes from not accepting the things as good that God has given me. It coms from wanting something someone else has. This book forces the reader to take a long, hard look into her own heart, and I think that is really needed in this age of therapeutic Christian reading.
I highly recommend this book for women of all ages.
Don Johnson says
Thanks of much for this pastoral word. This lands at the very heart of ministry in small town Illinois – and I suspect “big city” anywhere. I don’t say this in 3rd person, “Amen – brother, hope everyone else listens up,” but as a 1st person, “Wow. As I seek to pastor and care for my wife and children and our church family – I need to be reminded of this truth each and every day.” May God continue to turn my world inside-out. I look forward to reading the book …
Michael Kruger says
Thanks, Don. Great to hear from you on the blog. Yes, we all need to be reminded of this truth, in small towns or big cities.
Kim Shay says
Oh my, I can’t say enough good about your wife’s book. It was such a relief to read something that was challenging me right with something substantial rather than a lot of platitudes and “to do” lists. It’s only May, but I think the book will be my favorite book of the year. I am hoping to put a copy in my church’s library.
Michael Kruger says
Thanks so much, Kim. That is very encouraging. I will make sure to pass this word along to Melissa!
Stephen Thompson says
A great word, Dr Kruger! As Don said above, the Biblical answers to these questions are so different than the world’s that I don’t think we can ever hear it too much.
For anybody in Charlotte, you can pick up Melissa Kruger’s book at the RTS bookstore for 40% off until 4/15 … my wife asked me to pick up a copy for her today!
Michael Kruger says
Thanks, Stephen. Appreciate the kind words. Hope your wife enjoys the book.
Rev. Bryant J. Williams III says
Dear Mike,
Very good article especially that about your wife’s book.
I would also like to comment that, unfortunately, many “Biblical Counseling” programs, “so-called,” actually use the “therapeutic answer” as the Biblical answer NOT the Biblical Answer. Basically, therapeutic answer is psychological double-speak wrapped up in a Bible veneer. Too much of the preaching in the pulpit is for “itching ears” since it conforms to what the people want NOT what they need. An excellent example of this is found in Jeremeiah 42-43. The people did not like what the LORD told Jeremiah and went to Egypt anyway. Thus, all who went to Egypt including Jeremiah died there.
I am reminded that I Peter 4:17, “For the time is come that judgment must begin with the house of God (family of God, NIV);…”
Michael Kruger says
Thanks, Bryant. Good thoughts. Yes, unfortunately the “therapeutic” model is not just in the world but is now in the church. Many churches build their entire ministries around an Oprah Winfrey-style approach.
Chris says
Mike,
As a biblical counselor, how encouraging it was to read this article. All seem to be leaving our “first love” – the word of God & clinging to worthless idols “talk therapy” to relieve us of our problems. Indeed, our biggest problem is sin & only God, not human thinking has the solution for it – confession & repentance.
Thank you for your thoughts
chris
Michael Kruger says
Thanks, Chris. Great to have you commenting on the blog!
dean ruddy says
There is no doubt we can be shaped by those around us,in the church also, influence seems to be everywhere. But ultimately God is the source of our restoration, if we seek elsewhere for our comfort from this sin stained life we will find no real & lasting satisfaction, even if we may find solidarity & fellowship. Gods invitation to “reason together”(Isaiah 1:18) with Him, may be painful or difficult but the outcome is sure. Our gaze should always be into Gods words & this is something we need to grow in. Sifting conversation, where ever it may be, the advice from the knowledge or wisdom, weighing it up in the light of the Word, not the words of many…