21. Define "total restructuring". Describe how it works, using a case regarding homosexuality as the model.
As opposed to a remodeling job where one or two sections of a building need to get improved, total restructuring suggests that the whole house has been corrupted. It needs to be torn down room by room and completely rebuilt with the righteousness of Christ in view. This is the appropriate view because it is not the symptoms or the manifestation of sin that must be dealt with but the whole of the sinner. The heart of man is corrupt (Jer. 17:9) and needs to be re-transplanted by the Holy Spirit. A believer who has the Holy Spirit will not grow as he/she ought to by dealing with just a few sins in his/her life. Total restructuring means looking at the problem of sin in relationship to all affected areas of life and dealing with each at the root level.
Homosexuality and related-behaviors to it are sin according to God. “A woman shall not wear man’s clothing, nor shall a man put on a woman’s clothing; for whoever does these things is an abomination to the LORD your God” (Deut. 22:5). “No one who is emasculated or has his male organ cut off shall enter the assembly of the LORD” (Deut. 23:1). These scriptures identify the related-behaviors that sometimes accompany homosexuality must be examined as well as the acts of sex. God has declared that these behaviors are worthy of being cut off from His assembly because they are an abomination. In Genesis Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed with “brimstone and fire from the LORD” for their many sins (Gen. 19:24). To this day a sodomite is a derogatory term. The reason is that of the many sins Sodom was guilty of one was lust-driven homosexuality to the point where “the men of Sodom… all the people from every quarter” wanted to gang-rape the angels that came and threatened to do the same to Lot. Lot responded saying, “do not act wickedly” (Gen. 19:4-7, 24). In Leviticus 18:22 it is explained clearly by Moses, “You shall not lie with a male as one lies with a female; it is an abomination”. Romans chapter 1 describes homosexuality as “degrading”, “unnatural”, “indecent”, “error”, “not proper”, “unrighteous”, and includes it among other sin-manifestations that are “worthy of death” (v. 26-32). In fact, the church of Corinth was made up of sinners who repented of many of these similar manifestations of sinful hearts. “Homosexuals” and “effeminate” lifestyles were two of their former sins deemed unworthy of inheriting “the kingdom of God” (1 Cor. 6:9-11).
Habits are so hard to change that whenever someone does something long enough it becomes a part of them, particularly when it feeds the lusts our flesh crave. Since people learn to perform all of the associated aspects of these sin-related behaviors unconsciously it is easy to see why it becomes so hard to die to self (say “no” to yourself) daily for Christ’s sake (Luke 9:23). How did the church of Corinth change out of their many sins? They were “washed… sanctified… justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God” (1 Cor. 6:11). No sinner (homosexual or not) becomes transformed by mere behavior modification. Testimonies from homosexuals themselves indicate there are other sins (pride, alcohol, drugs, lying, guilt, social problems, etc.) that need to be addressed.[1] So as counselors, we must help the homosexual see that they do not have only one problem to solve. Godly habits need to be built over time (Eph. 4:13-14) by daily denial to the flesh (Luke 9:23) and discipline for the sake of godliness (1 Tim. 4:7). It is not enough that he/she give up the actions. The desires must go as well (for they are equally sinful). He/she must take drastic measures to ensure they don’t fall back into temptation (Matt. 18:7-9). They must labor a “put on” of righteousness as they “put off” every unrighteousness. They must cut off their homosexual relationships and avoid places they frequently found temptation fulfilled to build their relationship with Christ and find their satisfaction in Him. For all sinners, the life-dominating sins become a total way of life but they are not bound to it. They must let go of all idols in all areas of life and trust Christ alone.
[1] A former homosexual commented on The Gospel Coalition’s article “Gay is Not the New Black” with; “Being gay is not the problem. Sin in general is the problem. Chances are homosexuality isn’t ones worse or only sin. Idolatry, pride, drunkenness, lasciviousness, greed, etc. these all exists within the same heart. What good is it to merely say, “Let me put away this thing.’ As if God isn’t looking at the sinfulness of ALL sin. To the homosexual I don’t just say repent of your homosexuality I say confess that through and through your entire being is sinful. Repent and place your trust in the only One who saves.”
Homosexuality and related-behaviors to it are sin according to God. “A woman shall not wear man’s clothing, nor shall a man put on a woman’s clothing; for whoever does these things is an abomination to the LORD your God” (Deut. 22:5). “No one who is emasculated or has his male organ cut off shall enter the assembly of the LORD” (Deut. 23:1). These scriptures identify the related-behaviors that sometimes accompany homosexuality must be examined as well as the acts of sex. God has declared that these behaviors are worthy of being cut off from His assembly because they are an abomination. In Genesis Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed with “brimstone and fire from the LORD” for their many sins (Gen. 19:24). To this day a sodomite is a derogatory term. The reason is that of the many sins Sodom was guilty of one was lust-driven homosexuality to the point where “the men of Sodom… all the people from every quarter” wanted to gang-rape the angels that came and threatened to do the same to Lot. Lot responded saying, “do not act wickedly” (Gen. 19:4-7, 24). In Leviticus 18:22 it is explained clearly by Moses, “You shall not lie with a male as one lies with a female; it is an abomination”. Romans chapter 1 describes homosexuality as “degrading”, “unnatural”, “indecent”, “error”, “not proper”, “unrighteous”, and includes it among other sin-manifestations that are “worthy of death” (v. 26-32). In fact, the church of Corinth was made up of sinners who repented of many of these similar manifestations of sinful hearts. “Homosexuals” and “effeminate” lifestyles were two of their former sins deemed unworthy of inheriting “the kingdom of God” (1 Cor. 6:9-11).
Habits are so hard to change that whenever someone does something long enough it becomes a part of them, particularly when it feeds the lusts our flesh crave. Since people learn to perform all of the associated aspects of these sin-related behaviors unconsciously it is easy to see why it becomes so hard to die to self (say “no” to yourself) daily for Christ’s sake (Luke 9:23). How did the church of Corinth change out of their many sins? They were “washed… sanctified… justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God” (1 Cor. 6:11). No sinner (homosexual or not) becomes transformed by mere behavior modification. Testimonies from homosexuals themselves indicate there are other sins (pride, alcohol, drugs, lying, guilt, social problems, etc.) that need to be addressed.[1] So as counselors, we must help the homosexual see that they do not have only one problem to solve. Godly habits need to be built over time (Eph. 4:13-14) by daily denial to the flesh (Luke 9:23) and discipline for the sake of godliness (1 Tim. 4:7). It is not enough that he/she give up the actions. The desires must go as well (for they are equally sinful). He/she must take drastic measures to ensure they don’t fall back into temptation (Matt. 18:7-9). They must labor a “put on” of righteousness as they “put off” every unrighteousness. They must cut off their homosexual relationships and avoid places they frequently found temptation fulfilled to build their relationship with Christ and find their satisfaction in Him. For all sinners, the life-dominating sins become a total way of life but they are not bound to it. They must let go of all idols in all areas of life and trust Christ alone.
[1] A former homosexual commented on The Gospel Coalition’s article “Gay is Not the New Black” with; “Being gay is not the problem. Sin in general is the problem. Chances are homosexuality isn’t ones worse or only sin. Idolatry, pride, drunkenness, lasciviousness, greed, etc. these all exists within the same heart. What good is it to merely say, “Let me put away this thing.’ As if God isn’t looking at the sinfulness of ALL sin. To the homosexual I don’t just say repent of your homosexuality I say confess that through and through your entire being is sinful. Repent and place your trust in the only One who saves.”
22. Develop a biblical view of emotions. Use both the Old and New Testaments in your answer. How can emotions be changed biblically?
When we rightly understand our total depravity we realize that even our thinking is corrupted by sin. “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declared the LORD” (Isa. 55:8). Though we may know God and seek to follow Him we still need help understanding how wrongly we see the emotions He has given us to use for His glory.
God has given us emotions that can and should be used for His glory. Anger was previously described as a helpful emotion when righteously exercised for His glory.[1] The euphemism, “emotional problems”, was described as an unreal thing because emotions actually work perfectly when people complain about them.[2] Though this list is not exhaustive, real emotions are anger, anxiety, contentment, despair, excitement, fear, frustration, guilt, happiness, jealousy, joy, love, shame, worry, and zeal. None of these ever work wrong. There is no emotional problem. The person cannot control them; therefore, it is the person who has the problem, not the emotions. Those emotions cannot be immature (as the label “emotional immaturity” would suggest). What people are really saying when they wrongly connect a judgment in place of an emotion (such as “I feel inferior… lazy”) is that they have judged their internal and/or external thoughts, opinions, beliefs, convictions, or attitudes wrongly as a feeling. The perceived feeling (I feel self-confident…) is not an actual emotion but a judgment that he/she has made about him/herself. People think that all the externals and internals are influencing their “feelings”. When it affects real emotions this is true. But all judgments (subjective) must be compared to the light of Scripture (objective truth) so that the judgment can be made correct. Nobody ever denies that someone is struggling with assurance of salvation. The emotion of doubt and worry is real. However, they must be helped to see that the objective truth of God’s promises in the life of a believer trumps the wrong thinking a person may have because they’ve judged themselves unworthy over their guilt and doubt.
In the Old Testament King Saul felt suspicious when he became angry over David being regarded as the better warrior (1 Sam. 18:6-9). The truth is that Saul judged himself as better than David due to inner pride. His sinful thinking set up the conditions for his emotions. Since he likely was unaware of this, he probably felt victimized by his emotions rather than seeing the truth that he himself caused his wrong emotions through the sinful judging of his thoughts. In contrast, the apostle Paul rejoiced even while in prison though he’d been beaten and mocked throughout his efforts (Phil. 1:12-18, 2 Cor. 11:23-25). Paul rejoiced that He was doing God’s will by getting the Gospel out. He had no despair or dismay because he didn’t judge himself as better or worthy of anything. He saw himself as a humble slave under God’s sovereign will.
Man, his actions, his thoughts, and his attitudes must be changed. We truly need to develop new judgments about who we are and what we deserve. To change biblically we must recognize that we are born hating God and left to ourselves would do all that we can to defame His name. We deserve Hell. It’s out of love, grace, and mercy that God crushed His only son as full satisfaction for our debt of sins. Christ earned the Father’s favor by living the perfect life that we can’t live and yet also took the wrath in full that we deserve for being his sworn enemy. This is why it is often asked, “Who can be proud at the foot of the cross?” We have our thinking changed (like Paul did) when we realize that our emotions do not matter in comparison to the desires of fulfilling a life of worship to the One who lived, died, and rose on our behalf.
[1] See response to Counseling question #16.
[2] See response to Counseling question #13.
God has given us emotions that can and should be used for His glory. Anger was previously described as a helpful emotion when righteously exercised for His glory.[1] The euphemism, “emotional problems”, was described as an unreal thing because emotions actually work perfectly when people complain about them.[2] Though this list is not exhaustive, real emotions are anger, anxiety, contentment, despair, excitement, fear, frustration, guilt, happiness, jealousy, joy, love, shame, worry, and zeal. None of these ever work wrong. There is no emotional problem. The person cannot control them; therefore, it is the person who has the problem, not the emotions. Those emotions cannot be immature (as the label “emotional immaturity” would suggest). What people are really saying when they wrongly connect a judgment in place of an emotion (such as “I feel inferior… lazy”) is that they have judged their internal and/or external thoughts, opinions, beliefs, convictions, or attitudes wrongly as a feeling. The perceived feeling (I feel self-confident…) is not an actual emotion but a judgment that he/she has made about him/herself. People think that all the externals and internals are influencing their “feelings”. When it affects real emotions this is true. But all judgments (subjective) must be compared to the light of Scripture (objective truth) so that the judgment can be made correct. Nobody ever denies that someone is struggling with assurance of salvation. The emotion of doubt and worry is real. However, they must be helped to see that the objective truth of God’s promises in the life of a believer trumps the wrong thinking a person may have because they’ve judged themselves unworthy over their guilt and doubt.
In the Old Testament King Saul felt suspicious when he became angry over David being regarded as the better warrior (1 Sam. 18:6-9). The truth is that Saul judged himself as better than David due to inner pride. His sinful thinking set up the conditions for his emotions. Since he likely was unaware of this, he probably felt victimized by his emotions rather than seeing the truth that he himself caused his wrong emotions through the sinful judging of his thoughts. In contrast, the apostle Paul rejoiced even while in prison though he’d been beaten and mocked throughout his efforts (Phil. 1:12-18, 2 Cor. 11:23-25). Paul rejoiced that He was doing God’s will by getting the Gospel out. He had no despair or dismay because he didn’t judge himself as better or worthy of anything. He saw himself as a humble slave under God’s sovereign will.
Man, his actions, his thoughts, and his attitudes must be changed. We truly need to develop new judgments about who we are and what we deserve. To change biblically we must recognize that we are born hating God and left to ourselves would do all that we can to defame His name. We deserve Hell. It’s out of love, grace, and mercy that God crushed His only son as full satisfaction for our debt of sins. Christ earned the Father’s favor by living the perfect life that we can’t live and yet also took the wrath in full that we deserve for being his sworn enemy. This is why it is often asked, “Who can be proud at the foot of the cross?” We have our thinking changed (like Paul did) when we realize that our emotions do not matter in comparison to the desires of fulfilling a life of worship to the One who lived, died, and rose on our behalf.
[1] See response to Counseling question #16.
[2] See response to Counseling question #13.
23. List several reasons for terminating a counseling case. Answer this for cases terminated because of spiritual change (growth) and spiritual hardening (failure to comply).
The Holy Spirit of God works through the believer to cause growth and change towards godliness.[1] The hope in Biblical counseling is to see people walking with joy and peace as they come to know their Lord and Savior more intimately through His truth. Counseling can cease because believers have shown such growth where they can be entrusted to the One who continues to counsel and carry them. It can also cease because of the counselor’s failure to apply sound Biblical discipleship and/or the counselee refuses to let go of the idols he/she loves.
Jim Newheiser instructs, “if a counselee refuses to commit to do God’s will, you may need to end the counseling relationship”.[2] He states in the audio session that before giving in you would want to bring others into the counselor role in case it is a personal failure. A humble way to state the sessions may need to end is to state something like, “maybe I’m not helping you”. On page 459 of Jay Adams’ book The Christian Counselor’s Manual, fifty failure factors are listed that the counselor would need to honestly work through before ending the sessions. In the event that the counselor has done things properly and encouraged homework assignments, there is little left to do but pray for them and trust God to produce what He will in the person’s life (conviction or condemnation). If a person refuses to repent, do homework, provide information, or take counseling serious you must not “throw your pearls before swine” (Matt. 7:6). If the person is a member of the church you attend he/she should have already been carefully examined by the pastors/elders and have a convincing profession and lifestyle. In this event it’s not an easy dismissal. After speaking one on one for a while, the next step to confront disobedience is to bring a witness or two, then tell the church, and then finally to treat him as an unbeliever (Matt. 18:15-18). This is how counseling can often transition into church discipline. In 2 Thessalonians 3:14 Paul says that believers should “take special note” of those who do not obey godly instruction and to “not associate with him, so that he will be put to shame”. This is in regards to blatant, consistent disobedience after following the many steps recorded in Matthew 18. In most counseling cases, a person is simply hardening his/her neck or not a believer. In these cases you dismiss the sessions gracefully, kindly, and lovingly but always stand ready and prepared to help them should the Holy Spirit move them. It is important to make sure that they clearly understand the Gospel in detail, can even recite it thoroughly, and are left with some strong warnings to chew on – Prov. 13:15, Prov. 29:1, and John 12:48.
Perhaps best illustrated by Randy Patten’s counseling of “Trey and Deb” in the DVD series, “Biblical Counseling Observation”, believers that show growth can move on from their counselor’s care (unlike worldly counsel). These DVDs show the 1st, 2nd, and 11th session. The transition is so palpable that it is clear at the end they have been transformed into different people. Their body language, public prayer, Scripture memory, professions of growth, and verbal thankfulness to God are all clear in the last session. They depict how “the one who is taught the word is to share all good things with the one who teaches him” (Gal. 6:6). They have matured “to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ” (Eph. 4:13). They evidenced fruit in their life with church activity, love and good deeds, trust in God, and pursuit of church membership and accountability. They did not demonstrate perfection but a desire to pursue all things to the glory of God. This is the point at which believers can be trusted to the One who will indeed perfect them “until the day of Christ Jesus” (Phil. 1:6).
[1] See responses to Theology questions Soteriology # 2 and 3 and Pneumatology # 1, 2, and 3.
[2] Jim Newheiser, The Basics of Biblical Counseling syllabus, p. 9
Jim Newheiser instructs, “if a counselee refuses to commit to do God’s will, you may need to end the counseling relationship”.[2] He states in the audio session that before giving in you would want to bring others into the counselor role in case it is a personal failure. A humble way to state the sessions may need to end is to state something like, “maybe I’m not helping you”. On page 459 of Jay Adams’ book The Christian Counselor’s Manual, fifty failure factors are listed that the counselor would need to honestly work through before ending the sessions. In the event that the counselor has done things properly and encouraged homework assignments, there is little left to do but pray for them and trust God to produce what He will in the person’s life (conviction or condemnation). If a person refuses to repent, do homework, provide information, or take counseling serious you must not “throw your pearls before swine” (Matt. 7:6). If the person is a member of the church you attend he/she should have already been carefully examined by the pastors/elders and have a convincing profession and lifestyle. In this event it’s not an easy dismissal. After speaking one on one for a while, the next step to confront disobedience is to bring a witness or two, then tell the church, and then finally to treat him as an unbeliever (Matt. 18:15-18). This is how counseling can often transition into church discipline. In 2 Thessalonians 3:14 Paul says that believers should “take special note” of those who do not obey godly instruction and to “not associate with him, so that he will be put to shame”. This is in regards to blatant, consistent disobedience after following the many steps recorded in Matthew 18. In most counseling cases, a person is simply hardening his/her neck or not a believer. In these cases you dismiss the sessions gracefully, kindly, and lovingly but always stand ready and prepared to help them should the Holy Spirit move them. It is important to make sure that they clearly understand the Gospel in detail, can even recite it thoroughly, and are left with some strong warnings to chew on – Prov. 13:15, Prov. 29:1, and John 12:48.
Perhaps best illustrated by Randy Patten’s counseling of “Trey and Deb” in the DVD series, “Biblical Counseling Observation”, believers that show growth can move on from their counselor’s care (unlike worldly counsel). These DVDs show the 1st, 2nd, and 11th session. The transition is so palpable that it is clear at the end they have been transformed into different people. Their body language, public prayer, Scripture memory, professions of growth, and verbal thankfulness to God are all clear in the last session. They depict how “the one who is taught the word is to share all good things with the one who teaches him” (Gal. 6:6). They have matured “to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ” (Eph. 4:13). They evidenced fruit in their life with church activity, love and good deeds, trust in God, and pursuit of church membership and accountability. They did not demonstrate perfection but a desire to pursue all things to the glory of God. This is the point at which believers can be trusted to the One who will indeed perfect them “until the day of Christ Jesus” (Phil. 1:6).
[1] See responses to Theology questions Soteriology # 2 and 3 and Pneumatology # 1, 2, and 3.
[2] Jim Newheiser, The Basics of Biblical Counseling syllabus, p. 9
24. Is there any place in biblical counseling for casting out demons? In your answer, include your position on demonic activity in the post-apostolic era and the biblical methodology of dealing with it.
Demons
were cast out by our Lord while He was here on earth. When Jesus cast the demons named “Legion” into the “herd of many swine” he did it so that the man would return home and
glorify God (Luke 8:30, 32, 39). Jesus
also healed “many who were
demon-possessed; and He cast out the spirits with a word… to fulfill what was
spoken through Isaiah the prophet…” (Matt. 8:16-17). Jesus cast out demons in this case to fulfill
and validate Isaiah’s prophecies and to show Himself to be the Christ. He healed a woman’s demon-possessed daughter
on the basis of her great faith to show grace (Matt. 15:22, 28). Jesus also healed a man’s son and used it as
a lesson to teach the disciples about the littleness of their faith (Matt.
17:15, 18, 20). While there are many
other reasons the Lord may have cast out demons it is important to focus on
this example for one moment. The
disciples “could not cure” the man’s son on their own (v.
16). This is important to note as we
transition into the post-apostolic era.
Many people see “exercising the demons” or “laying on of hands to remove a demon” and they believe it either because it seems convincing, everyone around them believes it, and/or it resembles the book of Acts. Paul was empowered to heal sickness, diseases, and evil spirits (Acts 16:16-18, 19:11-12). Peter healed “people who were sick or afflicted with unclean spirits” (Acts 5:16). Philip was used to heal “many who had unclean spirits” (Acts 8:7). But keep in mind that these men were not able to do this earlier. This leads people to two conclusions about casting of demons. One, it was once they received the Holy Spirit that they were able to do such miracles and in today’s time those with the Holy Spirit can continue to do such works if they have great faith and know how to exercise it. Two, they were enabled to do it by the Holy Spirit but only so that they could glorify God during the short time of gifts to spread the message of Jesus Christ. Remember that Jesus’ motives were mainly to glorify the Father, demonstrate His deity, and reward faith. He used his apostles for the short time of the church building days for the same reasons because there were not many believers. Tongues, miracles, and prophecy have already been addressed as having been for this temporary season of church growth only.[1] I believe that those who performed such miracles were only gifted to do so during this current time to show the truth, power, and testimony of Jesus (same with prophecy, miracles, and tongues).
It is clear that Satan and his demons are still active, looking to destroy us, and seeking opportunities to get a foothold (1 Pet. 5:8, Eph. 4:26-27). He is still in power on this earth (1 Pet. 5:8) holding natural man captive to do his will (2 Tim. 2:26). He is “powerful but the mighty Counselor, under whom the Christian counselor serves, has subdued him.”[2] Christians need not be afraid of Satanic or demonic influences because Jesus has already won (John 16:33). In fact, Christians are filled by the Holy Spirit and cannot have a demon. They must be reminded that they are on the winning side. They must never be allowed to shift the blame of their sin on Satan. Though he is a tempter, we are responsible for what we do. Our sin is not his fault and God still sovereignly reigns over him. For those that are suffering satanic strongholds and influences the greatest thing that can be done for them is to pray for them and teach them that the Gospel saves (Rom. 1:16). Our job is not to act like God. The apostles were commanded to for a short time but only to build the Church. God is perfectly capable of casting out demons and does not need us to act as though we can. The link at the bottom of this page is an article of how faithful Christians prayed to God to remove the demonic activity in a Satanist.[3] Though this is not normal counseling-practice, it is evidence that God (not man) is still involved in casting out demons, that they are very real, and that God doesn’t need us to do more than pray and preach.
[1] See response to Theology question Bibliology #5.
[2] Jay Adams, Christian Counselor’s Manual, p. 130.
[3] The Master’s Seminary Journal, Dividend, http://us1.campaign-archive1.com/?u=5b07b4f34d780418c46cd4231&id=098c84164f&e=864fc2aa7c
Many people see “exercising the demons” or “laying on of hands to remove a demon” and they believe it either because it seems convincing, everyone around them believes it, and/or it resembles the book of Acts. Paul was empowered to heal sickness, diseases, and evil spirits (Acts 16:16-18, 19:11-12). Peter healed “people who were sick or afflicted with unclean spirits” (Acts 5:16). Philip was used to heal “many who had unclean spirits” (Acts 8:7). But keep in mind that these men were not able to do this earlier. This leads people to two conclusions about casting of demons. One, it was once they received the Holy Spirit that they were able to do such miracles and in today’s time those with the Holy Spirit can continue to do such works if they have great faith and know how to exercise it. Two, they were enabled to do it by the Holy Spirit but only so that they could glorify God during the short time of gifts to spread the message of Jesus Christ. Remember that Jesus’ motives were mainly to glorify the Father, demonstrate His deity, and reward faith. He used his apostles for the short time of the church building days for the same reasons because there were not many believers. Tongues, miracles, and prophecy have already been addressed as having been for this temporary season of church growth only.[1] I believe that those who performed such miracles were only gifted to do so during this current time to show the truth, power, and testimony of Jesus (same with prophecy, miracles, and tongues).
It is clear that Satan and his demons are still active, looking to destroy us, and seeking opportunities to get a foothold (1 Pet. 5:8, Eph. 4:26-27). He is still in power on this earth (1 Pet. 5:8) holding natural man captive to do his will (2 Tim. 2:26). He is “powerful but the mighty Counselor, under whom the Christian counselor serves, has subdued him.”[2] Christians need not be afraid of Satanic or demonic influences because Jesus has already won (John 16:33). In fact, Christians are filled by the Holy Spirit and cannot have a demon. They must be reminded that they are on the winning side. They must never be allowed to shift the blame of their sin on Satan. Though he is a tempter, we are responsible for what we do. Our sin is not his fault and God still sovereignly reigns over him. For those that are suffering satanic strongholds and influences the greatest thing that can be done for them is to pray for them and teach them that the Gospel saves (Rom. 1:16). Our job is not to act like God. The apostles were commanded to for a short time but only to build the Church. God is perfectly capable of casting out demons and does not need us to act as though we can. The link at the bottom of this page is an article of how faithful Christians prayed to God to remove the demonic activity in a Satanist.[3] Though this is not normal counseling-practice, it is evidence that God (not man) is still involved in casting out demons, that they are very real, and that God doesn’t need us to do more than pray and preach.
[1] See response to Theology question Bibliology #5.
[2] Jay Adams, Christian Counselor’s Manual, p. 130.
[3] The Master’s Seminary Journal, Dividend, http://us1.campaign-archive1.com/?u=5b07b4f34d780418c46cd4231&id=098c84164f&e=864fc2aa7c