The foundation of Scope’s counseling rests on the belief that, in order to address people’s emotional problems, the Bible is "sufficient." To understand what we mean by "sufficiency", we look at three
areas:
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the definition of
sufficiency
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the implications of
sufficiency
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the parameters of sufficiency (what it does not
mean)
Definition:
"As much as is needed, . . . equal to what is specified or required, . . . enough" (American Heritage Dictionary). We are saying that the Scripture is enough and equal to what is required for man to live. When we are applying God’s Word faithfully, systematically, and accurately to all areas of life, there will be no void, no
lack.
Implications:
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Scripture is a necessary and essential component of life. We cannot live as God intends us to without it. We cannot counsel as God intends us to without it.
But He answered and said, "It is written, ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.’" Matthew
4:4
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No one understands and knows man like God does. Only God can tell us who we really are, what we really need, and how we are to live.
Seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. For by
this He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, in order that by them you might become partakers of the divine
nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust. 2 Peter 1:3-4
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Biblical counseling is designed to lead a person in the process of increasingly seeing life through the eyes of God. The Bible is the only source available to man which claims to give us God’s vision for our
lives.
All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
(Romans 12:2, Hebrews 4:12, Psalm 19:7-10, 119:93, 105, 130)
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Parameters:
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We do not believe in "bibliolatry", the worship of the Bible. The Bible is sufficient because it is inspired by God, illuminated by God, and points to God. Scripture is sufficient because of whom it points us to.
You search the Scriptures, because you think in them you have eternal life, and it is these that bear witness of Me; and you are unwilling to come to Me that you may have life. John 5: 39-40
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Scripture is not everything. It does not tell us how to build a house, fly a plane, or fill out a tax form. It does tell us to be diligent in our work and to pay our taxes and debts. Scripture gives us principles for how we are to do all things in a godly manner.
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Scripture is not exhaustive in detail as it relates to science, art, government, politics, education, and even counseling. There are many details of research, observation, and science which may sharpen a picture for us, but they are not essential to counseling. They may be interesting and have some value, but are not vital. This information does not have the power to change, protect, comfort, or save a person.
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This teaching is a summary of lesson two of Pneumanetics. Pneumanetics is the philosophy or model on which we base our biblical counseling. It is a course to train Christians in ministering to others. For more information regarding fleeing temptation and walking in the power of the Spirit, see the following Scope resources: "Lesson 5: Living by the Spirit" in Scope’s Discovery Group Study Series,
"Be Transformed"; Session 5, "Experiencing My New Identity in Christ," and Session 12, "Spiritual Warfare," in Scope’s Biblical counseling training manual and audio tapes,
Pneumanetics; and Jim Craddock’s booklet series, "Candidate for a Miracle."
© 1973, 1998, 1999 Scope Ministries International, Inc.
Jim Craddock, Founder and President Emeritus
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