Christ and Your Problems

by Jay E. Adams

Adams explores the Bible’s method for dealing with problems and difficulties. Showing first that your problems are not unique, he offers genuine hope based on God’s promise in 1 Corinthians 10:13. Readers will gain the courage needed to take responsible action, knowing that a real solution can be found in God’s way.

Genres: Counselling, Christian, Christian Living, Theology, Nonfiction

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1971

About the author

Jay Edward Adams is a Reformed Christian author. He has written over 100 books and these have been published in sixteen languages.
He received a Bachelor of Divinity from Reformed Episcopal Seminary, a Bachelor of Arts in Classics from Johns Hopkins University,a Masters in Sacred Theology from Temple University, and a PhD in Speech from the University of Missouri.
Adams' book Competent to Counsel launched the nouthetic counseling movement, a movement whose aim was to use strictly biblical counseling methods. He is the founder of the Intitute for Nothetic Studies.

Reviews

[Danny Pelichowski · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve read quite a bit of Adams and this is classic Adams with his sharp edges to drive home his point which is usually helpful in longer formats addressing counseling topics at length, but I found this short resource imbalanced so It would not be the best place to start with Adams in my estimation.

This booklet presses hard in the direction of God’s provisions for us to actually change (which is great) and have hope with the Word, Christian community, and the Holy Spirt, but it is altogether silent about the “elephant” in the room… and although I agree that God gives us hope and resources and a way forward, we also have this rather frustrating reality of living in a fallen world with suffering bearing down on many hurting and struggling people from all sides (the sins of others, sickness, other physical maladies etc), and not to mention, the fact that we are not free from the flesh that remains even after conversion…

Furthermore, this short 30 page resource can almost read as a kind of “name it, claim it” proclamation that “I have all the resources I need,” “I don’t have to sin,” and “I’m all set” kind of a feel… all the while, the “elephant” in the room is that none of us will perfectly make use of these means this side of heaven due to sin and the flesh, so we can claim victory all day long, but that’s not going to change the fact that we will not be able to attain what we desire this side of heaven which is what the very mature Christian and apostle Paul teaches us in his lament in Romans 7.

Adams is more balanced in longer books, but this short pamphlet leaves a very important area untouched in dealing with problems; namely, the existence of our problems (the flesh), the duration of our problems (until death), and the inability of dealing with our problems perfectly (- Rom 7… hence, the need for continual humility, repentance when failing, and continual vigilance to put to death sin and failure that is actually there - Rom 8)… Therefore, I’d probably utilize other short resources for homework because this introduction to Adams on our problems leaves out these key aspects of our sin and problems…

[Andrew Wilcox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great exposition and application of 1 Corinthians 10:13 for every Christian who is experiencing problems.

[Shawn Paterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gospel pep-talk.

[Jessica Reisner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic explanation of 1 Corinthians 10:13! Love this: “So, Christian, throw off excuses, stop shifting blame to others, and instead, by the power of God’s Spirit, ‘walk in a manner worthy of the calling wherewith you have been called.’”
Stop submitting to sin and be faithful to what God tells us via His Word.
Love Jay Adam’s writings! I get the Jesus sandal slapped in my face every time! Wake up, Christian.

[Merri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short but powerful

[Brenden Wentworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A helpful booklet on the power of God’s providence behind the issues we face as fallen creatures,
as well as reminding us that God’s brings trials to shape us and we are called to bear under it and wait for His plan to unfold!

[Andrew Flores · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super quick read extracting tons of practical meaning from 1 Corinthians 10:13

[Abbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful for counselors, but too cookie cutter to give to someone suffering.

Just walking through 1 Cor. 10:13 is enough: You are not alone, God is faithful, you are not stuck, He will help you endure.

[Eric Durso · Rating 4 out of 5]

30 pages. If you're a pastor, stock up on these. Hope for struggling sinners.

[Jon Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

The principle that stood out to me most regarding this booklet was the idea of “hope.” There is hope in the message of Christianity no matter what the circumstance. 1 Cor. 10:13 guarantees that no matter what the temptation, God has always made a “way of escape.” Dr. Adams emphasizes this concept for a good reason. Often times when counselees are looking for help, they are skeptical as to whether that help actually exists simply because of modern psychology. Modern psychology, according to Adams, has left so many without real answers, that by the time they come in for “Christian” counseling, they are on the verge of giving up. What they need is hope (i.e. “encourage the fainthearted” and “help the weak”). Another implication of the 1 Cor. 13 passage is that it takes away the excuse of men and women who like to play the blame game and/or put up the white flag. Saying “I can’t!” is not an option for any believer. We can, because God has told us that “He is faithful.” If we submit to defeat we are calling Him a liar. Dr. Adam’s solution to the “can’t” problem is by replacing it with “can.” He writes:

“Christian wife, your home can be different. Young man, you can help your behavior when you are out alone with girls. Businessman, you can meet that irate customer tomorrow. Shut-in, you can overcome the feeling of loneliness and uselessness that seems to be driving you to despair.”

He goes on to say, “Whatever the problem, through Jesus Christ, you can.” And I concur.

[Kayla Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, classic Biblical counseling booklet. Appropriate particularly for the time in which Adams was writing and the problems he was trying to address when “refer and defer” was very popular pastoral training. Great booklet to address sin issues, a little imbalanced for those picking up the booklet primarily as sufferers. Reading it reminds me of what I love most about Biblical counseling, certainty, founded upon God that cannot be taken away. Adams hits home on this when he reflects on 1 Corinthians 10:13, “Don’t you see that the answer to all your questions lies in those three solid words that are embedded in the heart of this gracious promise, these words, ‘God is faithful’? Those are words of certainty. And it is on this granite-like foundation that the hope of which I have been speaking rests. This is the promise of GOD, you can count on it.” Adams is quick to point to God and encourage the soul to rest in the simplicity of His good promises. Refreshing to remember.

[Charlene Hios · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perhaps I allowed my expectations to be too high. All references I saw regarding this booklet were ones in which a couselor gave it to a counselee.

If I were the counselee I would have thrown it away as it is painfully hard to understand the author's connections to the scripture reference of 1 Corinthians 10:13.

I will come back at another time to read it once more, but for now, I will not be handing out any copies to those I counsel.

[Ken Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you have problems that seem to great to bear? Do you wonder if there is any way of of the mess you are in? This helpful booklet was written to put such problem cases into perspective. Showing first that no one's problems are unique, Jay Adams offers genuine hope based on God's promise in 1 Corinthians 10:13.

Readers will gain the courage needed to take responsible action, knowing that a real solution is there to be found in God's way.

[Tingting Zhang · Rating 5 out of 5]

A small booklet but full of truth, very applicable to life.
Jay Adams did an excellent job explaining 1 Corinthians 10:13 to life problems Christians will face in this side of Heaven. God is faithful and his promises are true.

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty Good
Adam's uses 1 Cor. 10:13 to remind people that no matter what their problem with sin may be, God has offered a way through it that pleases Him and that God will not task us with what we cannot handle. Adams reminds us that in order to escape the trial we must commit to meeting the problem God's way and take responsibility for our sinful actions.

[Troy Nevitt · Rating 3 out of 5]

A really helpful book for people helping others. I wouldn't give this book to the one that's struggling through their problems. This book is geared to the helper rather than the one being helped. I feel that there are much better resources by Adams, but this isn't too bad.

[Matt Veilleux · Rating 4 out of 5]

Essentially an in-depth study of 1 Corinthians 10:13. Honestly a great assessment of how you are called to face your problems as a Christian. Think this highlights the positives of counseling from a nouthetic perspective.

[Doug · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful little booklet that explains how the Bible relates to many things that people struggle with. Excellent. If you struggle with relationships, temptations, concerns about the future, self-control, this booklet will give you hope that there is an answer.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great pamphlet. I think Adams is often misunderstood and malgined. Obviously there's a little more nuance at times when discussing emotional and mental health. However, I appreciate Adams' appreciation of the Scripture and desire to see it honoured in its application in people's lives.

[Alan Yau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Concise booklet on 1 Corinthians 10:13, with helpful illustrations.

[Hailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

An precious jewel of a read. So helpful, so encouraging. Just a beautiful and applicable description of the hope we have in Christ Jesus. I’ll be getting a small stack of these little mini books.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very hopeful. On 1 Corinthians 10:13.

[Torill Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book to take responsibility for your own problems (sin). Good place to start with Christian counseling.

[Joel Eckles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Refreshing, convicting and practical. Jay Adams highlights the importance of implementing Biblical truths in daily life and decisions.

[Peyton Berry · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book misses the mark if intended for someone who is currently struggling. It seems a bit more relevant if geared towards Pastors or Biblical counselors who are helping people struggling.

[Caroline Carwile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only 15 pages long yet this may be the most impactful book I have ever read.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short, concise, good read for unpacking 1 Corinthians 10:13 to our problems.

[Sophia Sowers · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful representation of love God has for us!!

[Travis Daggett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Per usual for Jay Adams.

[Robin Matos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only 30 pages. Short book. Great read. Probably one of the best books I have ever read. Great to have it handy for those "interesting" seasons of life.