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…

[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!

[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.

[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.

[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.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read as part of my Intro to Biblical Counseling class at college

[Justin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jay E. Adams’ pamphlet (32 pages) offers up some incredibly useful reminders for those of us going through various trials. “Christ and Your Problems” is a perfect title. The book focuses almost exclusively on 1 Cor. 10:13. I found six principles in this book, which Adams doesn’t number as such, however they are clear and I think most readers would agree. The big idea in the book is that: Christ is the answer to all of our problems. Okay, no surprise there. At least, for any of us “Christians” who’ve been around the block a time or two. But, there is something fresh and helpful about being reminded of this fact.

This reviewer found some really good nuggets packed firmly in this book and its primary text. Here are two examples (I would highly recommend getting your hands on the book for the rest):

Number 1. Personal responsibility, over against what Adams calls the “Freudian ethic of irresponsibility” - basically blame-shifting. Blaming our sinful behavior on someone else. The devil made me do it or I was born this way or, fill in the blank. We all have our ways of deflecting responsibility onto someone or something else. Here Adams say NO. According to 1 Cor. 10:13, you have to take personal responsibility towards God for your own sins and you have to take personal responsibility in how you handle your own sins. Until we can do that, there is no hope of overcoming our problems. So, right off the bat, Adams asks: What are you doing about your situation? Are you merely blaming someone else and therefore remaining in your sin and misery? Or are you taking personal responsibility towards God? Acknowledging, confessing, and trusting in Him alone, apart from whom there is no hope of healing.

Number 2. Helping One Another. If all of our trials are common to all men in all times and all places, then surely we can find someone to help us. Someone who’s been there, done that, and got the t-shirt. Someone whom we can look up to as a stronger and more mature Christian. Someone to model our life after. (As I write this, I can think of a handful of such friends.) This is one of the greatest blessings of Christian fellowship. (Cf. Gal. 6:2) However, Adams rightly points out that such practices are rarely, if ever, practiced in our churches. SHAME ON US! Adams writes, “Where are the church’s works today? Where is the power and authority of Christ? When we return to the mutual works of building up one another in our faith, we shall know! Christian, in the Name of Jesus Christ your Lord, go help another today.”

This is just a taste of the savory nuggets this little book has to offer. I would encourage you to pick up a copy today. You won’t be disappointed. Tolle lege!

[Athena Deck · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can see why this booklet was helpful in the past and with older generations, but there is so much of it that is not presented in a relevant way to the post modern generation. I am glad that I read it, partially for historical reasons. The Scripture that is used is definitely still relevant, but the attacks on psychiatry are no longer up to date (most people aren't preaching Freud's beliefs directly and shock therapy isn't as common). However there are newer ways that psychiatry is off the path. At points it was hard to figure out to whom he was writing. Someone struggling personally? A pastor who wasn't sure if the Bible is relevant concerning counsel? It felt a bit all over the place.
I loved the way Scripture was presented and used, but the rest I had to translate and update to follow along for myself.

[Dan Glover · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a brief but solid tract on why Scripture, the indwelling Holy Spirit, the encouragement of the church, the counsel of a pastor or elder, the love of God the Father and the redeeming work of Christ are all a Christian needs to deal with problems and issues in their life. Trying to add modern psychology or self-help programs to the tools God supplies will only subtract from a Christian's toolbox.

[Felisha Sandifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this book to read and at first I thought oh what a cute little pamphlet... This will go quickly. Boy was I wrong! This book rocked me on my heels more than a few times but in that loving and firm way God does so perfectly. If you are in victim mode beware as you will find no rest for your whining. I've read it a few times and know I will read it many many more. This is what I call a forever book.

[Shaun Marksbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished a re-read of this booklet, and it is a must have for counselors and counselees alike. It exposits 1 Corinthians 10:13, "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." We use it at the jail with inmates - concise and to the point.

[Eowyn Dean]

Great for handing out to people when talking through stuff isn't helping. Sometimes people don't want to change—they just want a sympathetic ear. If that's the case, a book will stop it short, and maybe jolt them out of that rut.

[Michael Dionne]

Timely, helpful reflections from 1 Corinthians 10:13. A strong exhortation to the believer who has become self-absorbed in his or her problems, to see God's sovereignty in each and every situation and to cling to the opportunity to reflect Christ in the midst of trial.

[Chris Huff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great little booklet that gives hope to anyone struggling with sin.