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Resources for Biblical Living
Problems: Solving Them God’s Way
Problems usually mean trouble. Yes. That’s the way it is, and has been, ever since Adam and Eve wrongly handled a question someone raised about God’s Word and his intentions. That was the world’s first problem―how should we believe and act upon this new thought that has been introduced into our minds? Should we obey our Creator? Or should we . . .? You know the rest . . . As the result of their answer, we now have problems with ourselves, with other people, with God, with ideas, with things―life was not intended to be so full of problems, but now it is, so how do we deal with them?
- GenresCounselling
32 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2009
1 person is currently reading
34 people want to read
About the author
Jay E. Adams
229 books144 followersJay 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
February 16, 2022
In this very helpful booklet from the "Resources For Biblical Living" series, Adams takes on the topic of "Problems". No one is immune to problems. We could say that one thing we all have in common is that we experience problems. So it is, that Jay Adams takes this one issue head on. He starts out by making the point that problem solving is really a part of life. We live in a broken, fallen world. In that kind of location for existence, we experience problems. The Christian is not the exception, but the Christian has a whole different approach to problem solving...or at least he should. Adams makes the point that Christians have every reason to be happy people who are well adjusted to ordinary life problems, problems that they "do not find to be irksome, but rather a joy to be able to face in a world that God has made and enables them to enjoy." To be sure, there are problems that we can never in this life solve. God can provide solutions to those but God alone. One must make a distinction between problems that can be solved and problems that must be entrusted the hands of a sovereign, loving God. It does one no good to avoid solving problems. Yet there are some who do just that. Abdicate your responsibility to resolve problems and others will seek to solve them for you, but they do so, says Adams, by restricting, over medicating, destroying brain cells through shock therapy, or by inflicting dozens of other insults upon the body of the one who avoids problem solving an relies exclusively upon others.
Adams focuses the bulk of this booklet on problems we must solve. These are problems that we either bring upon ourselves or problems that are thrust upon us. Honest, humble people will readily admit that most of their problems are ones that they bring upon themself. Adams challenges the reader to take responsibility and use God's means of dealing with problems that are self-induced or other-induced. God gives answers to both. Adams makes it clear that believers are not solo in their problem solving, but instead, are inextricably tied to God in this endeavor, and he challenges the reader to not attempt to solve problems on his own. Work with God. Turn to God. Ask God to help you. In solving problems, one must, absolutely must turn to the Word of God where God has provided specific counsel to help one deal with his/her problems. Adams gets very practical and narrows the book down to specifics. He uses two specific examples of individuals who have a problem in their life. One person battles lustful thoughts. The other battles the sin of gossip. After introducing the two persons, the author then shows what problem solving would look like in his and her life. It's a very helpful section of the booklet.
Last, Adams challenges the reader to think through the issue of commitment to truly change. Change doesn't happen overnight, nor does change happen by accident. There is specific intentionality that must be activated in this. Adams challenges the reader to: 1) Know what you're getting into; 2) Have a desire to do whatever is required; 3) Have what it takes to pull it off; 4) Lay out a plan for doing what needs to be done; and 5) Do what has been planned. Adams encourages the reader to consider that dealing with problems takes time so enter the battle with realistic expectations.
As a whole, I think this booklet is very insightful and provides some helpful directives for working on problems. In a busy world, perhaps many who read this would find it just what the doctor ordered in dealing with the ever-present problems we face.
Adams focuses the bulk of this booklet on problems we must solve. These are problems that we either bring upon ourselves or problems that are thrust upon us. Honest, humble people will readily admit that most of their problems are ones that they bring upon themself. Adams challenges the reader to take responsibility and use God's means of dealing with problems that are self-induced or other-induced. God gives answers to both. Adams makes it clear that believers are not solo in their problem solving, but instead, are inextricably tied to God in this endeavor, and he challenges the reader to not attempt to solve problems on his own. Work with God. Turn to God. Ask God to help you. In solving problems, one must, absolutely must turn to the Word of God where God has provided specific counsel to help one deal with his/her problems. Adams gets very practical and narrows the book down to specifics. He uses two specific examples of individuals who have a problem in their life. One person battles lustful thoughts. The other battles the sin of gossip. After introducing the two persons, the author then shows what problem solving would look like in his and her life. It's a very helpful section of the booklet.
Last, Adams challenges the reader to think through the issue of commitment to truly change. Change doesn't happen overnight, nor does change happen by accident. There is specific intentionality that must be activated in this. Adams challenges the reader to: 1) Know what you're getting into; 2) Have a desire to do whatever is required; 3) Have what it takes to pull it off; 4) Lay out a plan for doing what needs to be done; and 5) Do what has been planned. Adams encourages the reader to consider that dealing with problems takes time so enter the battle with realistic expectations.
As a whole, I think this booklet is very insightful and provides some helpful directives for working on problems. In a busy world, perhaps many who read this would find it just what the doctor ordered in dealing with the ever-present problems we face.
June 6, 2023
"Problems", written by Jay E. Adams, focuses on the Christian approach to solving personal problems. It outlines a methodology known as nouthetic counselling, which emphasizes the authority and sufficiency of the Bible in addressing psychological and emotional issues.
Book Summary:
1. Introduction: Adams begins by establishing the importance of understanding and addressing personal problems from a biblical perspective. He highlights the need for Christians to engage in counselling grounded in God's Word and directed by His principles.
2. The Sufficiency of Scripture: Adams argues that the Bible is sufficient to address all the problems individuals face. He emphasizes that Scripture provides comprehensive guidance for all areas of life, including personal struggles, and should be the primary resource for counselling.
3. The Problem: In this section, Adams examines the nature and origin of personal problems. He asserts that problems primarily result from disobedience to God's commands and stem from sin and its consequences.
Adams has a helpful Eight Step Procedure in Tackling Problems:
1. Define your problem in biblical language (avoid contemporary jargon).
2. Learn the location of those passages of Scripture that pertain to your problem so that you are able to find them at once when needed.
3. Take time to interpret carefully the meaning and purposes for which each of these passages was given (using substantive helps such as Bible dictionaries and commentaries).
4. Discover the general or specific principles learned from this study of Scripture and how each of these applies to your problem.
5. Before the problem occurs or recurs, consider how each passage generally directs you to think or act when faced with the problem to which it refers.
6. Ahead of time, determine how the principles in the passage may be applied in concrete ways to each problem that you encounter.
7. Resolve to do whatever it is you learned from your study that God wants you to do about the problem.
8. Ask God to help you carry out your resolve. Then do it.
4. The Solution: Adams outlines the solution to personal problems as a process of repentance, forgiveness, and obedience to God's Word. He emphasizes the need for individuals to take responsibility for their actions and turn to the Lord for guidance and transformation.
5. Counseling Techniques: Adams introduces the principles and techniques of nouthetic counselling. He emphasizes the importance of direct confrontation and using Scripture to challenge and correct sinful behaviour. He encourages counsellors to be compassionate yet firm and to guide individuals towards biblical solutions.
6. The Goal: Adams discusses the ultimate goal of counselling: to conform individuals with God's Word. He emphasizes that the focus should not be on symptom relief alone but on genuine heart transformation and obedience to biblical principles.
Adams encourages Christians to embrace the biblical approach to counselling and to actively engage in helping others overcome their problems. He emphasizes the power of God's Word to transform lives and the importance of a community that supports and encourages individuals in their journey towards wholeness.
Book Summary:
1. Introduction: Adams begins by establishing the importance of understanding and addressing personal problems from a biblical perspective. He highlights the need for Christians to engage in counselling grounded in God's Word and directed by His principles.
2. The Sufficiency of Scripture: Adams argues that the Bible is sufficient to address all the problems individuals face. He emphasizes that Scripture provides comprehensive guidance for all areas of life, including personal struggles, and should be the primary resource for counselling.
3. The Problem: In this section, Adams examines the nature and origin of personal problems. He asserts that problems primarily result from disobedience to God's commands and stem from sin and its consequences.
Adams has a helpful Eight Step Procedure in Tackling Problems:
1. Define your problem in biblical language (avoid contemporary jargon).
2. Learn the location of those passages of Scripture that pertain to your problem so that you are able to find them at once when needed.
3. Take time to interpret carefully the meaning and purposes for which each of these passages was given (using substantive helps such as Bible dictionaries and commentaries).
4. Discover the general or specific principles learned from this study of Scripture and how each of these applies to your problem.
5. Before the problem occurs or recurs, consider how each passage generally directs you to think or act when faced with the problem to which it refers.
6. Ahead of time, determine how the principles in the passage may be applied in concrete ways to each problem that you encounter.
7. Resolve to do whatever it is you learned from your study that God wants you to do about the problem.
8. Ask God to help you carry out your resolve. Then do it.
4. The Solution: Adams outlines the solution to personal problems as a process of repentance, forgiveness, and obedience to God's Word. He emphasizes the need for individuals to take responsibility for their actions and turn to the Lord for guidance and transformation.
5. Counseling Techniques: Adams introduces the principles and techniques of nouthetic counselling. He emphasizes the importance of direct confrontation and using Scripture to challenge and correct sinful behaviour. He encourages counsellors to be compassionate yet firm and to guide individuals towards biblical solutions.
6. The Goal: Adams discusses the ultimate goal of counselling: to conform individuals with God's Word. He emphasizes that the focus should not be on symptom relief alone but on genuine heart transformation and obedience to biblical principles.
Adams encourages Christians to embrace the biblical approach to counselling and to actively engage in helping others overcome their problems. He emphasizes the power of God's Word to transform lives and the importance of a community that supports and encourages individuals in their journey towards wholeness.
November 29, 2015
This is a short booklet ideal for Pastors counseling a member in his congregation. I enjoyed this booklet since it lays out the principles for dealing with problems in general; there are place for specialize books and booklets for counseling but sometimes it is important to step back and ask what are sound biblical principles for various situations. To that end I appreciated this book since the author Jay Adams provides an eight point procedure in addressing issues. These are God-centered and practical. He gave a few examples of the eight point procedure being applied to concrete examples. The biggest take away for me was how Jay Adams taught that there are problems we are meant to solve and other problems that are beyond our control and are not meant for us to solve. This was helpful. Equally helpful was the booklet making the distinction between the two kinds of problems we are supposed to solve: Those that we brought upon ourselves and those that was thrust upon us. This would be a good book to have a counselee go through in working on the bigger issue of problem solving and not just a specific problem.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews