Part IV of IV, in a series for counselors on spiritual formation.

The Holy Spirit, in the original language of the Bible, was referred to as Paraclet, which has been translated in English as comforter, helper, advocate and counselor. The pastoral counselor has much to learn from the Holy Spirit. There are many implications of the Spirits initial work of regeneration and continued work of sanctification.

First, in their initial ministerial calling, by equipping and preparing them to perform in such a ministry. Following regeneration, an individual may for the first time in their life realize they are part of the body of Christ (1 Corin 12:27) and the Church (1 Peter 2:5). As a part of the body, the individual may begin to seek the Spirits counsel for how they are to serve, and participate in ministry. The Spirit may begin working in their heart, and allow them to realize how He has been preparing them and equipping and gifting them for a counseling ministry throughout their life. Now with their spiritual eyes opened, they may begin to see the hope of God, which they can then share (Eph. 1:18). An individual with a testimony of overcoming any number of difficulties following regeneration, immediately has the opportunity to embrace their divine relevancy as the Spirit shows them how, where and whom to serve.

Second, throughout their process of sanctification, by growing in grace and knowledge, to maturity in Christ, they may learn to effectively counsel His word. They do not need specialized training in ministry as much as they need sanctification. As the Spirit sanctifies, the counselor matures in Christ (2 Peter 3:18). He gives them spiritual knowledge, and helps them understand spiritual things (John 14:26). In so doing, the counselor continues to be sanctified, and dig deeper and deeper into Gods endless goodness, only to have more revealed, and so on and so forth. As a counselor, the Holy Spirit opens up scripture (which He inspired) as the core source of wisdom which can is made available for teaching, training reproof and correction (2 Tim. 3:16). He brings God’s written word to life, to bring forth life. He gives the counselor the wisdom to properly counsel through the Holy Scripture.

Third, the process of sanctification is seen through the counselor’s increased spiritual discernment and the sensitivity to follow His leading as he or she may give counsel. As the counselor engages with care seekers, the Holy Spirits continuous work of sanctification provides the always increasing ability to be sensitive to and to be led by the Spirit, and to believe that He is doing the same in the counselee. Through His continual leading, and our continued cooperation, we reach maximum effectiveness as we become more like Christ.

A mentor once said it to me like this: “With His guidance and empowerment, we are to pull away from attitudes and behaviors that are unlike Christ… to live lifestyles characterized by holiness and Christ like love.”

Through the Holy Spirit, counselors draw close to and become more like Christ. No one person has ever been as compassionate and loving as Christ, nor has any one person ever been so lead by the Spirit. These things go hand in hand. The counselor who seeks to be obedient to the Holy Spirits leading will allow the Spirit into every aspect and part of the life. This includes the whole sum of the counsel, and what they do or say in the course of helping others. They then in turn learn how to lead another in the cooperation of the Spirits process of sanctification. They help them live a life that seeks God’s holiness and righteousness, by examining, counseling and applying Gods truth and wisdom through the Scripture.

Counselors who realize this work of the Spirit, also recognize that those they help are on unique journeys, and that it is the Spirit who leads where we follow (counselor and counselee alike).

The Spirit cannot be forced. Counselors cannot force someone to regeneration, to new birth. The counselor can only present the truth of Scripture and message of the Gospel, the Spirit must do a work in the heart of the sinner. Further, Counselors cannot force progress. A person made be interceded for in prayer (1 Timothy 2:1, Romans 10:1). Counselors can even hope and pray for increased sanctification in the life of a believer (Phill. 1:9-11). Yet John 3:8 gives clear indication that the Spirit moves freely, as He wishes to accomplish His tasks. As such, counselors must have patience upon patience, especially for people in need of help.

Regeneration and sanctification are works completed by the Holy Spirit. No one can come to belief apart from the Holy Spirit’s work of regeneration. The sum of all answers apart from God will not solve the sinner’s death apart from regeneration. This is the crucial component of biblical counsel: sanctification does not occur until after regeneration. There is no practical use of scripture and prayer in the life of an individual who denies the Spirit with their heart of stone.

Thankfully, God is gracious and merciful, and His Spirit, which moves like the wind, goes about the whole Earth bringing the dead to life. Many will seek and provide His Counsel with others. He has promised to sanctify (Ezekiel 36:26-27) and ready His bride for the return of Christ (Rev. 19:8). Though all will not be professional counselors, all should participate in the work of ministry as He has gifted them. This does require the cooperation of the counselor, to grow and be made more like Christ, to be of greater service in ministry. The Counselor must be filled by the Spirit, and remain in step with Him, avoiding behaviors and a lifestyle that quench or stifle His power.