Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands

"The Bible says that our core problem, the fundamental reason we do what we do, is sin. What is being said here? Scripture is defining sin as a condition that results in behavior. We all are sinners, and because of this, we all do sinful things. This is why I said that our core problem precedes our experience. David captured it well in Psalm 51: "Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me" (v. 5). David is saying, "I was born with a fundamental problem. I had it long before my first experience. Something is wrong with my inner self that fundamentally affects the way I operate as a human being." This has thunderous implications. Because sin is in my nature as a human being, it is inescapable. It marks everything I think, say, and do. It will guide my cravings, my response to authority, and my decision making. It will alter my values, direct my hopes and dreams, and shape every interpretation I make. [...]
The good news of the kingdom [of God] is not freedom from hardship, suffering, and loss. It is the news of a Redeemer who has come to rescue me from myself. He rescue produces change that fundamentally alters my response to these inescapable realities. The Redeemer turns rebels into disciples, fools into humble listeners. He makes cripples walk again. In him we can face life and respond with faith, love and hope. And as he changes us, he allows us to be part of what he is doing in the lives of others. As you respond to the Redeemer's work in your life, you can learn to be an instrument in his hands."

Paul David Tripp, Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands: People in Need of Change Helping People in Need of Change

Starting in September I am going to being co-leading a ladies' small group working through biblical counseling material. In preparation I am reading through some great biblical counseling books (like the one quoted from above). Biblical counseling is a Gospel-centered means of helping people work through life biblically, and I love the model (read more about it in this post). I'm excited (and humbled) to get to serve my church in this way.