Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands: People in Need of Change Helping People in Need of Change Author: Visit Amazon's Paul David Tripp Page | Language: English | ISBN:
0875526071 | Format: EPUB
Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands: People in Need of Change Helping People in Need of Change Description
About the Author
Paul David Tripp directs Changing Hearts, Changing Lives and is a member of the faculty and counseling staff at the Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation, Glenside, Pennsylvania.
- Series: Resources for Changing Lives
- Paperback: 360 pages
- Publisher: P & R Publishing (October 1, 2002)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0875526071
- ISBN-13: 978-0875526072
- Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1.1 inches
- Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
This book came to my rescue as I began a difficult counseling situation. Paul David Tripp powerfully unfolds biblical principles for how "people in need of change" (like me) can help "people in need of change" (others). This gospel-centered book begins by describing "the best of news" which gives us "a reason to get up in the morning." This news "is not freedom from hardship, suffering and loss. It is the news of a Redeemer who has come to rescue me from MYSELF" (p. 16). It is the news of a God who deals with sin and its paralyzing effects in our lives.
Tripp then discusses how "God transforms people's lives as people bring his Word to others" (p. 19). We are tools in the Master's hands, and His desire is to use us to speak the truth in love to others, so as to further His transforming work in their lives. This only happens as His Word is seen as more than an encyclopedia of answers to our problems, but as "a narrative, a story of redemption, [with] its chief character . . . Jesus Christ" (p. 27). The sovereignty, grace, and glory of God are seen as the "rebar" running through the pages of Scripture, the themes which give strength and meaning to its message - and to our lives, if we will align ourselves with it.
Central to the development of this book is the conviction that "human beings by their very nature are WORSHIPERS" (p. 44). This defines who we are. The question is whether we worship God or idols. In fact, "stolen worship is at the core of what is wrong with fallen human beings" (p. 45). All of our personal troubles and trials spring out of this "worship disorder.
I was given this book by a mentor of mine and told that it would be extremely helpful. The problem is that I saw it was deemed a "counseling" book on the back, so I moved on for a while before I picked it up and read it. I continued to see the book on the "Best Seller's" list at many sites that I admire, so I finally picked the book up and started to read. I have to be honest, if I were to try and write all that I learned this review would turn into a novel itself.
Paul David Tripp really unpacks a three part effort.
One: To show me who I am
Two: Who others are
Three: How to practically minister to them, and accept their ministering to me
This book gets to the root of the issues and he even starts with the theological impact of understanding who God is and then who we are, namely: we aren't perfect, we need change, and we need help in that changing process from Christ and others.
This book not only unfolds what we are to do in daily ministering opportunities, but he unpacks the practical ways to do them. One of my favorite quotes in the book is that:
"We often say we need to preach the Word, but we also need to counsel the Word."
That is what this book is all about. It is how to counsel the Word of God to those in everyday life that need change just like you and I. What will hinder this book is that some will think it is only for the pastor or counselor, but it's intention is for all believers and it is written that way and is desperately needed for today's church.
I have already used the book and will continue to go back to it to try and unpack my shortcomings and also to help others do the same when they are in need of ministering.
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