John Calvin once referred to his heart as an idol factory. Perhaps you know the feeling. But he was not the first to see it that way. God, through the prophet Ezekiel, refers to men with idols in their hearts (Ez. 14). If you had to make a run to the ER for chest pain, chances are they would ask you some diagnostic questions. The following are meant to diagnose the seriousness of one’s idolatrous heart.
John Piper once wrote, âBooks donât change people; paragraphs do. Sometimes even sentences.â Such was the case with a sentence that was given me by a friend over 15 years ago. I have found that whenever I have used this idea in my ministry or in my parenting I have not been disappointed. To my shame, I also acknowledge there are numerous times I have not ministered with the statement in mind. More often than not, it is a result of my impatience, my agenda, or my frustration. And the fruit of that motivation in my relationships is always short-lived at best. But what I want to see happen in my ministry is that those lives I touch as a husband, as a parent or as a pastor, or as a friend are lives that are able to think on their own and stand on their own.
It is that kind of thinking that routinely brings me back to one of the most significant âsentencesâ in my life. Here it is: âA question stirs the conscience, an accusation hardens the will.â Ever since then, I have been looking for questions that the Holy Spirit can use in my ministry with others. I want the question that the Holy Spirit might use to engage their conscience either right then or later as they think about it.
As I began to study the means that Jesus used to teach in the Gospels, I suddenly saw all the question marks. Jesus used questions to stir the conscience of his listener (John 3:10, 12; 8:10; 9:35 11:26; 21:15-17). Often he would just let that question hang out there, patiently waiting for an answer.
My friend also gave me another statement that was ministry-changing. He said, âGood counseling is asking questions until a Biblical parallel comes to mind.â You see, now I had something to do with the answers I would receive from my questions. What did the Bible say about this? As a pastor, one of my favorite questions is, âDid you know the Bible says something about this?â When I receive the answer I have grown accustomed to hearing, I respond with the second question. âWould you be willing to look at the Bible with me and see what it says?â
Though I nearly always receive a ânoâ to the first question, I have rarely received a ânoâ to the second. I have come to believe, it is because, in trying to follow Jesusâ model of asking questions, I am genuinely attempting to help them understand their heartâs desires (whether good or bad), not assuming that I already know them.
This is only a tool to get you started, to think through the questions, and move the listener to the Biblical answers that bring life.
The nine areas of consideration are intentionally built upon the acrostic “scripture” so that we may remember both the importance of the question (to discern the need) and the Scripture (to offer hope and change).
As a pastor, for years I have lived by the addage:Â Ask questions until a Biblical parallel comes to mind.
Nine Key Areas for Life Change
Salvation
Christian Helps
RelationshipsâFriends
Individual Perspective
Parents
Theology
Unforgiving Spirit
Relationshipsâ Dating
Eternal Values
Key questions to ask:
Do you know for sure that youâre going to heaven? Why?
Do you know what the Bible says about how one gets to heaven?
Has there ever been a point in your life where youâve trusted Christ as your Savior?
Have you ever doubted your salvation? Very seriously? How often?
Key Scriptures to consider:
But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, 5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
 Titus 3:4-7
Key questions to ask:
Do you read your Bible? How often?
What have you gotten from your quiet-time recently?
When was the last time you had a problem and the Bible showed you what to do about it?
In what ways does the Lord speak to you at church?
What are you doing for others at your church?
Are there prayer groups at your school? Do you attend? Have you thought about starting one?
 Key Scriptures to consider:
16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
 24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
 Hebrews 10:24-25
Key questions to ask:
Who are your three closest friends?
Do you like to be with them? Why? Why not?
What are the hardest things you face with your friends?
Do your friends get along with their parents? What do your parents think about your friends?
Do you ever discuss spiritual things with your friends?
In what ways do your friends make you more like Jesus?
 Key Scriptures to consider:
Now when he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. 2 Saul took him that day, and would not let him go home to his fatherâs house anymore. 3 Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul. 4 And Jonathan took off the robe that was on him and gave it to David, with his armor, even to his sword and his bow and his belt.
1 Samuel 18:1-4
Key questions to ask:
What is the best part about being you?
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Is there a ânormalâ person (not an athlete or actor) you would like to be like? Why?
What are your three greatest fears?
Who are your three greatest heroes?
Fill in the blank: I am loved by _________.
Key Scriptures to consider:
8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthyâmeditate on these things. Â
 Philippians 4:8-9
Key questions to ask:
Can you give me three things that usually happen in your home?
Who are you closest to, mom or dad? In what ways are you like them? In what ways are you not?
If you could change one thing about your family, what would it be?
What do you do (or not do) that really bugs your parents?
Do your parents know the Lord? How do you know that they do?
 Key Scripture to consider
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 âHonor your father and mother,â which is the first commandment with promise: 3 âthat it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.â 4 And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.
 Ephesians 6:1-4
Key quesions to ask:
Can you tell me some things you know about God?
If the Lord invited you to ask one question about what has happened in your past or what might happen in your future, what would it be? Why?
What do you think God thinks about you? Why?
What do you know about God that gives you the most help when you think about it?
What are some of the qualities (attributes) of God? When you think about them how does that change you?
Â
Key Scriptures to consider:
Psalm 139:1-4
Psalm 139:7
Psalm 139:13-14
Psalm 139:16
Psalm 139:19-21
Psalm 139:23-24
