Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands

Book Review: Paul David Tripp, Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands

Reviewed by: Mike Walters

The message of Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands is simple: every Christian is called to a lifestyle of personal ministry that is actively involved in the lives of those around them. Furthermore, every Christian needs this type of ministry from others. But what is this ministry?

Personal ministry is not about always knowing what to say. It is not about fixing everything in sight that is broken. Personal ministry is about connecting people with Christ so that they are able to think as he would have them think, desire what he says is best, and do what he calls them to do even if their circumstances never get “fixed.” (p184)

Personal ministry revolves around four verbs: love, know, speak and do, which Paul Tripp fully explains via scripture, illustrations, case studies and how-to advice. This material will encourage, convict and challenge you in your relationship with God and other people. Will you love people enough to get involved, to get to know what is really ruling their hearts, to speak truth into their life and to walk beside them as they strive to grow in God’s grace? That is what personal ministry involves. It is difficult, but Paul Tripp shows that it is possible for anyone who knows God’s grace and cares about other people. The only thing I would have found more helpful would be for Paul carry one case-study through all four aspects. He comes close, but I kept wishing for a little more. In case you are wondering about the first third of the book—it develops a Biblical view of the heart that is foundational to personal ministry. The material is found in every book by the Tripp brothers that I have read, but it is always refreshing, incredibly valuable, and essential to understanding the Christian life.

Paul Tripp also includes a number of helpful appendices. These are more geared to individuals who will engage in more formal counseling, but the material gives helpful insight and further development to the love, know, speak, do model of ministry presented in this book.

I highly recommend this book. If I were teaching a class on Biblical Counseling in the church, this would be required reading.

You can purchase the book by clicking here Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands.