INTRODUCTION:

1. Defining “Conscience”

a) The moral value sense in a person

b) This is the inner code of right and wrong in a person

c) It results in personal ethics

2. Understanding a Biblical concept of the conscience

a) The moral value system is drawn from the Bible

b) It is internalised (heart, mind, soul/spirit)

c) It becomes the moral guide for the individual

 

THE NON-FUNCTION OF THE CONSCIENCE AMIDST TRIBULATION

1. Tribulation is to be accepted as a part of our faith and life

2. What part does Conscience play as we faced Tribulation?

3. Some reject the “Conscience”

a) They respond to the circumstances of tribulation without reference to the Conscience

i) They may lie

ii) They may resort to vengeance

iii) All in the name of “self-defence”

b) They will try and justify their wrong-doing

i) They may say that they are doing God’s work

ii) They may even feel that they have a clear conscience

iii) The reality may be that they have a seared conscience 1Tim. 4:2

 

THE FUNCTION OF THE CONSCIENCE AMIDST TRIBULATION

1. Paul shared about how he coped amidst his Tribulation

2. He utilised his “conscience” 2 Cor. 1:12

a) He gloried in this

b) This was a testimony of how the conscience can be utilised

3. True conscience expresses itself in:

a) Simplicity

i) Sincerity

ii) Purity

b) Godly sincerity

i) Integrity

ii) Open honesty

c) Not with worldly wisdom

i) Offered as a contrast

ii) The world does not lean on “conscience”

d) Conduct (Behaviour)

i) The conscience expresses itself best in “behaviour” or “conduct”

ii) Conscience teaches us how we ought to behave amidst Tribulation

 

THE GRACE OF GOD

1. God’s grace will enable us to live by our conscience

2. The grace of God must be applied consciously

 

OUR CHALLENGE

1. To have a high moral code

2. To ensure that we do not have a worldly mindset at any time