SCRIPTURE: II Timothy 1:3

INTRODUCTION:

Conscience is one of the "unique endowments" that separate us from the lower creatures: SELF-AWARNESS, IMAGINATION, CONSCIENCE, FREE WILL, ETC. Our aim ought to be to SERVE GOD with a pure conscience. The question is not whether we have a conscience, but what we choose to do with it.

I. LISTEN TO IT

A. First: conscience is "THAT STILL, SMALL VOICE WITHIN-----in there where the acoustics are so bad."

Where most of the people have trouble "HEARING" when it is trying to speak to us.

B. Second: our conscience can be a very valuable "ADVISOR"

In regard to the course of our conduct, but we don’t get the full benefit of our conscience because we don’t consult it as we should.

C. Third: conscience will usually tell us what we should do.

If we go "DEEP" enough. (Romans 1:32) Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same. But have pleasure in them that do them.

(Romans 2:15) Which shew the works of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another We must ask with the true intent to hear----and then listen without excuse.

II. OBEY IT

A. First: it is not enough to ask with intent and listen without excuse-----we must act with courage! We must obey our conscience. If we know what is right, we must do it. Not to do so is SIN. (James 4:17) Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. The person who know God’s will but did not do it will incur a separation form God. Because light and darkness do not walk together.

B. Second: if we repeatedly fail to heed our conscience, we will harden it.

(I Timothy 4:2) Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

C. Third: every time we go against our conscience, we make a "WITHDRAWAL" form our spiritual "TRUST ACCOUNT." One of the most important things in life is to have a trust in our own integrity. The real basis of "SELF-WORTH" is knowing that we will do what we believe is right. When we violate our conscience we reduce the confidence we have in our own honor and trustworthiness. We lost respect for ourselves and faith in our ability to do the right thing. Eventually, we will lost all trust in ourselves and be extremely vulnerable to Satan’s temptation. We should "always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men" (Acts 24:16)

III. EDUCAT IT

A. First: how helpful our conscience is depends on how well "EDUCATE" it is.

If it is misinformed as to God’s will, our conscience may be either too sensitive or not sensitive enough (I Corinthians 5:1-8) It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father’s wife. (2) And he are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you. (3) For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed.

B. Second: we should constantly be studying God’s word in order to "FINE-TUNE" our conscience.

IV. PROTECT IT

A. First: we should avoid that which would "DE-SENSITIZE" our conscience.

When we are constantly exposed to perversity, the SHOCKING" effect of sin wears off.

B. Second: we can’t go out of the world, (I Corinthians 5:9-10) I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators: (10) Yet not altogether the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world

But we can minimize our exposure to defilement. We can flee sin (I Timothy 6:11) But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

C. Third: evil company corrupts good habits.

(I Corinthians 15:33) Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.

V. SHARE IT

A. First: we can speak up for what our conscience tell us is right.

(Exodus 23:1-2) Thou shalt not raise a false report: put not thine hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness. (2) Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment:

B. Second: the world needs people of honesty and integrity who will step forward and say: THIS IS NOT RIGHT!

C. Third: it is sometimes costly to voice our conscience.

It does take courage. But the example of a courageous conscience often has a very powerful effect on others (I Peter 2:19) For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.

CONCLUSION:

The materialist has no satisfactory explanation for the human conscience. Conscience is one of the most valuable endowments God has given us. What condition is your conscience in? What are you doing with it? When we obey the gospel in the act of worship, we are appealing to God for a good conscience. The love that comes from a good conscience is one of the primary goals of the gospel.