SERIES: DAVID - A MAN AFTER GOD’S OWN HEART: Part 8: How Is Your Conscience?
1. 1 Samuel 24:1 After Saul returned from pursuing the Philistines, he was told, “David is in the Desert of En Gedi.” 2 So Saul took three thousand able young men from all Israel and set out to look for David and his men near the Crags of the Wild Goats. 3 He came to the sheep pens along the way; a cave was there, and Saul went in to relieve himself. David and his men were far back in the cave. 4 The men said, “This is the day the Lord spoke of when he said to you, ‘I will give your enemy into your hands for you to deal with as you wish.’” Then David crept up unnoticed and cut off a corner of Saul’s robe. 5 Afterward, David was conscience-stricken for having cut off a corner of his robe.6 He said to his men, “The Lord forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the Lord’s anointed, or lay my hand on him; for he is the anointed of the Lord.” 7 With these words David sharply rebuked his men and did not allow them to attack Saul. And Saul left the cave and went his way.
2. 1 Timothy 4:1-3 1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; 3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.
INTRO: DAVID - A MAN AFTER GOD'S OWN HEART PT 8 HOW IS YOUR CONSCIENCE?
Review: Saul is selected King of Israel. He becomes unqualified. God sends the Prophet Samuel to anoint the last of Jesse’s sons, David, as next king. David is introduced to the Palace when he defeats a menacing giant called Goliath with a sling and a stone. Overnight, he becomes s household word and has access to wealth, power, women and the praise of the people. King Saul becomes jealous of him and fears David will succeed. Such jealousy leads to attempts to murder David. He flees for his life. Last week we see him hiding in a cave for he has lost his Prestigious Position, Close Relationships & Personal Dignity. In that depressed condition, God sends him his Family Members, Distressed Men, Indebted Men, Discontented Men, The Nobility and a Godly Priest who advises him to come out of his cave. In 1 Samuel 24, we see him encountering Saul in the wilderness.
INTRO 2: WHAT DO YOU UNDERSTAND ABOUT THE CONSCIENCE?
The Term “Conscience” Is Not Found In The Old Testament - closest term is “heart” (e.g., 1 Samuel 24:5). Conscience is that part of the human psyche that experiences mental anguish and feelings of guilt when we violate it and feelings of pleasure and well-being when our actions, thoughts and words are in conformity to our value systems. In the New Testament “conscience” is used 31 times, mostly by Paul. Scripture teaches that humans, made in the image of God, have an innate sense of right and wrong, a moral monitor that either “approves or accuses” (Romans 2:14-15). Conscience serves as a referee which helps us view life situations in a moral/ethical light, thus judging/determining that some actions are “right” and some are “wrong.” The Fall drastically affected conscience but has clearly not destroyed it. Evidence of this inner sense of right and wrong is a general agreement in all cultures about certain basic ethical issues (e.g., murder, incest, pedophilia, lying, stealing, etc.).
How Conscience Is Developed In The NT: A human being may actually be sincerely following a wrong moral standard and believe it to be right. Paul before his conversion: Saul persecuted Christians with a “good conscience” (Acts 23:1). His deep-seated conviction (i.e., his conscience) told him “do right” and his ethical standard was “it is right to persecute Christians.” Thus he followed his conscience but what he did was wrong, because his conscience was ill-informed. God needed to change his convictions, which He did beginning at the Damascus Road with his salvation.
When A Person Becomes A Christian, His/Her Conscience Is Highly Sensitized By The Holy Spirit And The Scripture And The Holy Spirit. When we then violate personal, societal or biblical standards, we experience guilt. This “thermostat” keeps us from doing what might prove hurtful to ourselves and to others and ultimately to our relationship with God. When we willfully sin, conscience in conjunction with the Holy Spirit causes us to experience guilt. We are then prompted to confess our sins (1 John 1:9) and experience the love and forgiveness of God.
Conscience Can Also “Malfunction” In The Sense That It Becomes Overly Sensitive Or Hypersensitive. Here the conscience “over-functions,” condemning and accusing the Christian for small errors, forgiven actions and normal human failures. This constant self-criticism robs the Christian of joy and any sense of progress in growth toward Christ-likeness. The result is often a performance-based Christianity that focuses on actions, not God’s grace. Performance-based Christianity produces legalism and defeat in the Christian life. “If I am not performing the way I think I should, the way my pastor thinks I should, or the way my friends think I should, then I am not a good Christian.” The goal of the Christian is to develop a mature conscience. The Holy Spirit teaches the believer most clearly what is right and wrong from the objective Word of God.
Illustration: In 1984 an Avianca Airlines jet, flying over Spain, crashed into a mountain. Everyone on board the jet died instantly. When investigators found the “black box” they were amazed as they listened to the cockpit recording in the minutes just prior to the crash. The plane’s collision avoidance system began to speak to the pilot, warning him of an object that was in the flight path of the plane. The computerized voice of a person speaking English was heard to say, “Pull up. Pull up. Pull up”, over and over again. After a few moments of this, the pilot was heard to say, “Be quiet Gringo!” And with that, the pilot turned off the system. He just ignored the warning, flipped the switch and few moments later, everyone was dead.
When We Do Something That Is Wrong Or Is Harmful To Others, We Should Feel Badly About It. Guilt Is An Important God Given Emotion. Guilt is like the red warning light on the dashboard of the car. You can either stop and deal with the trouble, or break out the light. Guilt is there to warn us that there is a problem that needs to be addressed. Example: Joseph’s brothers certainly felt guilty for what they had done to Joseph. Unfortunately, rather than stop and deal with it appropriately, they had chosen to break out the light on their dashboard.They had buried their guilt. They had tried to cover it up. Their hearts were hardened and their consciences were seared. Joseph’s brothers carried their guilt for over 20 years like some people do.
The Telltale Heart (Edgar Allan Poe): Story is about a murderer overcomed by his guilt. He couldn’t sleep because he kept hearing the beating heart of his victim buried down in his basement. What he was actually hearing, however, was his own heart, as guilt was causing it to pound in his chest, and reverberate in his skull. His guilt finally led to his confession to the police.
David felt the same way with the adultery and murder with Bathsheba. Psalm 32:3-4 “When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer.”
KINDS OF CONSCIENCE
Our conscience is not a sufficient guide in and of itself. 7 Bible words for condition of conscience.
1. God's Word Speaks Of A Good Conscience. I Timothy 1:5. "Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned." A good conscience is one that is healthy and sensitive to the Holy Spirit and God's Word.
2. God's Word Speaks Of A Blameless Conscience. To be "blameless" means to be without offense. Acts 24:16 says, "And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men." The function of a conscience is to warn us, indict us, convict us. Those brothers of Joseph did not have a blameless conscience.
3. God's Word Speaks Of A Pure Or Clear Conscience. 2 Timothy 1:3. "I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day." This is a conscience that is clean and without regret. Paul was always giving his all and doing his best for God and others.
4. God's Word Speaks Of A Weak Conscience. 2 Corinthians 8:12. "But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ." A weak conscience is one that can easily be swayed or influenced by others. It lacks knowledge.
5. God's Word Speaks Of A Defiled Conscience. Titus 1:15 "Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled." The word "defiled" means to be corrupted or polluted. Our conscience is like a window. When it is clean, more light can enter into our hearts and lives. Matthew 6:22-23. "The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single (whole, healthy), thy whole body shall be full of light. 23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness…
6. God's Word Speaks Of An Evil Conscience. Hebrews 10:22. "Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water." An evil conscience is one that is so defiled, so corrupt, it turns our values upside down, confusing and blurring the distinction between right and wrong, moral and immoral. Isaiah 5:20. "Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!"
7. God's Word Speaks Of A Seared Conscience. We are in trouble when personal sin no longer bothers us. I Timothy 4:2 "Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron." A seared conscience is one that is cut off, silenced, that is beyond feeling.
WHEN DOES ONE HAVE A SEARED CONSCIENCE?
1. It is the refusal to do that which is right.
2. It is to do wrong and because you are not caught, you feel it’s ok.
3. When we choose to live useless lives rather than develop professionally or academically.
4. When you can neglect known duty without any bitterness or regret.
5. When you can hinder others and trifle with their precious time without remorse.
6. When you can squander your possessions in any way and consume them upon your lusts without remorse. If you can spend God's money on tobacco, alcohol without compunction.
7. When you can disregard the rights of others and feel ok.
8. When you can neglect to pay your debts but keep on spending and think it’s ok.
9. When you can neglect secret prayer without feeling a great sense of guilt.
10. When you can be representing God and constantly not living right.
11. When you can transact business upon selfish principles and fleece others without guilt.
12. When you refuse to apologize to those you have hurt and persist in doing so.
13. When you have no conscience in regard to your modes of dress or language.
14. When you refuse to assist your church financially to take care of staff, bills, etc.
15. When you can speak evil or publish ills of a neighbor without remorse.
16. When you can feel contempt for the talents of others without deep remorse.
DEALING WITH A SEARED CONSCIENCE. SOMETIMES...
1. A Seared Conscience is awakened when one faces problem with hardship or people (Genesis 42:1-5). God used problems to stir them (Famine) and people Also (Joseph).
2. A Seared Conscience is awakened when we go through the pain of harsh treatment (Genesis 42:6-16).
3. A Seared Conscience is awakened when one goes through the press of solitude (Genesis 42:17-23). Joseph confined them.
4. A Seared Conscience is awakened when we see the proof of God’s Presence (Genesis 42:25-28).
DAVID, HIS MEN, KING SAUL AND THE CONSCIENCE OF GUILT
David Will Encounter Several Guilt Episodes: The counting of the people which led to thousand being killed by God. The loss of his child by Bathsheba. The killing of his son Absalom. But let us look at the episode in I Samuel 24. We saw David last time in the Cave of Abdullum discouraged, defeated, and feeling betrayed. He had lost all his worldly possessions. It wasn’t long before God sent him some strange companionship - his family, the distressed, debtors, depressed, and a man of God. In our passage, 1 Samuel 24, Saul goes into a cave by himself to go to the bathroom. David is at the back of the cave. He has his chance to kill Saul. His men said: "Hey, here’s your opportunity. This is God’s way of providing you a chance to move into the position he’s promised you. Go get him, David!" And who would have blamed David if he would have taken his sword and plunged it into the back of Saul for all that Saul had done to him. David drew his sword, but he didn’t plunge it into Saul’s back. He sliced off a portion of Saul’s robe, then returned to his place in the cave. Saul didn’t detect a thing. But after he did that, David felt guilty. He couldn’t believe he had allowed himself to do what he did. Simply put, How Do We Deal With a person at work who manipulates situations to make himself look good at your expense? The family member who has said some really hurtful and untrue things about you? The supposed friend who borrowed money from you, promising to pay you back, but you haven’t seen a dime of it? The person who in their own anger strikes you and causes you physical harm? The spouse who walked out on you, leaving you alone to deal with the kids? The parent who verbally, emotionally, physically or sexually abused you?
WAYS WE RETALIATE AGAINST WRONGS
1. Physical Violence: Physical violence is at an epidemic rate today. We exchange blows. From car bombs in Israel to rock throwing in Indonesia to gun battles on the streets of Chechnia. Schools report significant rise in the number of fights on school property, not to mention all the school shootings, drive by shootings, road rage, etc.
2. Verbal Assaults: James 3:5-10 A large forest can be set on fire by a little flame. [6] The tongue is that kind of flame. It is a world of evil among the parts of our bodies, and it completely contaminates our bodies. The tongue sets our lives on fire, and is itself set on fire from hell. [7] People have tamed all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and sea creatures. [8] Yet, no one can tame the tongue. It is an uncontrollable evil filled with deadly poison. [9] With our tongues we praise our Lord and Father. Yet, with the same tongues we curse people, who were created in God’s likeness. [10] Praise and curses come from the same mouth. My brothers and sisters, this should not happen! We can be nasty and mean with our words.
3. Cold Shoulder Treatment: We know that we shouldn’t assault people physically or verbally, so we retaliate using the cold shoulder treatment. We ignore the person, avoid the person, don’t include the person, and do whatever we can to let that person know that we are mad.
HOW DID DAVID HANDLE THE ISSUE WITH SAUL? SOME PRINCIPLES
1. Revenge Is A Natural Temptation – Do Not Fall For It (1 Samuel 24:1-4): It is a natural temptation to want to get back at someone who mistreats us. David was wronged by his superior, King Saul. Even though David had been a devoted servant, Saul became so intensely jealous of him, that he plotted to kill him. David becomes a fugitive for 8+ years. David is anointed by God so why would he allow him to be so abused? God never exempts us from suffering. John 6:33 "While you are in this world you will have trouble." So David, a man after God’s own heart, is hunted down like an animal by Saul’s troops. Just think how angry and how resentful David must have felt. David had lost everything because of Saul - friends, wife, family, position, etc. Now 600 losers had come around him. Saul sent 3000 soldiers to destroy him. Saul went into that cave. “At the place where the road passes some sheepfolds, Saul went into a cave to relieve himself.” It just happened to be the cave where David and his men were hiding. Was God testing David's heart? Saul is about as vulnerable as you can get.
2. Be Careful In Taking Advice From Others. (V.4): Saul walks right into the cave, slips of his robe, and like a boy in the woods, he begins to use the bathroom. He is totally defenseless, and he is easy prey for David. Verse 4, the men said…This is your moment David. Overcome evil with pain. Hurt him. Hit him while he’s down! Now, let me warn you. Often, when you hear those voices: this is not the voice of Jesus Christ. When someone lashes out at you, hurts you, treats you unfairly, you are going to run to your friends for support. I can already predict what your closest friends are going to do. They are going to get mad. David’s men loved him but they gave him wrong advice. They were encouraging him to do something that violated his conscience. Be very careful when you choose your advisers. David gets some worldly advice that on the surface sounded spiritual. The men said: (4): “Now’s your opportunity! Today is the day the Lord was talking about when he said, ‘I will certainly put Saul into your power, to do with as you wish.’” They encouraged David to take revenge, saying it must be God’s timing. Only one problem - God never said that! And you’ll find people who will say, "Well, God must be opening the door, you better go through it,’ or "The Lord’s providing this opportunity.." And God gets blamed for things sometimes that He has nothing to do with. Here’s an important principle to remember: No door opens from God if it goes against His revealed will in the Bible. The timing of a situation or whether a door is open or not, has nothing to do with God’s providence if the action you must take to go through that door or seize that opportunity is against His revealed will in His written Word! Don’t make the mistake of rationalizing your behavior simply because it may seem like excellent timing. These men were attributing to God what God never said. David Does Not Follow The Advice Of His Beloved Soldiers. Instead, he creeps quietly where Saul’s garment lies. David cuts a piece off the end.
3. Do You Have A Conscience? (1 Samuel 24:5-11): But David refuses to fight like King Saul, he doesn’t run his sword through the King. But he tiptoes up to where Saul is and taking Saul’s robe, which may have been laid over a rock, he cuts a piece off. He resists the urge to kill Saul. Now, it is interesting to note, that when he gets back to his men he is conscience stricken about cutting off the piece of robe. Even though he resisted the temptation to cut off Saul’s head, he still could not resist this small taste of revenge. For to cut off a piece from the royal robe was an act of utter contempt for the one who wore it. This was an expression of the utmost disdain and disrespect. Though he had not murdered the tyrant in cold blood, he had in fact shown that he had murdered him in his heart. But David felt guilty. He still took a bit of revenge. 1 Samuel 24:6- “The Lord knows I shouldn’t have done it.
4. David Showed Great Respect For Saul. It is a serious thing to attack the Lord’s anointed one, for the Lord himself has chosen him.” David said: “I’m not the king yet, Saul is still the Lord’s leader. So, what right do I have to raise my hand against him?” How many of us would say, "What did he do that was so wrong? After all he could of killed him. So he showed some disrespect. Is that so bad in light of what Saul would of done to him? I mean, it was just a little bit of his robe, he could of done a whole lot worse." And that’s the way we rationalize, isn’t it? "The company is so big, it made millions of dollars last year. Who cares about a little stationary?" "The government collects too much taxes as it is. So what if I don’t report all of my income? It’s such a little thing.” We need to be more like David, not just doing the right action but having the right attitude too. And David got back with his men and they started giving "high fives" to each other and began to quietly celebrate but David was sullen. And all of a sudden he whispers, "Wait a minute! I was wrong to show such disrespect to the Lord’s appointed leader." Respect for authority is significant. And David was saying, "No matter how awful Saul has been, I shouldn’t of been disrespectful to the Lord’s King." And oh, how we need to learn the lesson that wrong has no size! Let us strive to be obedient even in the smallest of things. First, David had a tremendous respect for the office of the King even if he didn’t have much respect for the king himself. Second, He knew what he had done was done initially out of anger and bitterness, and afterward, he was disturbed with himself for allowing his anger and bitterness to gain control over him, even for a moment. David had such a desire to honor God that he felt remorse because he allowed sin to lead him to do something he knew was not right, no matter what others thought.
5. Remember God’s Ultimate Judgment (1 Samuel 24:12-15): Romans 12:19 - "Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord." Jesus didn’t teach that you just sit back and let everybody run over you and there is no hope for justice. The message of Jesus is: You sit back and you take it sometimes because you know that in the end that God is just and He will extract revenge, if there is no repentance. That’s what David was able to do. He waited in the wilderness for 8 years! And then there came that day when the 15th verse comes true and God takes care of Saul. And there is great irony in Saul’s death. Saul is in battle and he is wounded critically. Even facing death his main concern was to preserve his image. He offers no prayer of repentance, no plea for help and so he attempts suicide with his sword. As Saul is wounded and dying, he turns to a stranger and asks him to "stand over him and kill him." Note that Saul’s final act of disobedience to God, that ensured his loss of the throne, was his failure to completely destroy the nation of the Amalekites. Guess what nationality this stranger is that gladly destroys him? That’s right, he’s an Amalekite. The very enemy that God had ordered Saul to destroy now destroys him. The events of his black career had come full circle. And so David takes over the throne, the truth is known, he is vindicated and he becomes Israel’s greatest King.But waiting on the Lord is such a hard thing to do when we’re the one mistreated, isn’t it?
6. Take Every Opportunity To Show Your Enemy Mercy (1 Samuel 24:1-8): David shows mercy to Saul not just for Saul’s sake, but for God’s sake. David defeats his enemy not through murder, but through mercy. Would Saul show mercy to David? No, but that just shows the difference between a man after God’s own heart and a man who has turned his back on God.This is how you defeat your enemy- when he/she is at their weakest, most vulnerable moment- when they are helpless and unaware, when you have the opportunity to take revenge, to make them pay- show them mercy. Spare them; save them; forgive them. Luke 6:27 “But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you…Jesus repeats a command found throughout the Bible: show mercy to your enemies. When you show mercy to your enemies, you rise above them, instead of sinking down to their level. Luke 6:32, 35-36 32 “But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 35 But love your enemies, do good,…and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. 36 Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful. Who won this battle? David.
7. Make Every Effort To Communicate With Your Enemies When Opportunities Present Themselves (1 Samuel 24:9-16): One of the things that often keeps people at odds with one another is a lack of communication. Disagreements escalate into feuds all because two offended people will talk about one another, but never get around to talking to one another. But David teaches us that if you want to defeat your enemy, you must make every effort to communicate with them. No sooner does Saul come out from the outhouse then David called out to Saul, reaching out to communicate with his enemy. He communicates humbly. David bows to the ground before Saul, not in worship, but in humility. He wants Saul to see that he respects his authority as God’s anointed king, and has no desire to fight against him. He communicates tactfully. When David show Saul the corner he cut off his robe, he discreetly reminds the king that he does not want a fight, even if Saul does! David gently reminds Saul who is hunting who, and how David is trusting God to save him from the king’s clutches. David is not just trying to pull one over on his enemy: he is sincere. He wants Saul to know that he has nothing to fear from him, and that even though Saul has done evil to David, David will not repay evil for evil. Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Finally, if you want to defeat your enemy by communication, be sincere. Don’t offer empty flattery, or deceitful words. That doesn’t mean you tell them everything that’s on your mind or in your heart, but it does mean you must be real. Pretending will never mend fences, and it may eventually make things worse. If you want to defeat your enemy, you must do as David did - run the risk of speaking humbly, tactfully, and sincerely to your enemy.
8. Make Every Effort To Be Reconciled (1 Samuel 24:17-22). You cannot defeat your enemy by just calling a truce - you must do what you can to be reconciled. David demonstrates his willingness to be reconciled to Saul. Saul is genuinely touched by David’s mercy towards him. In between sobs, he admits that David is in the right, that the Lord has given David the kingdom. He prays for God to bless David, and begs David to show mercy to his family after he dies. David has conquered his enemy by his kindness, and Saul offers to be reconciled with David. How would you have responded to Saul’s offer? Would you have let bygones be bygones, or would you have been a little more suspicious, a little more cynical? David’s oath is a sign of his reconciliation with Saul. Through reconciliation David has defeated his enemy. But ff these two men are reconciled, how come they still go their separate ways? Maybe David wants to be sure this reconciliation is real. AS we will see, Saul’s remorse will be short-lived. Though David is sincere about his commitment to reconcile with Saul, Saul’s commitment to reconcile with David will not stand the test of time. Hebrews 12:14 Pursue peace with all people… Romans 12:18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. When you choose to seek to reconcile with your enemies, you may be surprised to find many of them becoming your closest friends.
9. Be Overly Gracious In Your Speech. (1 Samuel 24:8-11): Look at vv.8-11. Though Saul wants to kill David, David bows to the ground and says, “my lord the king.” He exalts Saul and puts him on a higher level than himself. I want you to notice down in v.14, David refers to him as “dead dog,” a “flea.” What is David doing? He is humbling himself and graciously exalting his opponent. It is clear evidence that the Holy Spirit was on this boy because carnal people do not know how to respond with this kind of grace. Have you wondered why David didn’t speak this mind when he came out of that cave and met King Saul? “Saul, you reckless fool. You are the sorriest excuse for a king that this world has ever seen. Because you are so ignorant and impulsive, Samuel as anointed me to replace you. And I’m not only going to take your job, the Lord is going to establish my throne forever.” But David lowered himself and said, “My lord the King. I am a dead dog, I’m a flea. You are the Lord’s anointed. I am nothing.” Little phrases like: “I am sorry. You were right. I am a fool. Can we forget this happened?” Carnal people cannot say things like that, but Spirit filled people can. In Acts 7, Stephen that is filled with the Holy Ghost is being stoned to death. Stephen prayed, “Master Jesus, take my life.” Then he knelt down, praying loud enough for everyone to hear, “Master, don’t blame them for this sin” - his last words. Then he died (Acts 7:57-60). People often ask, “How do I know that I am saved? One of the sure ways to know is by listening to your own speech. Do you have a gracious tongue like Stephen or David - one that lifts people up or do you have a spiteful tongue that tears people down?
10. Be Aware That These Tests Will Reveal Your Character More Than Any Other. (Vv.20-21): Look at the conclusion that Saul comes to in v.20 after David has treated him so well. V. 20, “I know….”Criticism will reveal who you really are. And when Saul had attacked David fiercely, David responded with grace. And Saul said, “Surely, you are the king. You are God’s man.”You can’t let praise or criticism get to you. It’s a weakness to get caught up in either one.
CONCLUSION: HOW THE CONSCIENCE IS SAVED.
1. Confess And Forsake All Known Sin. Deal with your sins God’s way and get them out into the open through confession.That is what Joseph’s brothers did and it is what we need to do as well.
2. Seek Forgiveness And Reconciliation For All Those You May Have Wronged. Before we can be right with God, we must be right with our fellow man.
3. Make Restitution To Those You Have Wronged If Possible.
4. Don’t Wait To Cleanse A Wounded Conscience. When you have violated your conscience by ignoring its voice, deal with your guilt immediately. If you allow the guilt to remain, it will fester and your spiritual life will only deteriorate.
5. Educate Your Conscience: If you have a conscience that is easily violated, train it in the things of the Lord. Feed it the pure Word of God and not the teachings and traditions of men.
6. Confess And Forsake Known Sin. Examine your guilt feelings in light of Scripture. Deal with the sin God's Word reveals. Proverbs 28:13 says, " He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion." 1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness".
7. Ask Forgiveness And Be Reconciled To Anyone You Have Wronged. Jesus instructed us: Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering. (Matthew 5:23-24)
8. Make Restitution To Those You've Wronged. God told Moses: Speak to the sons of Israel, "When a man or woman commits any of the sins of mankind, acting unfaithfully against the LORD, and that person is guilty, then he shall confess his sins which he has committed, and he shall make restitution in full for his wrong and add to it one-fifth of it, and give itto him whom he has wronged." (Numbers 5:6-7).
9. Don't Procrastinate In Clearing Your Wounded Conscience. Paul said he did his best "to maintain always a blameless conscience both before God and before men" (Acts 24:16). Procrastination allows the guilt feelings to fester. That in turn generates depression, anxiety, and other emotional problems.
FINAL WORD: PRAYER CHALLENGE & INTERCESSION
