THE PROBLEM: We were all born “in Adam” and with a “sinful nature.”

1) As in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. (Paul, 1 Corinthians 15:22)

2) Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man (Adam) and death through sin, in this way death came to all men, because all sinned. (Paul, Romans 15:12)

3) I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. (Paul, Romans 7:18)

For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want (Paul, Galatians 5:16-17)

Romans 6:1-2What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? (NIV)

So what do we do? Keep on sinning so God can keep on forgiving? I should hope not! If we’ve left the country where sin is sovereign, how can we still live in our old house there? (Message)

The conscience

1) every human has a conscience; our conscience “bears witness” to our actions; it declares a verdict and “accuses” or “defends” our behaviors. (Romans 2:15)

The conscience

1) every human has a conscience; our conscience “bears witness” to our actions; it declares a verdict and “accuses” or “defends” our behaviors. (Romans 2:15)

2) our conscience is molded by our environment; our consciences can change

The conscience

• guilty conscience (Hebrews 9:14)

• weak conscience: feels guilt when it shouldn’t (1 Corinthians 8:7-13)

• seared conscience: doesn’t feel guilt when it should (1 Tim. 4:1-2, Titus 1:15)

• good conscience: reliable (1 Tim. 1:5)

“Fight the good fight, holding on to faith and a good conscience. Some have rejected these and so have shipwrecked their faith.” 1 Timothy 1:19

So what should I do?

1) Ask yourself, “Do I have a guilty… weak… and/or seared conscience?”

2) Check your “environment.” (can’t always escape it; choose your friends wisely)

3) Pray, read your Bible, and allow godly people to make and keep your conscience reliable.

4) A word to parents…..