The Holy Spirit & the Christian Conscience

“Those who think they know something do not yet know as they ought to know” (v.2, CSB).

“Those who think they know something do not yet know as they ought to know” (v.2, CSB).

Conscience: An individual’s understanding of God’s judgment regarding an action.

4 Key Elements of the Christian Conscience

1. Its Nature

a. It is not Divine. (v.7-10; )

b. It is independent & personal.

c. It is dynamic.

2. Its Directionality

a. It assesses past actions and conveys a guilty or innocent sentiment. (, )

b. It provides guidance/judgment regarding future actions which should be embraced or rejected.

3. Its Authority

a. Because it conveys one’s perception of “God’s judgment” regarding an action, it has moral authority over a person’s life.

b. Only obedience to an accurate conscience is permissible. All other actions render guilt.

4. Its Development

a. In order to align with God’s character and will, it must be properly informed.

b. In order to hold sway over the will, it must be properly formed.

4 Ways the Spirit Influences the Conscience

1. It informs by illuminating Scripture.

“Surely the same Spirit who inspired the writing of the Bible can equally inspire one’s reading of it” -Fee & Stuart.

2. It informs by providing particular application.

a. The Spirit is able to help an individual recognize and discern the variables related to the moral dilemma.

b. The Spirit is able to help the conscience weigh the information collected from the external variables with the principles established through the illumination of the biblical text.

3. It forms by providing needed discernment.

a. The Spirit helps understand the influences affecting the conscience and how they related to God’s assessment.

b. The Spirit helps recognize ethical dilemmas (conflicting moral directives) and provide needed direction.

4. It forms by empowering the conscience.

a. The “paraclete” provides motivation and strengthen to persevere and overcome.

b. The Spirit continually shapes the conscience over the entirety of one’s life (if permitted).

Conclusion: We have access to the Spirit, who will help form and inform our conscience, but will you listen and submit? We must be more intentional to embracing the Spirit’s role in our lives and suppressing the other influences which seek to misinform our consciences.