A Matter Of Conscience

Key Points


Our conscience is a gift from God, but it's not infallible. It
needs to be calibrated to God's will through Scripture and the
Holy Spirit.


Everyone is made in God’s image; moral beings who makes moral
judgements.


Your conscience has the moral capacity to change, for better or
for worse.


A “weak” faith person is one who thinks they are forbidden to do
something. A “strong” faith person is one who thinks they have
freedom to do something.


In matters of conscience, there are often "weak" and "strong"
positions. Neither is necessarily more pleasing to God if both
are acting to honor Him.


We shouldn't judge others for having different convictions on
disputable matters.


The strong are obligated to make allowances for the weak, even if
it means limiting their own freedom.


The goal is to glorify God and build up the church, not assert
our freedoms.


When we find ourselves judging someone, we need to consider our
own impending position before the throne of God.


A proper focus on the conscience shapes us toward holiness,
drives us to the Gospel, and produces real joy in a community of
believers.





Discussion


How would you define "conscience"? How is it different from just
following rules?


Describe what your conscience is like to you. 


Do you think it is fair for the strong to have to uphold the weak
person? Explain.


Why is wisdom so important in matters of conscience? How do we
gain wisdom?


How can we respectfully disagree with fellow believers on matters
of conscience without causing division?


How can we help "calibrate" our conscience to better align with
God's will?


When did you last welcomed someone back into your life? Why did
you do it?





Application


Identify an area where your conscience differs from other
believers. Reflect on why you hold that conviction and whether
it's rooted in Scripture or tradition.


Practice extending grace to someone who has different convictions
than you on a disputable matter.


Memorize Romans 14:19 and put it into practice
throughout the week.





Prayer


Pray for wisdom to navigate matters of conscience with grace and
love. Ask God to help us prioritize unity in the church over
asserting our personal freedoms. May our actions be motivated by
a desire to glorify Him and build up our brothers and sisters in
Christ.