The Bride Church

A Matter Of Conscience

A Matter Of Conscience

by | 2.10.25

A Matter Of Conscience

February 9, 2025

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Scriptures

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

  1. How would you define “conscience”? How is it different from just following rules?
  2. Describe what your conscience is like to you. 
  3. Do you think it is fair for the strong to have to uphold the weak person? Explain.
  4. Why is wisdom so important in matters of conscience? How do we gain wisdom?
  5. How can we respectfully disagree with fellow believers on matters of conscience without causing division?
  6. How can we help “calibrate” our conscience to better align with God’s will?
  7. 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.