Sermon/Lesson Title

The New Testament word translated “conscience” speaks of shared knowledge within the self—an inner awareness formed by instruction and experience. In the Old Testament this function is frequently expressed by the word “heart.” Paul describes the conscience as a faculty that testifies inside a person about right and wrong: “their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them” (Romans 2:13–16). The conscience, then, observes, testifies, and renders a verdict. Because it operates with information, it must be taught what is true if it is to guide us well.