The Webster Bible Church Podcast

The Neglected Conscience - Part 1: What Is The Conscience?

Scripture Text: various

Transformative Truth:
Thank God for the precious gift of conscience!

“The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.”
- 1 Timothy 1:5

“I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man.”
- Acts 24:16

THE NEGLECTED CONSCIENCE
Part One: What Is the Conscience?

They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts. Their consciences confirm this. Their competing thoughts either accuse or even excuse them [tell them they are doing right].
- Romans 2:15 CSB

To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled.
- Titus 1:15 ESV

The conscience is your awareness
of what you believe is right and wrong.

The Call To Reclaim Our Responsibility - James 1:26-2:13

Bearing Gospel Fruit - Colossians 1:1-9

Transformative Truth:
Trust the Transforming Power of the Gospel to Produce Fruit

1. The fruit of faith

2. The fruit of love

3. The fruit of hope

Blessed Be The Name - Part 4: "Prince Of Peace" - Isaiah 9:6-7

Transformative Truth:
Jesus Christ provides the rule that real peace requires.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. - Isaiah 9:6

Jesus Christ provides the rule that real peace requires.

Peace in a Person

“Children ought to love the Lord Jesus Christ above all things in the world.” 

There is no love so great and so wonderful as that which is in the heart of Christ.

Peace through his Provision

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. - Romans 5:1

For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility…. - Ephesians 2:14

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock. - Isaiah 26:3-4

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock. - Isaiah 26:3-4

Peace that is Perpetual

Jesus Christ provides the rule that real peace requires.

Blessed Be The Name - Part 3: "Everlasting Father" - Isaiah 9:6-7

Transformative Truth:
Jesus Christ is our “Everlasting Father”

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. - Isaiah 9:6

BLESSED BE THE NAME: Part Three: "Everlasting Father" Isaiah 9:6

And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; and behold, a *voice from heaven* said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased." - Matthew 3:16-17

1. Jesus Christ is the founder and head of the household of faith.
 
Yet it was the will of the LORD to crush him; he has put him to grief; when his soul makes an offering for guilt, he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days; the will of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. - Isaiah 53:10

2. Jesus Christ is the benevolent protector and provider for his people.

3. Jesus Christ will never let us down.

Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." So we can confidently say, "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?" - Hebrews 13:5-6

Blessed Be The Name - Part 2: "Mighty God" - Isaiah 9:6

Transformative Truth:
The infinitely powerful Son of God fights for His people.

1.  "Mighty God" on earth

2.  "Mighty God" in heaven

3.  "Mighty God" in heaven and on earth together

Blessed Be The Name - Part 1: "Wonderful Counselor" - Isaiah 9:6

Transformative Truth:
As the Wonderful Counselor, Jesus provides perfect wisdom and care for all who come to him.

For to us a child is born, To us a son is given; And the government shall be upon his shoulder, And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. - Isaiah 9:6

The Prophetic Context

Matthew 4:12-13 Now when he heard that John [the Baptist] had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee. And leaving Nazareth he went and lived in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali....

Matthew 4:14-17 so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: "The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of Gentiles- the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned." From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given.... - Isaiah 9:6

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder.... - Isaiah 9:6

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. - Isaiah 9:6

The Preeminent Counselor

1. Jesus is all-wise. 

2. Jesus is approachable. 

3. Jesus is reliable.

4. Jesus is available.

As the Wonderful Counselor, Jesus provides perfect wisdom and care for all who come to him.

Applications:
1. Come to Jesus with all your struggles and sins.
2. Listen to Jesus through the Word of God.
3. Walk with Jesus through the Holy Spirit.

Enjoy God's People - Philippians 1:1-11

Transformative Truth:
Celebrate and cultivate gospel-centered relationships in the local church.

1. Recognize our connection in Christ.

2. Root your confidence in God.

Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. - 1 John 3:2

3. Reaffirm our commitment to one another.
a. as partners in the gospel
b. through prayer for spiritual growth

False Gods - 2 Kings 1:1-17

Transformative Truth:
The One True God of the Bible still Rules and Reigns

I. Observation
1) The God of Israel is on His throne
2) The God of Israel defense His honor

II. Application
1) Point people to the One True God by first identifying false gods
2) Point people to the One True God by sharing God’s word

Becoming Purim People - Esther 9:20-10:3

Transformative Truth:
Great people foster gratitude toward God and goodness toward others.

A Grand Feast - Esther 9:20-32

1. It was recorded.

2. It was required. 

A Great Friend - Esther 10:1-3

1. What he sought

2. What he spoke