INTRODUCTION - IN THE MIDST OF TROUBLES WITH THE CHURCH PAUL NEEDED A SOLID POINT OF STABILITY FOUND

• The Corinthian Church accused Paul of having wrong motives- not living up to his promises-
• The world & brethren alike today criticize the Christian -destroy confidence-defeatism
• We need a new look at what is right- live it, and rejoice in it

Like What is right with America- we need to stand up and see what is right with our soul!- Confidence!

I. NEEDED - THE TESTIMONY OF A GOOD CONSCIENCE

A soul can stand a lot of difficulty if he has a point of reference- anchored in rock

A.  WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT OUR CONSCIENCE IS IN GOOD WORKING ORDER

1. Prov. 28:1-tells us that the righteous has a boldness- but wicked flee needlessly-
2. Prov 14:12, 16:25- A way that seems right- end thereof are ways of death- watch out
3. And in our age Paul warned about a conscience seared I Tim 4:2-lots today

B.  SOME WOULD THINK PAUL LACKED HUMILITY IN TESTIFYING OF HIS CONSCIENCE - HIS CONFIDENCE

1. Acts 23:1 he stated he had lived in all good conscience before God until this day-
2. He uses words like- rejoicing, boasting, glorying, confidence, and etc.- we don't like it!
3. But in his honesty and integrity- he could say- I Cor 11:1- be ye followers of me!

C.  WITH ALL THE CONFUSION IN THE WORLD TODAY WE NEED A GOOD CONSCIENCE BEFORE GOD AND MAN

1. Timothy was commanded of God through Paul to have a good conscience- I Tim 1:5
2. 1 John 3:18-21 tells us how to have confidence before God- and you can have this!
3. If meet God's conditions- v. 23 believe on the name of his Son- Jesus Christ!

The testimony of a good conscience toward God can carry you through great trials-

II.  HOW CAN WE HAVE A GOOD CONSCIENCE?

Like everything worth having- it takes effort, and costs some hard work but it is worth it

A.  "IN SIMPLICITY" Haplotes-Gr.-TRANSLATED DIFFERENT WAYS BUT WE NEED THEM ALL

1. II Cor 11:2 - Simplicity- and we need a simplicity in Christ-& not be beguiled from it!
2. Eph 6:5 Singleness of heart- as unto Christ- and in our dealings with each other- so
3. II Cor 19:11- Bountifulness- enriched by God, caused to be thankful to God-

B.  "IN GODLY SINCERITY" of God, and in Christians shown to all

1. This does not exempt us from Guilt- when we do wrong- we shall pay for it-
2. But this sincerity means without guile willing to forgive Matt 18:35
3. This is commanded- I Cor 5:8, and if we lack it, we can find it in milk of word- I Pet 2:2

C.  NOT WITH FLESHLY WISDOM" this means animal wisdom) I Cor I:17, 2:13-Godly wisdom

1. We must not have the insincerity and craftiness of conniving wicked world-
2. But this is not to negate the Wisdom of God- no premium on stupidity either-
3. But the big difference- Jas 3:17-18 -develop this wisdom to have good conscience

III. BUT BY THE GRACE OF GOD" THE TOUCHSTONE OF ALL OUR REJOICING, CONFIDENCE, GOD'S GRACE

OUR Strength can find itself only in God's grace- Commanded II Tim 2:1

1. We need to accept God's amazing grace- and show it to others-
2. It is only by God's grace that we can have the ingredients of a good conscience

A.  "WE HAVE HAD OUR CONVERSATION IN THE WORLD" We have been seen by all-

1. The word conversation means manner of life, whole conduct- what we speak, think, & do
2. Our conversation needs to be changed- Eph 4:22,23 and to show the new person in Christ
3. Now we need to live before the Church- I Tim 3:15, and for all to see- Jas 3:13

B.  "AND MORE ABUNDANT TO YOU-WARD" PAUL HAD A GOOD CONSCIENCE TOWARD THE CORINTHIANS

1. Paul had preached to them without charge arrived there broke, worked for his support
2. They should have seen his desire to minister to them- do you show your love to others?
3. We need to have our conversation open- honest before god and man - II Cor 8:21

C.  WHEN WE HAVE THESE THINGS, WE CAN HAVE A GOOD CONSCIENCE BEFORE GOD

1. If there is sin in the way- then confess it, and forsake it- get right with God-
2. If there is anything lacking- the Holy Spirit will guide you-
3. But there is no substitute for a good conscience before god- gives confidence

CONCLUSION - IN TODAY'S WORLD WE NEED THIS CONSCIENCE THAT CAN REJOICE IN CHRIST

• If you lack it- find it in Christ- claim it by faith and live it
• With this, you have confidence to witness, win souls, wage spiritual battle
• Let God's grace make up your lack, and shine for Jesus