By Kevin Harris, pastor of the Illawarra Community Baptist Church in Wollongong, NSW
For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.
2 Corinthians 1:12
We live in a world full of chaos and misery. Disappointments mount. The consequences of living under the curse multiply.
But the Christian can know real, deep joy.
Paul and Timothy here testify what it was that brought them such joy. It was the testimony of their consciences about how they had lived.
They described four features of their behaviour:
- In simplicity. There was no fakery or double-dealing. They had behaved honestly.
- In godly sincerity. They were completely open, straightforward, and pure. They weren’t like the world that deals deceitfully, but like God who dealt truthfully.
- Not with fleshly wisdom. They didn’t employ the humanistic, self-seeking ideas and practises of this crooked world.
- By the grace of God. They had lived in God’s favour, applying Biblical principles by His enabling strength.
What joy it brings when we have a clear conscience that honours God. To have past sins forgiven, to be cleansed and renewed, and to be conscious that we now display transformed conduct such that God can favour us – this is real living! This is real joy!
Father, thank You for the joy that comes when we bring joy to Your heart. Expose my sins, that I may confess and forsake them. Renew my mind and transform my life more and more so that I please You. Rather than being deceived by my heart, may my conscience accurately testify that this is the reality of my life. I ask this in the Name of the Lord Jesus, Amen.
This article was written by Kevin Harris Dapto pastor of Illawarra Community Baptist Church.