By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo
1 Timothy 4:1-2 "The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron." - NIV
Paul describes what will happen in the last days, increase of hypocriti liars with dead consciences. The conscience is the reason we can tell right from wrong, good from bad. It is based on values and beliefs. When one has a living and good conscience, he will do what is right and good, and reject what is wrong and evil. A living conscience towards God leads to a life that glorifies God and rejects evil. A dead conscience is non responsive to good.
The process of killing the conscience comes over time through disobedience to God. When one keeps doing what is evil, they are slowly grieving away the Spirit (Who convicts) and killing the conscience. Initially, they are convicted of the wrong. With time, that conviction reduces and engagement in evil goes without much feeling. The gentle sensitive Holy Spirit has been grieved away. The person now does wrong ‘freely’, seems to enjoy it and will even justify and defend it!
Paul mentions the things that lead to, or manifest dead conscience, including abandoning the faith, following deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. This will characterise the last days as false teachers increase. All this results from disobedience to God. A dead conscience is a dangerous state to be. A person will be a hypocrite, a liar, and open to demonic teachings and influence as he teaches others the same. It’s like driving a car down slope without brakes and yet celebrating! Our desire and commitment to keep our conscience alive should like Paul’s when he said,
"So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man." Acts 24:16
Shalom children of God.