Dave Rich begins a critical examination of the Christian conscience in this first installment of Fire in the Hole. Drawing from both Old and New Testament texts, Rich explores the biblical foundation of conscience as a God-given human faculty that judges our actions and thoughts. Fire in the Hole examines how conscience functions differently in believers and unbelievers, examining passages in which the Old Testament uses phrases like "heart struck" and "integrity of heart" to convey what the New Testament explicitly calls conscience. Through careful analysis of Genesis, 1 Samuel, Romans, Hebrews, and 1 Corinthians, Rich demonstrates that while conscience is a grace from God to all image bearers, it remains fallible and requires illumination by Scripture and the Holy Spirit. The teaching reveals how conscience can be natural or spiritual, good or defiled, correct or incorrect, strong or weak, confident or uncertain—establishing the foundation for understanding how Christians should train their conscience according to biblical standards rather than mere personal conviction.

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Dave Rich continues exploring the believer's work in sanctification through five essential spiritual practices. Understanding God's fatherly discipline transforms trials from sorrowful experiences into opportunities for sanctification, yielding the peaceful fruit of righteousness. The believer's work in sanctification requires embracing various trials as necessary means God uses to refine faith and shape character. Believers participate in their sanctification through fasting, stewardship, and acting virtuously, training themselves in godliness as athletes train their bodies. This believer's work in sanctification is spirit-empowered yet demands intentional effort, as doing good leads to being good through trained behavioral dispositions that result in habitual moral goodness.

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Dave Rich examines essential elements of the believer's work in sanctification, demonstrating how Christians actively cooperate with God's transforming power. Understanding the believer's work in sanctification requires recognizing both divine sovereignty and human responsibility, as Philippians 2:12-13 reveals. This practical teaching explores six vital practices that cultivate holiness: Bible intake through reading and study, devoted prayer during temptation, meaningful fellowship with other believers, worshipful living that glorifies God, sacrificial service using spiritual gifts, and bold evangelism that proclaims the gospel. Each practice represents the believer's work in sanctification, developing Christlike character while depending on the Holy Spirit's enabling grace for lasting transformation.

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