Young Adults' Group

The Challenge To Have A Good Conscience

by Pastor Mark
February 14, 2019

Understanding the conscience

This week in Yangon, Pastor Charles was teaching the brethren there about the conscience. The conscience is something that is not well understood. But it is most vital for us to understand this teaching as it affects both our life and ministry. The Apostle Paul taught much about the concept of the conscience…through his words and example. Let us be challenged to have a deeper understanding of what the conscience is.

Defining the conscience

Paul wrote to Timothy, “you may wage the good warfare, having faith and a good conscience,” (1 Tim 1:18,19) The Greek word “suneidesis” means “conscience”. It is associated with another word “sunetheia” which means “consciousness, custom”. (1 Cor 8:7) Paul lived in a certain way that he was accustomed to…that it became his consciousness. This consciousness would affect his conscience. It is with faith in the Lord that we develop a good conscience. Our faith affects the kind of conscience we have.

The conscience is part of the nature of man…but not in the nature of animals. It is what makes a person feel guilty. It is his moral compass. Anything that is wrong or right, the conscience will prompt us. It will affect our heart, mind and spirit.

The example of the Paul in displaying a good conscience

How did Paul prove that he had a good conscience?

1. Before God

“Then Paul, looking earnestly at the council, said, “Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.” (Acts 23:1)

As Paul reviewed his life before the council, he shared that he had lived his life in good conscience before God. His consciousness was of God and he sought to live his life accordingly. He did not say anything or did anything before God that his conscience would indicate otherwise.

2. Before men

“This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men.” (Acts 24:16)

Paul strove to have a conscience that was blameless toward God and men. He sought to do and say things that would not be an offence to men. This was his consciousness.

3. In the Holy Spirit

“I tell the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit,” (Rom 9:1)

Paul was making a sworn declaration with his conscience. The conscience would bear witness to him in the Holy Spirit. Paul, in speaking the truth, called upon the witness of the Holy Spirit that will affect his spirit and it will influence his conscience. The Spirit is involved in his conscience in determining that which is considered true. In making this solemn declaration, his good conscience was reflected in his life. Let us learn and to follow the example of Paul in developing a good conscience before the Holy Spirit.

Let us seek to have a far deeper understanding of what the conscience is. Let us be challenged to have a good conscience before God, men and the Holy Spirit.

Back to Article Listing