Sermon Central
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Keeping A Good Conscience Series
Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Apr 10, 2025 (message contributor)
Summary: The conscience acts as an inner voice that aligns us with God’s moral standards.
KEEPING A GOOD CONSCIENCE
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text:
Acts 24:16 (KJV):
“And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.”
Supporting Texts: 1 Timothy 1:19, Romans 2:15, Hebrews 13:18, 1 Peter 3:16, Titus 1:15
INTRODUCTION:
The conscience is one of God’s most powerful gifts to mankind—a divine inner voice that bears witness to the rightness or wrongness of our actions. It is the spiritual compass that directs us when we face moral and ethical decisions. To keep a good conscience is to maintain a heart that is tender, responsive, and obedient to God. It is to ensure that our inner man is not hardened or defiled by sin, hypocrisy, or neglect.
In today’s world, many people have silenced or seared their conscience through habitual sin and compromise. Yet, for the believer, maintaining a good conscience is critical to walking in righteousness, enjoying peace with God, and having a credible witness before men. A defiled or guilty conscience can hinder our relationship with God and damage our testimony before the world.
The Apostle Paul, despite his great ministry and spiritual stature, declared that he constantly “exercised” himself to maintain a clear conscience before God and man. This shows that keeping a good conscience is not automatic—it requires intentionality, sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, and obedience to the Word of God.
1. THE CONSCIENCE IS GOD’S INNER WITNESS IN MAN
The conscience acts as an inner voice that aligns us with God’s moral standards.
a) Definition and Function of Conscience
The conscience is the God-given faculty in the human soul that discerns between right and wrong (Romans 2:14-15).
b) It Convicts and Guides
When trained by God's Word, the conscience warns us against sin and urges us toward righteousness (John 8:9).
c) A Good Conscience Promotes Peace
A clear conscience brings spiritual rest, boldness in prayer, and harmony with God (1 John 3:21).
d) A Defiled Conscience is Dangerous
When ignored or corrupted, the conscience becomes unreliable and can lead to spiritual ruin (1 Timothy 4:2).
Biblical Example: Joseph’s refusal to sin with Potiphar’s wife shows a young man governed by a pure conscience (Genesis 39:9).
2. A GOOD CONSCIENCE BEFORE GOD
Our conscience must first be right with God before it can be right with men.
a) God is the Ultimate Judge of the Conscience
He alone sees the heart and holds us accountable for our inner motives (Hebrews 4:12-13).
b) Confession and Repentance Keep It Clean
Regular self-examination and confession of sin maintain purity of conscience (1 John 1:9).
c) Obedience to God’s Word Shapes It
The more we align with Scripture, the more sensitive our conscience becomes (Psalm 119:11).
d) A Good Conscience Empowers Us Spiritually
It fuels boldness in spiritual warfare and communion with God (Hebrews 10:22).
Biblical Example: David’s repentant heart after his sin with Bathsheba shows how confession restores the conscience (Psalm 51:10).
3. A GOOD CONSCIENCE BEFORE MEN
God also expects us to have a clear conscience in our dealings with others.
a) Integrity and Honesty Matter
Our lives must reflect sincerity, honesty, and fairness in all our relationships (Proverbs 11:3).
b) Avoiding Offence and Bitterness
A good conscience avoids holding grudges or wronging others (Romans 12:18).
c) Reconciliation Heals the Conscience
Seeking forgiveness and making restitution helps keep our conscience free from guilt (Matthew 5:23-24).
d) A Clean Conscience Builds Trust
People are more likely to trust and respect a person whose life is blameless (1 Peter 3:16).
Biblical Example: Samuel testified publicly of his integrity, and no one could accuse him of wrongdoing (1 Samuel 12:3-5).
4. DANGERS OF A GUILTY OR SEARED CONSCIENCE
A neglected conscience opens the door to spiritual disaster.
a) Sin Hardens the Conscience
Habitual sin can silence the voice of conscience and lead to rebellion (Ephesians 4:19).
b) Hypocrisy Pollutes the Conscience
Pretending to be righteous while living in sin defiles the heart (Titus 1:15-16).
c) Ignoring God’s Promptings is Costly
Refusing to listen to God’s warnings damages both faith and character (1 Timothy 1:19).
d) Guilt Brings Bondage
A guilty conscience robs a believer of peace and confidence (Psalm 32:3-4).
Biblical Example: Judas Iscariot, driven by guilt, failed to seek true repentance and ended in destruction (Matthew 27:3-5).
5. HOW TO KEEP A GOOD CONSCIENCE
Maintaining a pure conscience requires diligence and spiritual discipline.
a) Daily Communion with God
Spending time in prayer and the Word keeps the conscience aligned with God’s will (James 4:8).
b) Quick Repentance When Convicted
Don’t delay in confessing sin—restore fellowship immediately (Proverbs 28:13).
c) Let the Holy Spirit Guide Your Decisions
Yielding to the Spirit sharpens your conscience (Galatians 5:16).
d) Be Accountable and Transparent
Walk with trusted believers who can help you stay true to your values (Proverbs 27:17).
