Reviving A Dying Conscience

REVIVING A DYING CONSCIENCE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Timothy 4:1-2

Supporting Texts: Titus 1:15, Romans 2:14-15, Hebrews 9:14, Acts 24:16, Psalm 51:10

INTRODUCTION:

The conscience is the God-given moral compass in every person that distinguishes right from wrong. It is the inner voice that alerts us when we veer off course spiritually. However, in a world overwhelmed by sin, moral decay, and spiritual compromise, many believers find their consciences weakening and, in some cases, dying altogether.

A dying conscience no longer feels the sting of sin. It becomes numb, hardened, and unresponsive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Such a condition is dangerous because it can lead to spiritual ruin. The Apostle Paul warned of consciences being “seared with a hot iron” (1 Timothy 4:2)—a metaphor for deep moral insensitivity.

But there is hope. Through repentance, renewal of the mind, and the power of the Holy Spirit, a dying conscience can be revived. This message explores how to diagnose the condition of your conscience and take practical steps to revive it and live in spiritual sensitivity and integrity.

1. UNDERSTANDING THE CONSCIENCE

God designed the conscience to help us discern moral truth and stay aligned with His will.

a) The Conscience Bears Witness of Right and Wrong (Romans 2:14-15)

Even those without the law have an internal moral code that guides them.

b) A Clear Conscience Is a Mark of Spiritual Maturity (Acts 24:16)

Paul strove to maintain a conscience void of offence toward God and man.

c) The Conscience Can Be Corrupted (Titus 1:15)

To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled, even conscience is defiled.

d) The Blood of Christ Purifies the Conscience (Hebrews 9:14)

Only the finished work of Christ can cleanse a conscience stained by sin.

Biblical Example: David’s conscience smote him after he cut Saul’s robe—This shows the sensitivity of a living conscience (1 Samuel 24:5).

2. SIGNS OF A DYING CONSCIENCE

A dying conscience does not respond to spiritual correction or conviction.

a) Habitual Sin Without Remorse (Jeremiah 6:15)

“They were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush.”

b) Justifying Wrong with False Doctrine (1 Timothy 4:1-2)

Doctrines of devils can silence a guilty conscience.

c) Loss of Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30)

When conscience dies, grieving the Spirit becomes normal.

d) Indifference to God’s Word (Zechariah 7:11-12)

They made their hearts as hard as flint and would not listen.

Biblical Example: King Saul hardened his heart until he lost the voice of God (1 Samuel 28:6).

3. STEPS TO REVIVING A DYING CONSCIENCE

The conscience can be restored through divine help and discipline.

a) Confess and Renounce Sin (Proverbs 28:13)

You must admit your wrong and forsake it for mercy to flow.

b) Feed Your Spirit with God’s Word (Psalm 119:11)

God’s Word renews and re-sensitises the heart.

c) Cultivate Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit (John 16:8)

Allow the Spirit to convict and correct you daily.

d) Develop the Discipline of Self-Examination (2 Corinthians 13:5)

Regularly check the condition of your heart and motives.

Biblical Example: Peter wept bitterly after denying Christ—his conscience was revived and he was restored (Luke 22:61-62).

4. LIVING WITH A REVIVED CONSCIENCE

A tender, responsive conscience is essential for spiritual growth.

a) Walk in Daily Repentance (Psalm 51:10)

"Create in me a clean heart, O God."

b) Be Quick to Obey God's Voice (Isaiah 30:21)

When your conscience is alive, you will hear and follow divine direction.

c) Avoid Anything That Defiles Your Inner Man (2 Corinthians 7:1)

Perfect holiness in the fear of God.

d) Live with Integrity Before God and Man (Proverbs 20:7)

The righteous walk in integrity, and their children are blessed.

Biblical Example: Joseph refused to sin with Potiphar’s wife because his conscience was alive to God (Genesis 39:9).

CONCLUSION:

A dying conscience is one of the greatest dangers to a believer’s spiritual life. It can lead to persistent sin, deception, and even spiritual death. But God is merciful. Through genuine repentance, the ministry of the Word, and the power of the Holy Spirit, your conscience can be revived and made sensitive once again.

Guard your heart. Keep your conscience alive. Let it be your divine compass as you walk in righteousness. The revival of your conscience is the revival of your soul.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, revive my conscience and make me sensitive to Your Spirit.

2. Cleanse me from every guilt and secret sin by the blood of Jesus.

3. Help me to hate what You hate and love what You love.

4. I receive grace to walk in daily obedience and integrity.

5. Let my heart be aligned with Your will always.