The word “conscience” means “to know with, to know together.” Conscience is the inner “judge” or “witness” that approves when we do right and disapproves when we do wrong (Romans 2:15). Conscience does not set the standard; it only applies it. The Word of God is the true standard, which shines upon the conscience. It’s like a window that lets in light. The cleaner the window is, the more the light shines in. If the window gets dirty, the light gets dimmer, and finally darkness replaces the light. A good conscience, or pure conscience (1 Timothy 3:9), is one that lets in God’s light so that we are convicted if we do wrong and encouraged if we do right. A defiled conscience (1 Corinthians 8:7) results from doing what one believes is wrong. If a person continues to sin against his conscience, he may end up with a seared conscience (1 Timothy 4:2). Then his hardened conscience would no longer bother him, even when he was doing wrong. Our conscience needs to be enlightened by the Word of God. Paul persecuted the church, so how could he claim to have a good conscience? He had lived up to the light he had, and that is all that a good conscience requires. After he became a Christian and the light of God’s glory shone into his heart (2 Corinthians 4:6), Paul saw things differently and called himself the chief of sinners (1 Timothy 1:15).
1. Why did the people go out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the least? John 8:___
2. Do the Gentiles have something written in their hearts that bears witness to them? Romans 2:___
3. God’s purpose is that we have charity out of a pure heart and faith unfeigned. What else is found in this verse? 1 Timothy 1:___
4. How will the blood of Christ better enable us to serve the living God?
Hebrews 9:___
5. What is the commendation given for those who endure grief and suffer wrongfully? 1 Peter 2:___