a good conscience pleases the lord (1 Timothy 1:5)
Introduction:
1. This verse lists 3 subjects described as "the end of the commandment": "charity out of a pure heart," "a good conscience," and "faith unfeigned." 2. We conclude that these subjects please the Lord. 3. While all of these subjects are important, in our lesson we are concentrating on the fact that "a good conscience pleases the Lord." Discussion: I. WE FIRST NEED TO UNDERSTAND THAT "THE CONSCIENCE" IS
A. "The conscience" is the inner part of us that determines right and wrong. B. A properly trained conscience will lead a person to do what is right, and it will lead a person to abstain from what is wrong. 1. Joseph illustrated this principle (Genesis 39:7-9). 2. He knew this was "wickedness," and he knew it was a "sin against God." C. A properly trained conscience will also motivate us to seek forgiveness when we make mistakes (Acts 2:37-38, 41; 8:22, 24). D. Now that we understand what the conscience is, we need to point out that . . . II. THE BIBLE SPEAKS ABOUT VARIOUS TYPES OF CONSCIENCES
A. On the positive side, the Bible teaches that a person may have "a good conscience" (1 Timothy 1:5) and a "pure conscience" (1 Timothy 3:9). B. On the negative side, the Bible teaches that a person may have a "seared" conscience (1 Timothy 4:1-3) ["past feeling" -- Ephesians 4:19], a "defiled" conscience (Titus 1:15), "an evil conscience" (Hebrews 10:22), and a "weak conscience" (1 Corinthians 8:12). C. Thankfully, God has made it possible for us to undergo a change of conscience. D. In addition to teaching that there are various types of consciences, . . . III. THE BIBLE SHOWS THAT A PERSON MAY BE DECEIVED ABOUT THE CONDITION OF HIS CONSCIENCE [illustrated by Paul]
A. According to Acts 23:1, Paul had "lived in all good conscience before God." B. He showed in Acts 22:3-5 what he had done with a clear conscience. C. His encounter with the Lord showed him he had been wrong (Acts 22:6-10). D. Ananias told him what to do so his sins could be washed away (Acts 22:16). E. This is exactly what he did (Acts 9:18). F. The conscience is not necessarily a safe guide to follow -- it must be properly trained according to God's will. IV. THE BIBLE TEACHES US TO HAVE A GOOD CONSCIENCE TOWARD GOD AND MEN (Acts 24:16)
A. We must have a good conscience toward God. 1. We learn from Hebrews 9:14 that "the blood of Christ" "purges" the conscience when we are baptized (1 Peter 3:21). 2. We learn from 1 John 1:7, 9 how to maintain a good conscience before God. 3. (1 Peter 2:19-21) Having a good conscience toward God will help us when our faith is tried. B. We must have a good conscience toward men -- we must be concerned about other people and the impact of our actions on them (1 Corinthians 10:23-33). Conclusion:
1. The passages we have covered emphasize the importance of "having a good conscience." 2. By way of application, what does it say about a person's conscience if he: a. disobeys God and feels no remorse? b. tries to justify his behavior on the basis of what he has always done? c. does not care about what the Bible teaches? d. puts other things ahead of the Lord and His church and feels no remorse? 3. Thankfully, when the conscience needs to undergo a change, we can come to the Lord for cleansing and renewal (Matthew 11:28-30).
