CLEAR CONSCIENCE

I. What Biblical terms are used to describe our conscience? 
    1. Good conscience. Acts 23:1, I Timothy 1:5,19, I Peter 3:16, Hebrews 13:18 
    2. Pure conscience. I Timothy 3:9, II Timothy 1:3 
    3. Evil conscience. Hebrews 10:22 
    4. Defiled conscience. Titus 1:15 
    5. Seared conscience. I Timothy 4:2 
    6. Weak conscience. I Corinthians 8:7, 10, 12

II. What examples are given in Scripture regarding an individuals conscience? 
    1. Achan-Sin of stealing. Joshua 7 
    2. David-Sin of adultery. II Samuel 11 
    3. Zacchaeus-Sin of cheating-stealing. Luke 19:8 
    4. Scribes and Pharisees. John 8:7-9

III. What are the consequences if I fail to have a clear conscience? 
    1. My health will be affected. Ps 32:1,3-4 
    2. I will become unstable spiritually. I Timothy 1:18-19 
    3. I will not make wise decisions. Hebrews 5:13-14 
    4. I will be ineffective in witnessing. I Peter 3:15-16 
    5. My thoughts will be influenced. Titus 1:15

IV. What is the value of a clear conscience? 
    1. A clear conscience is essential to remain in fellowship with God and others. Acts 24:16 
    2. A clear conscience is essential to demonstrate love to others. I Timothy 1:5 
    3. A clear conscience is essential to face suffering effectively. I Peter 2:19 
    4. A clear conscience is essential to have confidence before God. Psalms 66:18; I John 3: 19-22 
    5. A clear conscience is essential to mature spiritually. Hebrews 5:13-14 
    6. A clear conscience is essential to witnessing. II Corinthians 4:2-5, I Peter 3:15-16

V. What should be the goal of every believer? Acts 24:16 “Conscience void of offense toward God and man”.

(Explanation to the counselor)

I. What Biblical terms are used to describe our conscience?

The Bible uses different terms to describe the way people have responded to their conscience. The good and pure conscience describes the believer’s conscience that has been made sensitive to the Word of God and the Holy Spirit' s ministry in their life. The individuals who have an evil, defiled, or seared conscience are those who have responded incorrectly in their conscience toward God. The person with the weak conscience is the one who has not matured properly in spiritual matters. Each of these should be defined and illustrated to motivate the counselee to desire a good and pure conscience.

II. What examples are given in Scripture regarding an individual’s conscience?

In explaining the value of keeping a clear conscience, the example of Achan can be used. He stole the gold and garments, and hid them because his conscience communicated to him that it was wrong. David lost the joy of his relationship with God because he refused to acknowledge his adultery. Zacchaeus, when confronted with his sin of cheating and stealing, gave back four times the amount he had taken. The Scribes and Pharisees, who accused the woman caught in adultery left when Jesus asked them if they had violated the law. Each of these examples and others can be used to describe the value of the clear conscience.

III. What are the consequences if I fail to have a clear conscience?

A failure to keep a clear conscience with God and others will result in certain consequences. These will be helpful to use when motivating others to clear up past failures. Sample questions: -Are you aware of the health problems that result when one fails to clear one’s conscience. (1) -Are you aware of the effect it will have on you spiritually? (2,4) Illustrate with the example of David. -Do you recognize that a guilty conscience will cause you to make unwise decisions? (3) When a person does not resolve his failures of the past, his present decisions are influenced, as well as his thoughts.

IV. What is the value of a clear conscience?

A clear conscience can result in special benefits. A person desiring to enjoy these will need to make certain he has a clear conscience. A person with a guilty conscience will: 1) be out of fellowship with God, 2) not be able to love others properly, 3) react to suffering that comes into his life, 4) not have confidence before God in prayer, 5) not mature spiritually, and 6) not be effective in witnessing.

V. What should be the goal of every believer?

We should challenge others to share Paul’s personal goal of not having any sin that hinders his relationship with God or others.

Notice: These materials are not intended to take the place of professional, mental health services, but rather to provide Biblical insight and helpful resources regarding various spiritual and emotional problems.  While we are glad to offer these resources for your personal use, we encourage you to contact our pastor, Nolan Jackson, Sr., for in-depth, free, Christian Counseling. If you are interested in setting up an appointment, please call 770-786-8676 or e-mail (be sure to include contact information).

                                       Belmont Baptist Church - Pastor Nolan Jackson, Sr. - 3275 Iris Dr. - Conyers, GA  30013 - 770-786-8676