Conscience
In the Bible, the term "conscience" refers to an internal moral compass that distinguishes right from wrong, guiding individuals in their decisions and actions. The Greek word for conscience, "suneidēsis," appears in the New Testament, particularly in passages such as Romans 2:15, where Paul explains that Gentiles, who do not have the Law, still show the work of the Law written on their hearts, their consciences bearing witness to their moral choices. This suggests that conscience is a universal aspect of human experience, reflecting an innate understanding of morality.Moreover, the role of conscience in the believer's life is further emphasized in 1 Timothy 1:5, where Paul states that the aim of his instruction is love, stemming from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith. This indicates that a well-formed conscience is crucial for maintaining a righteous life and is shaped by one's relationship with God and adherence to His teachings. Conversely, Hebrews 10:22 encourages believers to draw near to God with a true heart and full assurance of faith, having their hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience. Thus, in biblical terms, conscience serves as a critical element in moral discernment and spiritual integrity, reflecting both the individual's awareness of God's standards and their inner moral life.
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(First Baptist Church) #2 - Conscience
By J. Edwin Orr4.8K52:54PSA 139:23ISA 1:18HOS 4:14JHN 8:7ROM 2:1ROM 3:23HEB 9:14In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in convicting and convincing the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. He discusses the importance of working on one's conscience and being willing to repent and seek deliverance from sinful practices. The preacher also mentions a conversation about the AIDS epidemic and the need for personal responsibility. He highlights the significance of having a clear conscience and behaving with godly sincerity. The sermon encourages listeners to let their conscience be their guide, but also acknowledges the need for obedience to God's Word.
Heart Condemnation, a Proof That God Also Condemns
By Charles Finney0PSA 139:23JAS 2:101JN 3:20Charles Finney emphasizes the critical role of conscience in determining our acceptance with God, explaining that a condemning heart indicates a deeper spiritual issue. He clarifies that conscience is not merely a feeling but a rational faculty that discerns right from wrong, and warns against the dangers of ignoring its voice. Finney stresses that if our conscience condemns us in any area, it reflects a broader disapproval from God, as true acceptance requires a clear conscience. He urges listeners to examine their hearts honestly, recognizing that a lack of peace with God often stems from unacknowledged sin. Ultimately, he calls for a deep introspection to ensure one's heart aligns with God's will, as self-deception can lead to spiritual peril.
Luke 16:19
By Chuck Smith0PSA 139:14ECC 12:1ISA 43:25LUK 16:25JHN 14:26ROM 2:151CO 3:13PHP 3:13HEB 10:27REV 20:12Chuck Smith emphasizes the significance of memory in our lives, illustrating how it can be both a blessing and a burden. He discusses the complexities of memory, including the impact of past experiences and the role of conscience in recalling wrongdoings. The sermon highlights the importance of remembering God's calls and the love of Christ that we may have rejected. Smith urges listeners to reflect on their memories, particularly those related to their spiritual journey and relationship with God. Ultimately, he reminds us that we cannot escape our memories, and they shape our understanding of ourselves and our faith.
Conscience Void of Offense
By Edsel Troutmann1.2K56:48PSA 51:4MAT 6:33ROM 14:19GAL 6:1JAS 4:171JN 1:9In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of getting saved at a young age to avoid the consequences of sin later in life. He believes that everyone has a responsibility to correct the negative effects of their sins on others. The preacher also criticizes the idea of relying solely on logic and scripture to determine someone's conversion, instead of the guidance of the Holy Spirit. He highlights the need for individuals to not only seek forgiveness from God but also to forgive themselves and confess their sins to others.
Conscience and the Bible in Harmony
By Charles Finney0JHN 16:8ROM 2:152CO 4:2EPH 2:8HEB 10:22Charles Finney emphasizes the harmony between the Bible and human conscience, arguing that both affirm the same moral truths and obligations. He explains that every person possesses a conscience that recognizes right and wrong, which aligns with the teachings of Scripture. Finney asserts that the Bible's moral precepts are universally accepted by conscience, proving its divine inspiration. He highlights the necessity of atonement and justification by faith, noting that both conscience and the Bible agree on these critical doctrines. Ultimately, he warns that one cannot truly die as a skeptic, as the voice of conscience will inevitably confront them with the truth.
Keeping a Good Conscience
By Zac Poonen2.4K49:13PSA 1:2JER 15:191TI 1:192TI 4:21PE 3:15REV 3:11In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of keeping a sensitive conscience and living a life that honors Christ. He encourages believers to always be ready to defend their faith with gentleness and reverence. The speaker acknowledges his own failures and emphasizes the need for repentance and mourning over sin. He also highlights the importance of faithfulness in all areas of life, including words, money, and relationships. The sermon concludes with a reminder to hold fast to what one has and to strive for perfection in Christlikeness.
And Ahab Said to Elijah, Hast Thou Found Me,
By F.B. Meyer01KI 21:20PRO 11:20MAT 6:24ROM 6:23GAL 6:7JAS 4:4F.B. Meyer explores the confrontation between Ahab and Elijah, emphasizing how Ahab's wrongful actions led to a haunting conscience that overshadowed his material gains. He illustrates that our perception of others, like Elijah, can shift based on the condition of our hearts, turning friends into enemies when we stray from righteousness. Meyer warns against the dangers of selling one's soul for temporary pleasures, likening it to Faust's tragic bargain, where the cost is ultimately death. The sermon highlights the internal struggle between light and darkness, urging listeners to examine their hearts and the true nature of their desires.
On Conscience
By John Wesley0JOB 16:19PSA 139:23MIC 6:8MAT 5:8ACT 24:16ROM 9:12CO 1:121TI 1:5HEB 10:221JN 2:20John Wesley's sermon 'On Conscience' emphasizes the critical role of conscience in guiding moral behavior and understanding right from wrong. He explains that conscience is a divine gift that allows individuals to discern their actions in relation to God's will, serving as both a witness and a judge. Wesley categorizes different types of conscience, including good, tender, scrupulous, and hardened, and stresses the importance of obeying one's conscience to maintain its sensitivity. He concludes with practical directions for nurturing a good conscience, urging believers to live in constant awareness of God's presence and to align their actions with His word.
Balanced-and Blessed!
By Theodore Epp0JER 6:9JER 17:9ACT 24:16PHP 2:12Theodore Epp emphasizes the necessity for Christians to actively work out their salvation with a vigilant conscience, being mindful of temptations that could tarnish the name of Christ. He urges believers to reflect on their lives and consider if anything discredits their faith, especially in light of standing before a holy God at the Judgment Seat. Epp highlights the deceitfulness of the heart and the importance of maintaining a balance between divine enablement and human responsibility in our spiritual walk. He encourages a constant awareness of our actions and their impact on our testimony for Christ.
A Conscience Void of Offence
By Hans R. Waldvogel3.3K25:04PSA 139:9ACT 24:14In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the authority of Jesus and his ability to demand a wholehearted surrender from believers. He uses the example of Jesus driving out the money changers from the temple to illustrate this authority. The preacher also discusses the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit and putting on the Lord Jesus Christ, rather than allowing sin and the devil to rule in one's body. He emphasizes the need for believers to have an enlightened and quickened conscience through the living word of God. Additionally, the preacher mentions the experience of being called a heretic for following Jesus wholeheartedly and the potential loss of friendships that may occur.
Naboth's Vineyard
By F.B. Meyer01KI 21:32KI 9:26MAT 5:11F.B. Meyer explores the tragic story of Naboth's Vineyard, where King Ahab's greed leads to the wrongful execution of Naboth, who refuses to sell his ancestral land. Ahab's despair and subsequent actions reveal the depths of his moral failure, while the prophet Elijah, after a period of silence, boldly confronts Ahab, acting as a voice of conscience and truth. Elijah's unwavering faith and commitment to God's word highlight the consequences of sin and the importance of standing firm against injustice. The sermon emphasizes that true prophets may be hated for speaking the truth, yet their words will ultimately be vindicated by God. The narrative serves as a reminder of God's justice and the inevitable consequences of wrongdoing.
(The Real Truth) 3. the Real Truth About Our Conscience
By Zac Poonen0LUK 11:34HEB 9:27Zac Poonen emphasizes the significance of our conscience as a divine gift that reminds us of our moral responsibilities and the inevitable judgment we will face from God for our actions, words, and thoughts. Unlike animals, humans are created in God's image and are accountable for their lives, with a day of judgment awaiting us. He compares conscience to pain, which serves as a warning system for our spiritual health, urging us to heed its voice to avoid becoming desensitized to sin. Poonen stresses the importance of maintaining a clean conscience, akin to keeping our eyes clear, and highlights that while forgiveness is available, it comes at a significant cost. Ultimately, our conscience is a vital tool for recognizing our need for healing and redemption.
God's Preacher in the Heart
By Thomas Brooks0PSA 66:18PRO 28:13ISA 59:2ACT 24:16ROM 2:152CO 1:121TI 1:19HEB 10:22JAS 4:81JN 1:9Thomas Brooks emphasizes that conscience serves as God's preacher within us, acting as a witness to our actions and intentions. He warns that tampering with sin leads to a guilty conscience, which obstructs our peace and assurance in God. Brooks explains that harboring unconfessed sins creates a barrier between us and God, preventing Him from revealing His love and grace. He stresses that God will not listen to the prayers of those who continue to indulge in sin, as it is contrary to His holiness. Ultimately, a clear conscience is essential for true communion with God.
The Function of Conscience
By Steve Mays1.1K33:10MAT 6:33JHN 8:9ACT 24:161TI 1:51TI 4:121TI 6:11In this sermon, Pastor Steve Mays discusses the function of the conscience and its role in guiding our choices. He explains that the conscience can commend, condemn, or convict us based on our actions. It serves as a red flag, warning us when we are about to make wrong choices. However, ultimately, it is up to us to stay within the parameters set by our conscience. Pastor Mays emphasizes the importance of allowing God's word to guide our lives and living our Christianity for the sake of Jesus Christ.
A Healed Conscience
By Phil Beach Jr.4633:25PSA 34:18PRO 16:18ISA 57:15MAT 5:8ROM 2:152CO 1:12HEB 10:22JAS 4:61PE 5:51JN 1:9Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the necessity of maintaining a healed conscience, urging believers to acknowledge their faults and seek Jesus' help rather than justifying their pride or insensitivity. He explains that a broken spirit, exposed to God's light, leads to true humility and a tender conscience, which is essential for spiritual growth. Beach highlights that both saved and unsaved sinners are in need of God's grace, and that a healed conscience allows for genuine self-awareness and accountability. He encourages the congregation to embrace vulnerability and transparency in their walk with God, as these qualities foster a closer relationship with Him. Ultimately, he calls for prayer and reliance on Jesus to heal and restore our consciences, making them sensitive to the movements of our hearts.
God's Spy in the Heart
By Thomas Brooks0PSA 139:1PRO 20:27ECC 12:14MAT 12:36JHN 8:9ROM 2:152CO 5:10GAL 6:7HEB 4:131JN 3:20Thomas Brooks emphasizes that conscience acts as God's spy within our hearts, serving as a personal tribunal that records our actions and thoughts. He illustrates how conscience functions as a witness, documenting every secret sin and wrongdoing, regardless of how well we try to conceal them. Brooks points out that even in the most hidden circumstances, conscience will ultimately reveal the truth and hold us accountable before God. The sermon highlights the inescapable nature of conscience, which serves as both a guide and a judge in our moral lives.
A Seared Conscience--No. 2
By Charles Finney0MAT 7:21ROM 2:152CO 1:12GAL 6:7EPH 4:191TI 4:2HEB 10:22JAS 1:221PE 2:191JN 1:9Charles Finney warns about the dire consequences of a seared conscience, emphasizing that it leads to delusion regarding one's moral character, false security, and a mistaken sense of hope. He explains that a seared conscience can result in abandonment by the Spirit of God, a life of uselessness, and even physical ailments due to neglect of moral and physical laws. Finney stresses the importance of maintaining a sensitive conscience to avoid becoming a negative influence on others and to fulfill one's potential for good in the world. He calls for self-examination and the cultivation of a quick conscience, especially among those in ministry, to prevent the spread of sin and to promote true holiness.
And David's Heart Smote Him.
By F.B. Meyer01SA 24:5PRO 4:23MAT 7:1F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of having a tender conscience, as demonstrated by David's remorse after cutting off a piece of Saul's robe. Despite the opportunity to harm Saul and end his hardships, David felt guilt for dishonoring God's anointed king, illustrating that even small actions can have significant moral implications. Meyer challenges listeners to reflect on their own conduct, particularly in how they may inadvertently harm others' reputations through thoughtless words or actions. He reminds us that circumstances do not justify wrong actions, and that we should strive for a higher moral standard, regardless of the approval of those around us.
The Voice of Conscience
By A.W. Tozer5.0K37:52MAL 3:16JHN 8:1ROM 2:11ROM 10:91TH 1:101TI 4:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a sincere and reverent attitude towards God in Christ. He acknowledges the value of testimonies, songs, and occasional amens in worship, but warns against excessive and empty religious talk. The speaker highlights the significance of listening to the voice of God and the Word, as well as the inner voice that urges us to draw closer to God. He references the story of Jesus and the adulterous woman in the Bible as an example of the inner light that convicts and guides individuals. The speaker also expresses concern about the spiritual and moral decline in society despite the high number of people belonging to churches or synagogues. He suggests that true faith and love should be demonstrated through actions rather than mere words.
A Seared Conscience
By Charles Finney0PSA 32:3PRO 28:13ROM 2:15EPH 4:191TI 4:22TI 3:1HEB 10:22JAS 1:221PE 3:161JN 1:9Charles Finney addresses the concept of a seared conscience, explaining that it is not merely a lack of knowledge of right and wrong, but a state of insensitivity to moral obligations and guilt. He outlines the characteristics and consequences of a seared conscience, emphasizing how it can develop through neglecting moral duties, indulging in sin, and resisting the affirmations of reason. Finney warns that a seared conscience leads to apathy towards moral issues and a lack of remorse for wrongdoing, ultimately distancing individuals from God. He encourages self-examination and a return to a sensitive conscience to restore moral clarity and spiritual health.
Having a Good Conscience
By Charles Finney0PRO 28:1ACT 24:16ROM 2:152CO 1:121TI 1:51TI 3:92TI 1:3HEB 13:181PE 2:191PE 3:16Charles Finney emphasizes the significance of maintaining a good conscience, explaining that it involves moral awareness, enlightenment, and obedience to its dictates. He outlines the conditions necessary for a good conscience, including the need for divine light and the importance of indulging and obeying one's conscience. Finney argues that a good conscience is essential for self-respect, peace of mind, and usefulness in society, while also being indispensable for salvation. He warns that those who neglect their conscience become a nuisance to society and are ultimately odious to God and others. The sermon concludes with a call to heed the conscience, as it is vital for spiritual well-being and moral integrity.
Your Conscience, the Cross, True Faith, False Religion
By David Cooper1.5K1:13:54MAT 7:13JHN 3:20JHN 6:47JHN 6:53JHN 14:6ACT 4:122CO 3:5In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the profound significance of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on the hill of Calvary. The preacher emphasizes the selfless love and grace of God, as He willingly dies for the sins of mankind. The sermon describes the scene of Jesus being nailed to the cross and the immense love that compelled Him to bleed and die for humanity. The preacher also shares a personal experience of encountering the crucified Christ and being convicted of his own guilt, leading to repentance and a realization of the forgiveness offered through Jesus' sacrifice.
The Holy Spirit and Conscience
By Andrew Murray0ROM 8:16ROM 9:12CO 1:12COL 1:101TI 1:51TI 1:19TIT 1:15HEB 9:14HEB 12:281JN 3:21Andrew Murray emphasizes the vital role of conscience in the believer's life, asserting that it serves as a reflection of God's holiness and a guide towards righteousness. He explains that the Holy Spirit works in harmony with our conscience, leading us to recognize sin and embrace God's grace through Christ's blood. The cleansing of the conscience is essential for spiritual growth and maintaining a close relationship with God, as it allows believers to walk in the light of His favor. Murray encourages believers to yield to their conscience, ensuring it remains pure and responsive to God's will, which in turn strengthens their faith and assurance of salvation. Ultimately, he calls for a life characterized by a clear conscience, testifying to the transformative work of the Holy Spirit.
Of a Good Conscience.
By John Gill0ROM 2:142TI 1:3John Gill emphasizes the significance of a good conscience in the life of a believer, asserting that it is essential for true worship and obedience to God. He explains that a good conscience is rooted in the knowledge of God's will and acts as a guide for moral and spiritual decisions. Gill outlines the various functions of conscience, including its role as a judge and witness, and contrasts a good conscience with an evil one, highlighting the peace and joy that come from being cleansed by Christ's sacrifice. He encourages believers to maintain a pure conscience through continual reflection and reliance on the blood of Christ, which brings freedom from guilt and fear of judgment.
Diverse Kinds of Conscience.
By Horatius Bonar0GEN 42:18NEH 5:15PSA 119:9PRO 1:7ROM 14:122CO 5:9EPH 6:7COL 3:23HEB 13:181PE 2:19Horatius Bonar emphasizes the significance of a God-fearing conscience in various aspects of life, drawing from the examples of Nehemiah and Joseph, who acted righteously out of their fear of God. He outlines the importance of conscientiousness in religious, secular, commercial, family, private, and local contexts, urging believers to let the fear of God guide their actions and decisions. Bonar warns against the dangers of a blunted conscience and encourages cultivating a tender and sensitive conscience that seeks God's approval in all things. He stresses that true conscientiousness is not merely about duty but about a heartfelt desire to please God in every area of life. Ultimately, Bonar calls for a life regulated by the fear of God, which serves as a powerful motivator for righteousness.