Audio Sermons

Building Up the Church of Christ:

Do You Have a Clear Conscience?

Life B-P Church Worship Service, 3^rd December 2023

Text: Acts 24:1-27

• Our conscience evaluates our actions and intentions. (Romans 2:14-15)
• Acts 24 records Paul’s defence before Felix, a Roman governor.
• It reveals the subtle manner that sin works in the hearts of men.
• Felix trembled because his own conscience condemned him. (v.25)
• The only one who had a clear conscience was Paul.
• There are three lessons about our conscience:

1. It Is Useful to Prevent Sin. (v.16b)

• Paul could face all his accusers and speak before the judge boldly, because he had done nothing wrong.
• Conscience can help us to live without offence toward God and men.
• However, sin has affected man’s conscience. (Pro 16:25; cf. 1 Tim 1:13)

2. It Must be Maintained to Be Kept Useful. (v.16a)

• The word ‘exercise’ implies continuous or repeated action to keep his conscience useful.
• To be kept useful, the conscience needs four things:

a. God’s Rule (2 Cor 10:5)

⃝ Christ alone must be the Lord of your conscience.

b. God’s Word (Psa 119:11)

⃝ This is the standard you should use for every decision you make.

c. God’s Power (Rom 7:18-19).

⃝ Conscience does not give you the power to avoid danger.

⃝ You need the power of the Holy Spirit to do this.

d. God’s Forgiveness (Heb 9:14)

⃝ Conscience cannot remove guilt.

⃝ You need the blood of Christ to purge your conscience.

⃝ You can appropriate this by confessing your sins to God. (1 Jn 1:9)

3. It Will Become Useless if It Is Ignored.

• Felix had obtained power by political intrigue and was known for his ferocity, cruelty and immorality.
• When Paul reasoned about righteousness, temperance, and the judgment to come, his conscience made him tremble.
• But he stopped Paul from proceeding further. (v.25)

Application:

• Don’t ignore your conscience – the ‘more convenient time’ to heed its warning never comes.
• If you suppress your guilt feelings you may convince yourself that your sin is alright. (Isa 5:20).
• Do not end up like Felix!

Questions for Reflection:

1. What will you do to maintain a clear conscience toward God and toward man?

2. What should you do if you are still bothered by a guilty conscience?