How can you cultivate a "clear conscience" before God and man today? Paul’s Claim in Acts 23:1 “Paul looked directly at the Council and said, ‘Brothers, I have conducted myself before God in all good conscience to this day.’” What a Clear Conscience Is • Inner witness agreeing with God’s assessment of right and wrong • Freedom from guilt because known sin is confessed and forsaken • Confidence before people because nothing hidden needs to be concealed (2 Corinthians 1:12) How God Cleanses the Conscience • The blood of Christ alone removes guilt (Hebrews 9:14) • Confession brings forgiveness and cleansing (1 John 1:9) • Repentance includes turning from the deed and its pattern (Proverbs 28:13) Practices That Maintain Clarity with God • Daily Scripture intake—letting the Word judge thoughts and attitudes (Hebrews 4:12) • Immediate confession when the Spirit convicts • Regular self-examination (Psalm 139:23-24) • Choosing obedience quickly—“doers of the word” (James 1:22) Relating to People with Transparency • Keep short accounts—seek reconciliation promptly (Matthew 5:23-24) • Speak truthful words seasoned with grace (Ephesians 4:25, 29) • Restitution when wronged property, reputation, or trust (Luke 19:8-9) • Refuse retaliation; pursue peace “if it is possible” (Romans 12:17-18) When the Conscience Convicts • Thank God for the warning—He disciplines those He loves (Hebrews 12:5-6) • Identify the specific sin and its root desire • Replace it with Spirit-empowered obedience (Galatians 5:16) • Accept Christ’s full pardon—do not live in lingering shame (Romans 8:1) Daily Checkpoints for a Clear Conscience 1. Word: What did God show me today? 2. Worship: Did I thank Him and honor His presence? 3. Work: Was my labor honest and wholehearted? (Colossians 3:23) 4. Words: Did my speech edify and stay free of deception? 5. Walk: Is there anyone I need to confess to or forgive before bedtime? Living Out the Freedom of a Clear Conscience • Joyful service—“to serve the living God” (Hebrews 9:14) • Courageous witness—no fear of hidden hypocrisy (Acts 24:16) • Steady hope—anticipating Christ’s return “blameless” (1 Thessalonians 5:23) |
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