Our word “conscience” comes from two Latin words: con, meaning “with,” and scio, meaning “to know.” The conscience is that internal judge that witnesses to us - that enables us to “know with,” either approving or accusing actions (Romans 2:14-1514For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: 15Which show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;) (Romans 2:14‑15)). Conscience may be compared to a window that lets in the light of God’s truth. If we persist in disobeying, the window gets dirtier and dirtier, until the light cannot enter. This leads to a “defiled” conscience (Titus 1:1515Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. (Titus 1:15)). A “seared” conscience is one that is no longer sensitive to what is right and wrong (1 Tim. 4:22Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; (1 Timothy 4:2)). It is even possible for the conscience to be so darkened that it approves of things that are bad and accuses those that do good. A criminal feels guilty if he “squeals” on his friends, but he feels happy if he succeeds in crime. This is “an evil conscience” (Heb. 10:2222Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. (Hebrews 10:22)).
Conscience depends on knowledge, the “light” coming through the window. As we read the Word, we better understand God’s will. Our conscience becomes more sensitive to right and wrong. A “good conscience” will approve when we do right and accuse us when we think or do wrong.
1. What exercise did Paul engage in so that he could be void of offence toward God and men? Acts 24:___
2. What is said about the man’s conscience who eats without knowledge?
1 Corinthians 8:___
3. Beginning at the eldest, the people went out one by one. What convicted them? John 8:___
4. Timothy charged the Ephesians that they teach no other doctrine. What was “the end of the commandment” he gave? 1 Timothy 1:___
5. When Christ offered Himself to God without spot, what was the blessed result? Hebrews 9:___