Conscience--Should It Be Followed?

SHOULD YOU FOLLOW YOUR OWN CONSCIENCE?
SERMON #440; by Joe McClure; date: 7/30/06; Text: Romans 13.1-14; I Corinthians 8.1-13; Titus 1.10-16



Frye has requested that I preach a sermon that deals with how much we should trust our own consciences.

Should you ever do anything, which contradicts what you believe to be the right way?

Of course not, but can all people be saved by following their own conscience?

The idea, which I hope to explain, is that what you think to be right may not be right.

You may make a moral decision, honestly believing that you are doing the right thing, and be completely evil in your choice.

The word ‘conscience’ is defined as:

One’s moral consciousness

To consider that which one understands

That which convicts our actions as being right or wrong

There is a way that seemeth right to a man……

As I began to consider this subject for this sermon, I was actually surprised at the number of places in which the word is actually found; over 25 times in the New Testament.

The first time that the word ‘conscience’ is found in the NT Scriptures is found in the account of Jesus being tempted by the Jews to condemn the woman taken in the very act of adultery.

The setting is the temple, and the men were scribes and Pharisees; men who knew the Law of Moses, and who were trying to find some cause of condemning Jesus.

These men knew the penalty for adultery was for both the man and woman caught in the act of adultery, but they only brought the woman to be condemned.

As I read this passage of Scriptures, I want you to notice that since they caught her in the very act of committing adultery, they would have caught both the man and the woman together.

John 8:3-11-- And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, [4] They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. [5] Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? [6] This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. [7] So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. [8] And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.

Notice in verse 6 what their purpose was, that is, to tempt Jesus. If they could get Jesus to condemn the woman whom they caught in the act of adultery, they could go and tell others that Jesus had blasphemed the Law of Moses. Under the Law, only those who sat in the place of the judges could condemn, and then only with 2, or 3 eyewitnesses.

[9] And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. [10] When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? [11] She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.

The so-called witnesses were convicted in their hearts, knowing that they were in violation of God’s law concerning this matter.

In this case, their consciences were educated to know the truth, and that knowledge convicted them of the wrong they were doing.

However, we must consider that they were already aware of the writing of the Mosaic Law before they ever came with the woman caught in adultery.



Next, we look at the conscience of Paul, the Apostle.

Without going in to the entire defense of Paul, when he stood before Governor Felix, I want to note something important about a portion of Paul’s statement.

Acts 24:16

And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.

Saints today should strive to follow this same pattern.

Paul also used the word ‘conscience’ as a way of testifying to the truth which he personally believed as being the same truth which was imparted to him by the Holy Spirit.

Romans 9:1-5

I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost, [2] That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. [3] For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh: [4] Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises; [5] Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.

Paul’s yearning for the salvation of the Jews was also a goal of Christ, and thus of the Holy Spirit.

We might learn from this that our own personal views, whatever they might be, should never stand opposed to the Holy Scriptures.

We should ask ourselves whether our views, our words, and consequently our actions, or entire way of life is approved by the text which is divinely inspired. If so, then we can say that our consciences are without offence to God.

Turn to Romans 13.

The Law of Christ, which is found in the New Testament, will educate our consciences, so that we can be without offence before God. However, an uneducated, and untaught conscience is not to be trusted as a good guide.

Until you are sure that you can trust your conscience, always study with prayer the Word of truth.

Romans 13:1-14

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. [2] Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. [3] For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: [4] For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. [5] Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. [6] For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. [7] Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. [8] Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. [9] For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. [10] Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. [11] And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. [12] The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. [13] Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. [14] But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

Be Subject to Higher Powers

Do that which is Good

Pay taxes to whom due

Pay custom to whom due (indirect taxes)

Give fear to whom due

Give respect or honor to whom due

Owe no man any thing (pay your debts when they come due, on time, as agreed)

Love one another

Do not commit adultery, and you won’t if you love as you should

Do not kill, and you won’t if you truly love

Do not steal, and you won’t if you truly love

Do not bear false witness, or testify to a lie; and you won’t if you truly love

Do not lust after that which others have

Do no evil to your neighbor

Be watchful over your soul

Put on the armor of light, putting off works of darkness

Do not spend your life in pleasure seeking and in drinking

Avoid bad companions

Avoid unclean activities

Do not fight

In other words, when we put on Jesus Christ, we will stop making plans and spending our time and money in doing that which the flesh desires in opposition to that which is righteous.

With such commandments, as we find in Romans 13.1-14, in residence within our minds, we will naturally do those things which are approved by our Lord Jesus because we love God, and thus keep His commandments. We will obey our Lord, not just because we fear the wrath to come, but also because we have been educated to live right.

Next, I want you to turn to I Corinthians 8th chapter.

There we will see the comparison made between a mature, good conscience and the weak conscience.

In this passage, we see that a conscience may be weak when the Christian is ignorant, or unlearned concerning the will of Christ.

The topic has to do with eating meat, which had been offered in idol worship.

1 Cor. 8:1-13

Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. [2] And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know. [3] But if any man love God, the same is known of him. [4] As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one. [5] For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) [6] But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. [7] Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled. [8] But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse. [9] But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. [10] For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols; [11] And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? [12] But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ. [13] Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.



In this passage of Scriptures, many may just read over them because we do not know anyone who offers animal sacrifices to false idol-gods.

While we may not know of anyone who does this in our communities, there are many in our world who still do such sacrifices, but that is not the point that I want you to notice.

Instead, I want us to see the lesson regarding the weak consciences of others.

Paul said that the more spiritually mature brethren have knowledge. In other words, they knew that there is but one true God, and that the meat offered to the idols would be just as good to eat as if they had butchered one of their own animals to eat.

The lesson is that some may not yet understand that some things are acceptable to do, which you know that you have the liberty to do.

The point is that you may be a good student of the Scriptures and know and understand all the liberties which we have been afforded in Christ, while others may be offended when they see you taking those liberties.

If you are none the worse for foregoing the liberty in the presence of the brother with the weak conscience, then you are commanded, for Christ sakes to not harm the weak conscience of your brother.

We see that in the 10th chapter some more is said about eating meat offered to idols.

1 Cor. 10:27-29

If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake. [28] But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof: [29] Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man's conscience?



Paul asks a very important question here. If I have a liberty, why is my liberty not allowed then for the sake of the other man’s conscience?

In the following verses, Paul answers his own question.

1 Cor. 10:30-33

For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks? [31] Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. [32] Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: [33] Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.

The rule that guides us in such matters is to not offend and cause harm to the church, and to seek the other man’s salvation.

As we can see from these passages, not every man has the same conscience. Some Christians believe one thing, and other Christians might believe another; due to each man’s knowledge and understanding of the will of Christ as portrayed in the Scriptures.

The Apostle Paul knew without any doubt all things through the Holy Spirit, but you and I depend upon those truths which are revealed in the written Word; so it won’t be as easy for any of us to understand these things. You and I can see why that it is so important for us to study together, so that we can be of one mind and one judgment.

Some of our brethren fervently defend what they in all honesty believe to be the truth. Even if they are in wrong about the intended message from Christ, their conscience is being led by their ignorance and misunderstanding.

The Apostle Paul, before he became a Christian, did and believed those things which he in all honesty thought to be the will of God, when he persecuted the church of Christ.

When the Apostle Paul stood before King Agrippa, he pointed out to him that he had at one time been a devout Pharisee, a sect of the Jews, and had persecuted Christians.

Acts 26. 9.11>>9 I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10 Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them. 11 And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities.

Paul thought that he was doing God’s will, and his conscience during those events was clear, without doubt.

Those who killed the apostles also thought they were doing the will of God.

John 16:2 They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.

Just because these men listened to their consciences did not make them justified in God’s eyes, and did not free them from being condemned for the murder they committed.

Today, on the world scene, we have many in various wars who honestly believe that they are doing the right thing in killing their enemies, honestly believing that they are doing God’s will in many cases.

The Muslims believe that their Koran teaches them to kill all outside invading forces who intrude upon their homeland.

Does the fact that their conscience is clear when they cut off someone’s head make it right.

We can see that they are wrong in following their own consciences.

On the other side of the battle, those who believe that they are doing the will of Christ in killing the Muslims are also being led by consciences, which are misinformed as to the will of Christ.

The only consciousness which you and I should trust, is the knowledge given to us by the Holy Spirit.

1 Tim. 1:19

Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:

Those who are not matured spiritually in the faith, and proclaim to be Christians, are those with weak consciences.

However, some have totally put away from their minds the calling of the gospel of Christ, and such men have bad consciences, which cannot be trusted.

1 Tim. 4:1-2

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; [2] Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

The educated, good conscience will bleed at first when we go against what the person knows to be right.

After a while, when that person can sin and not have his conscience bothered within his soul, at that point in time, it can be said that he has departed from the faith, and has his conscience seared, in a figure, like a person having a wound cauterized.

A former faithful saint can now lie, and teach false doctrines, and do all manner of sins against Christ, once that he stops the bleeding of his soul.

What we are considering now is the BAD conscience, who does not believe the teachings of Christ.

We see this contrast in our next passage of Scriptures, in Titus 1.

Titus 1:15-16

Unto 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. [16] They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.



What did Paul tell Titus?

Paul is writing here about the DEFILED conscience. It does not believe, even though that person may declare that he knows God.

Yes, he may say that he is Godly, but look at his life. He is destestable by those who know the truth. He is disobedient to the truth. He makes bad judgments in his life.

Looking at more of the context of the above passage, we can see that Paul is speaking about false teachers in the church of Christ.

Titus 1:10-14

For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: [11] Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake. [12] One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies. [13] This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith; [14] Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.

Unfortunately, we have a similar situation today, in which entire congregations have been completely separated from the truth of the gospel.

Such men who have defiled consciences, have refused to submit to the rule of the Law of Christ.

Paul says that such must be rebuked sharply. Even though they have allowed themselves to have their consciences defiled, they may yet repent and come back to the truth.

Those who have never obeyed the gospel of Christ, and are following after their own set of rules, or some other religion, are named by the Scriptures as having an ‘EVIL CONSCIENCE’.

Hebrews 10:22-27-- Let 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. [23] Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) [24] And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: [25] Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. [26] For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, [27] But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.

After becoming a Christian, and receiving the knowledge of the truth, you left behind your evil conscience, and now have a pure conscience, if you are faithful to that which you have learned of Christ.

Even our initial obedience to Christ came about because of truthful knowledge imparted to our minds, which moved us to believe in Christ, and to confess Christ, and to repent and be baptized into Christ.

1 Peter 3:21

The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

Looking at the many denominations in our country, it may appear on the surface that there are millions of people who are good, conscientious folks. The problem with such a view is that they have not answered out of a good conscience toward God. They were not provided with the God’s proper instructions regarding salvation. Instead, their conscious mind listened to men’s false instructions and did that which they honestly thought to be the will of God.

Just like the Apostle Paul, they will not be saved until they wash away their sins by obeying the gospel of Christ, as first preached on the Day of Pentecost.

A couple of more points, and we will be finished with this sermon.

When a person has committed himself to the covenant with Christ, and is faithful in following His leadership through life, there is one thing that is sure to happen to us all, if we live long enough.

You are sure to suffer grief on behalf of your Lord, if you choose to fight against Satan, and his teachers.

1 Peter 2:19-21

For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. [20] For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. [21] For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

Christ left us an example in His suffering for the right way. We should glorify God when we are counted worthy to suffer for Christ.

This fact is a part of our pure conscience, in that studying such Scriptures, we shall be prepared when we face the day of suffering, and will not fall from His grace.

We should not only be able to repeat what we hear the preacher and the older brethren say; but we are called by Christ to know the Word itself. We are called by the gospel to study the Word and to examine ourselves by that Word, and then get prepared to defend the faith of the gospel of Jesus Christ.



1 Peter 3:15-18

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: [16] Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. [17] For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing. [18] For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

Do you have a good conversation in Christ? Are the things you say to others approved by your Lord, or just by your human conscience?

A GOOD conscience is one, which is so educated by the Scriptures that it can defend the faith.

Brothers and sisters, the Scriptures teach us to prove all things. Daily we should answer God’s call by doing only those things commanded in the Law of Christ, and only then can we have assurance in Christ for our salvation.

Being excited about what we believe is not enough either, unless we are zealous toward Christ.

Finally, we need to pray for one another, and for all, that they and we might have a good conscience, without offence toward God, and work to that end.