A Good Conscience

- 1 Timothy 1:5

INTRODUCTION

Those with a broad understanding of scripture recognize that charity functions as the peak of Christianity (see 1 Corinthians 13:13
). Yet, few students consider the fact that a good conscience is mentioned within the same context (1 Timothy 1:5
). A good conscience was a key component of Paul’s charge to young Timothy (1 Timothy 1:18-19 ). It was also part of Peter’s admonition to the believers to whom he wrote (1 Peter 3:16
). In Paul’s own life, it was one of his chief concerns to serve the Lord with a good or a pure conscience (1 Timothy 3:9
; 2 Timothy 1:3
). It may require work, but the early believers saw the importance of putting forth the effort to maintain a good conscience.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): When we have a good conscience, we have obeyed God and have not offended God nor man. Paul gave some guidelines for a good conscience (Romans 13:8-10 ; 1 Timothy 4:12
  ; Titus 2:1-8 ; Titus 3:1-2 , 8). Is your conscience good right now?
• (For everyone): Why is a good conscience so important to the believer who desires to know more of the truth? How does a good conscience help the believer to please the Lord?
• The believers who put away faith and a good conscience were likened to those who were shipwrecked (1 Timothy 1:19
  ). Why is this such a wonderful comparison?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask God to protect your conscience.
• Thank God for reminding you of the importance of a conscience.

HYMN

TAKE MY LIFE, AND LET IT BE

Editor's Note:
Over the next five days, Today's Devotional will focus on the conscience...