A Good Conscience (video)
Zac Poonen emphasizes that genuine New Testament faith is inseparable from maintaining a good conscience, warning that without it, faith is shipwrecked and ineffective.
This sermon emphasizes the importance of having true faith marked by a clear conscience. It highlights the significance of maintaining a good conscience before God and man, as it is foundational to building a life of faith and love. The speaker stresses the need to be sensitive to one's conscience, avoid judging others based on their level of faith, and to apologize and make amends when aware of wrongdoing.
Sermon Outline
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I
- The importance of correct understanding of faith for eternal destiny
- Difference between Old Testament and New Testament faith
- Faith relates to the inside, not just external acts
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II
- Faith and a good conscience are inseparable in the New Testament
- Consequences of rejecting a good conscience: shipwreck of faith
- Keeping faith and conscience is a lifelong spiritual fight
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III
- Love must be founded on sincere faith and a good conscience
- Superficial love without good conscience is useless
- The goal of Christian instruction is love from a pure heart and good conscience
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IV
- Warning against false teaching focusing on faith for temporary gains
- Necessity of reading and understanding the Bible carefully
- The devil blinds believers from the full truth of God
Key Quotes
“Faith and a good conscience. It's one mark of true faith and anytime you act without a good conscience you are acting in unbelief.” — Zac Poonen
“If you don't keep a good conscience your whole ship of faith is destroyed.” — Zac Poonen
“The goal of all our instruction is love from a good conscience and sincere faith.” — Zac Poonen
Application Points
- Guard your conscience carefully as it is essential to maintaining genuine faith.
- Read and study the Bible diligently to understand the true nature of faith and avoid deception.
- Focus on cultivating love that springs from sincere faith and a pure conscience, not just external actions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Zac Poonen say about the relationship between faith and conscience?
He teaches that true New Testament faith is always accompanied by a good conscience, and without it, faith is worthless and can be shipwrecked.
Why is faith described as more important in the New Testament than the Old Testament?
Because New Testament faith deals with the inner heart and conscience, empowered by the Holy Spirit, unlike the Old Testament faith which was more external.
What does it mean to 'fight the good fight' in relation to faith and conscience?
It means maintaining and guarding one’s faith and good conscience through continual spiritual warfare and perseverance.
Why does Zac Poonen warn against faith teachings focused on material blessings?
Because such teachings focus on temporary earthly things rather than eternal salvation and can mislead believers away from true faith.
How should Christians approach reading the Bible according to the sermon?
Christians should read the Bible carefully and thoughtfully, not rushing through it, to fully understand and apply God’s truth.