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NASB | 1 Timothy 3:2 An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 Timothy 3:2 Now an overseer must be blameless and beyond reproach, the husband of one wife, self-controlled, sensible, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, |
Subject: clear conscience |
Bible Note: JVH0212, a long time ago, we were in a discussion about 'conscience' and you asked for a definition or description of conscience that was based upon a credible Bible scholar rather than what someone felt it is.. I had a source, but I didn't have the time to post it. "What Does the Bible Say About.." (Nelson, pg.85) "The conscience provides our inner awareness of conforming to the will of God or departing from it, resulting in either a sense of approval or condemnation. The term does not appear in the Old Testament but the concept does. David, for example, was smitten in his heart because of his lack of trust in the power of God (2 Sam. 24:10). But his guilt turned to joy when he sought the Lord's forgiveness (Psalm 32). In the New Testament the term "conscience" is found most frequently in the writings of the apostle Paul. Some people argue erroneously that conscience takes the place of the external law in the Old Testament. However, the conscience is not the ultimate standard of moral goodness (1 Cor. 4:4). Under both the old covenant and the new covenant the conscience must be formed by the will of God. The law given to Israel was inscribed on the hearts of believers (Heb. 8:10; 10:16), so the sensitized conscience is able to discern God's judgment against sin (Romans 2:14-15). The conscience of the believer has been cleansed by the work of Jesus Christ; it no longer accuses and condemns (Heb. 9:14; 10:22). Believers are to work to maintain pure consciences. They also must be careful not to encourage others to act against their consciences. To act contrary to the urging of one's conscience is wrong, for actions that go against the conscience cannot arise out of faith (1 Cor. 8:7-13; 10:23-30)." I submit this only to supplement what you have already posted here, which was excellent! Nolan |