INTRODUCTION

Breaking down a compound word into its parts is one of the easiest ways to understand what it means. The word conscience is a compound word made up of the root word science and the prefix con. The prefix con means with while the root word science means knowledge. As is often the case, the built-in dictionary of the Bible helps to solidify this connection, understanding, and definition. In 1 Corinthians 8:7Howbeit 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.
See All... and 1 Corinthians 8:10For 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;
See All..., the word conscience is used in conjunction with the mention of knowledge possessed by men. Romans 2:15Which shew 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;)
See All... makes a similar connection by joining the word conscience with the statement that something is written in the heart. As such, God designed a man’s conscience as an internal tool to place pure and righteous knowledge within an individual that he would otherwise lack.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): Read about the barbarous people who did not know God but did know that it was wrong to kill (Acts 28:1-4 [1] And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita. [2] And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold. [3] And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand. [4] And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live.
  See All...). How did the Romans know that it was wrong to put an innocent man to death (Luke 23:4Then said Pilate to the chief priests and to the people, I find no fault in this man.
  See All..., 14-16, 21-22)? God’s law was written in their hearts.
• (For everyone): Read Romans 1:18-19 [18] For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; [19] Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
  See All.... How does this help explain God’s use of man’s conscience? What are some facts that God has placed within man?
• What has to happen to remove or weaken the knowledge in man that was placed there by God? Has the world, the flesh, and the Devil sought to weaken that knowledge in you?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Thank God for writing His truths in you!
• Ask the Lord to put a hedge of protection about your conscience.

HYMN

I WANT A PRINCIPLE WITHIN

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