Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 17, 2022: SOAP #4459:  Numbers 1-2; Acts 24

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 24:16 So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.

OBSERVATION: Paul is on trial before Felix.  The lawyer representing the Jewish religious leaders has made his case against Paul.  Now Paul in beginning his defense makes the statement contained in the verse above.  His goal is to keep a clear conscience.

Paul said, “strive;” it was a goal worthy of the effort required.  Paul said, “always;” it was a goal worthy of a continued effort. 

APPLICATION:  To keep a clear conscience requires having morals that are more than just words.  It requires a moral code by which I judge my own actions. 

Keeping a clear conscience has often required me to apologize and ask for forgiveness. 

The greatest aid I have in keeping a clear conscience is the presence of the Holy Spirit in my life.  He is active in establishing a moral code in my life.  He is active in measuring my actions by that moral code.  And He is active in helping me get back in line when I fail.  He is active in convicting me, forgiving me, and assuring me that the blood of Jesus on the cross has been accepted as the payment necessary for my sins. The blood Jesus shed on the cross has more value than the combined debt of all my sin! 

PRAYER:  Lord Jesus, the blood you shed on the cross is the only agent for cleansing a guilty conscience.  It is readily available to all who come in faith to acknowledge their sins and receive your forgiveness.  What a wonderful feeling:  a clear conscience and a clean heart.  Thank you, Lord, for both.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
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