We Must Avoid Sin and Keep a Clear Conscience

The Psalm of the Word: A Study of Psalm 119

They also do no unrighteousness; they walk in His ways” (Psalm 119:3).

Then I shall not be ashamed when I look upon all Your commandments” (Psalm 119:6).

Many believe that Christians can “continue in sin” (Romans 6:1) without concern. Paul refuted this error and asked the question: “How shall we who died to sin still live in it?” (Romans 6:2). Jude indicated that those who teach this error have perverted the word of God by turning it into a “license for immorality” (Jude 4, NIV).

Our goal must be to “do no unrighteousness” (Psalm 119:3). John said that his first epistle – and by principle, all of the Bible – was written “so that you may not sin” (1 John 2:1). God’s “commandments are righteousness” (Psalm 119:172). Paul wrote, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). In order to “do no unrighteousness” (Psalm 119:3) and “not sin” (1 John 2:1), we must follow the righteous instructions found in God’s word.

David also indicated that God’s people should keep a clear conscience (Psalm 119:6). However, this does not mean that we keep ourselves free from guilt by ignoring God’s word and adopting a human standard. Paul persecuted Christians in good conscience (Acts 23:1). Our conscience must be trained by the word of God (Hebrews 5:13-14). Once our conscience is properly trained and we observe the commandments of God, we will not need to be ashamed as we examine our lives by God’s perfect standard.


The above post is an excerpt from the book, The Psalm of the Word: A Study of Psalm 119. Follow the link to learn more about the book and purchase your copy today!

The Root of the Problem: Chapter 15 – Making Sin a Habit (Excerpt)

The Root of the Problem (cover)Sadly, many have developed a habit of sin. They have sinned so often that they now do it without even thinking. This is a very dangerous condition. We cannot repent of sin unless we first see the sin that is in our lives. The occasional sin is easier to see. It stands out to us – not just because it is out of character for us to engage in a certain behavior, but because we have to make the conscious decision to ignore what we know to be right in order to do what is wrong.

Habitual sins are able to hide because we do not think about them. Our decision to commit them is often unconscious. This does not excuse the action. Sin is sin, no matter how much thought we put into it. But when sin becomes a normal part of our routine, not only will our habitual sins continue, but the door will be wide open for other sins to enter into our life.

You can read more about the practice of habitual sins through the searing of the conscience in The Root of the Problem: Why We Sin & How We Can Overcome. Follow the link to learn more about the book and purchase your copy today!