When evil is determined it takes little to grant it justification in the eyes of the perpetrator. Paul’s opponents in Corinth took every opportunity to attack. If the majority in the church were humbled and broken by the rebukes and admonitions of the apostle contained in the first epistle, the minority led by false teachers were all the more bold and defiant. It says much about the character of Paul that they could only seize upon his forced change of plans regarding his visit to them to charge him with fickleness and instability. Further, it says much of Paul’s patience that he took the time to give an answer to such a baseless charge. Had they been able to sustained this apparently minor charge, they would have gone on to say that he who could not be depended upon on such a small matter could not be trusted when it cam to the issues of eternity and the salvation of the soul. That was the real target of the enemy. In answering them as he did, Paul shows that he was not ignorant of Satan’s devices.
Paul answers the charge by telling of the great difficulties and afflictions that he encountered and which forced him to change his travel plans. He was confident that the majority of the church at Corinth believed what he had written and that he was their source of joy even as they were his. He rejoiced in a clear conscience regarding his conduct among men for that was a prime objective in all his actions.
From the words of Paul in verses 12-14, I wish to speak upon the important matter of a Christian maintaining a good conscience.
I. THE BASIS OF A GOOD CONSCIENCE
It is based upon the maintaining of a conversation in this world that is governed by the highest motives. The word conversation means much more than an uttering of words. It refers to the conducting of our whole life. The Greek word that is used, anastrepho {an-as-tref’-o} literally refers to every turning to one side and then the other that life’s walk entails. Every move that we make must be in accordance with God’s Word if we are to maintain a good conscience.
1. We must always act with simplicity. Verse 12. Simplicity. The word means without duplicity or hypocrisy. No hidden motives or purposes in what he said or did. It is a baby-like innocence. It is that attitude that is required of those who would be saved, Luke 18:17.
2. We must act with godly sincerity. The sincerity of God. The word for sincerity is from the word meaning sun, helios {hay’-lee-os}. It denotes clearness like the sunshine. No shadows of impurity.
3. We must act by the grace of God. It is the outworking of God’s grace that produces such a demeanour. It stands opposed to the fleshly wisdom of carnal men. Woe unto us when we begin to live according to the craft of the flesh. Even Abraham was foolish enough to attempt it, Gen 12:3,18-19 & 20:2,5 9-10. It is the outworking of that wisdom that says that it is alright to do evil, that good may come.
II. THE BLESSING OF A GOOD CONSCIENCE
To have the testimony of a good conscience is most comforting in life. Paul refers to three times in which it is particularly a blessing.
1. In the face of false accusations. What courage a clear conscience gives! The bearing of Paul before Felix and Agrippa impressed both men mightily.
2. In the face of death. A clear conscience is a friend and a companion then. Hezekiah wept at death’s approach but not for himself. Remember now, O LORD, I beseech thee, how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore, Isaiah 38:3. He wept for his country and those he would leave behind. 1 John 3:18-21 ought to be studied by all here.
3. In the face of the coming of the Lord. Verse 14. This was how Paul lived. 4:1-2, 5:11. It is particularly required of preachers that they keep this day in mind, 2 Tim 4:1-2, but it is a code that every Christian must adopt regarding their general conduct.