This morning in Acts 23 I read “Paul said, ‘Brothers, I have lived my life before God in all good conscience up to this day.'” (23:1)

He was in a unique situation, having to stand before a council defending a life and ministry that proclaimed Jesus as Savior and King. But, perhaps often overlooked, this shocking statement is quite bold. He’s lived his life in good conscience. As he stood before these men, giving an account of his life/work, there was nothing pricking that still small voice in his mind with regret, sin, or shame.

I’m not so sure I could say the same, how about you?

Three things to consider this morning as you wake up to another day in this strange season

1. Sin is crouching at the door

We find ourselves in our own unique situation. Some of us find ourselves with more time on our hands, others are spread thin. Both are wrestling with unique stress, temptation, and sin. Most of us are creatures of habit whether we realize it or not, and life being turned on it’s head has ruined whatever routine we once had. Pushed outside the norm, we find we are struggling. What sin does this new season bring out of your heart?

Grumbling, anxiety, pornography, lack of patience, greed, laziness, pride, self sufficiency, lack of love and devotion to God?

It could be any number of things. But do not forget that we continue to fight (even as Christians) against the sin in our heart, the influence of the world, and evil itself. This strange season will reveal your heart, and it can be an ugly thing.

But we don’t stop there!

2. Good standing with God is by grace

So the rocks have been turned over in these days and we see shades and sin of our heart that we didn’t know were there, or we thought had been destroyed. Now what?

We cling to grace! The reason Paul had a good conscience as he stood before that council was not because he looked back at a pristine/sinless life. He had a good conscience because he was a man continually reminding himself and others of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The gospel reminds us that there is no condemnation to those in Christ. Perhaps the hardest promise in Scripture for me to believe personally. God looks down on His children, even as they struggle in the midst of a pandemic, and is pleased with them as they cling to Jesus.

There are two helpful categories that come to mind with a good conscience. First, I am someone in the midst of my own sanctification. God loves me, has set me apart, and I can walk through this world, even stand before councils, with a clear conscience knowing I’ve been redeemed, forgiven, and secured forever. Second, God will not leave me to myself. He will enable me to walk in good works that he prepared before that foundation of the world (Eph. 2:10)

3. Opportunity abounds

So… don’t waste your pandemic.

As God reveals your sin, weakness, inconsistency, etc.. take it has a kind gift of the Lord. When circumstances around you bubble up sin in your heart, it is part of the Lord doing His sanctifying work. The Holy Spirit will reveal, convict, illumine, and enable His sheep. As Pastor Mike preached yesterday in the ‘First Sermon’ in Acts 2, when we are cut to the heart we continue to repent, trust, and live for Jesus.

A few helpful suggestions to abound in the midst of this season:

• Create new norms and routines to spend time with the Lord in prayer and reading His Word
• Don’t push off sin, repent of it and cling to the gospel for a clear conscience
• Continue to press into community as you’re able, we need each other!

God help us to not waste this time!

Affectionately,
Pastor Matt