b. Maintaining the habit and spirit of secret prayer
Lk. 18:1
Ps. 5:1-3
Ps. 55:16-17
Mk. 1:35
Mt. 6:5-6
Dan 6:10
Eph. 6:18
Jude 20
Ps 119:10
Jer. 29:13
1) In which your personal communion with God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ is renewed and increased
Phil. 3:10
Eph. 3:14-19
2 Pet. 3:17-18
2) In which your perspective of reality is kept in focus
2 Cor. 4:18
Ps. 73
3) In which your own sins are seen in their true light
Ps. 90:8
Is. 6:1ff
4) In which your pardon and acceptance are sealed afresh to your heart
Ps. 130:3-4
1 Jn. 1:7-9
5) In which grace for His work is attained
Heb. 4:16
Is. 40:29-31
Charles Bridges, The Christian Ministry (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 1967), pp. 60-61 & 150–151.
c. Maintaining a good conscience before God and man
Introduction: The two previous exercises must find concrete expression in an increasing ethical conformity to the will of God.
1Tim 1:18-19
Acts 24:16
1) Meaning that you have no controversy with God in terms of
a) A sin committed but not confessed
b) A duty known but not performed or determined to perform
c) A truth brought to the understanding but rejected
Ps. 119:101-102
2) Meaning that you have sought biblically to resolve any area of abnormality with your fellow man: wife, children, fellow workers, the flock of God, and the world.
Conclusion: The importance of a healthy conscience cannot be overemphasized. A defiled conscience will take away relish for the Word and cause estrangement from the throne of grace.
John 3:19
James W. Alexander, Thoughts on Preaching (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 1975), pp. 110-111.
Charles Bridges, Psalm 119, pp. 165-172 and four references to “conscience” in the Index and Robert P. Martin, “The Conscience” (code RP-O-1- 14), Trinity Baptist Church, Montville, NJ.
For a further development of this subject see sermons on the conscience in “Perseverance of the Saints” by Albert N. Martin, (code TP-L-15-24), Trinity Baptist Church, Montville, NJ.