October 6, 2013 Sunday Sermon - The Conviction of the Holy Spirit

This Sunday we continued to think about what Jesus says about our relationship to this world specifically focusing on the role of the Holy Spirit described for us by Jesus and recorded in John 16:5-15.  

• We are to be witnesses and living sacrifices in this world - Romans 12:1

• Jesus sends us, from the Father, The Helper (Holy Spirit, Comforter, Advocate) and He comes to help us in our witness - John 15:26-27

• The Spirit has come primarily to do 2 things – John 16:14

1. He glorifies Jesus
   
2. He reveals things pertaining to the person and work of Jesus
   

The human response to the Spirit’s work is conviction.  Jesus speaking of the coming of the Holy Spirit said:
  “When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: about sin, because people do not believe in me; about righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; and about judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned. (John 16:8-11)

This work of the Holy spirit is not one of condemning but rather convicting, meaning to convict of guilt/present or expose facts to convince of truth, with the goal of men and women repenting of their sin, changing the direction of their lives and trusting Jesus as Savior and Lord.  

This convicting work of the Holy Spirit is not just for the lost.  His conviction in our lives as believers is essential to our growth, maturity and witness.  It is His convicting work in us that enables us to live Godly lives and empowers us to be effective witnesses.  

Be thankful and praise God for the conviction of the Holy Spirit, and pray for His conviction in your own life and the lives of others!