Sermon nuggets Weds Oct 1
Theme- The Work of the Spirit
Verses- John 16:8-11 When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment:9 in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; 10 in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; 11 and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.
Conviction of the Spirit
It is also the work of the Spirit to bring conviction in hearts or minds of both non-Christians as well as Christians. We see the work of the Spirit in conviction here in three ways. First, in regards to sin.
We cannot begin to come to the Lord unless we realize that we are sinners and in need of a savior. “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” “The wages of sin is death.” We stand condemned by God for deeds and attitudes, and hearts that are sinful. Many people readily come to that conclusion if they are honest with themselves. But there comes a time in our lives when we feel so spiritually dirty.
I was visiting recently with some people about the Lord's return. Many are uncomfortable about that subject. One reason is fear. Some fear that Jesus will come and they are not ready to meet the Lord. Some are participating in sinful actions that they would not please Jesus.
As we continue to mature in our Christian faith and as we become more familiar with the Word of God the Spirit will bring to mind other attitudes, actions or thoughts that are dishonoring to the name of Christ. This is also the conviction of sin that we might change and respond to Christ “as the spirit moves.” The job of sanctification is seeking holiness in lifestyle as well as in heart.
Secondly, the Spirit convicts “in regards to righteousness because Jesus is going to the Father.” Jesus demonstrated what life should be like. We do not have Jesus here now to observe. But we do have the Holy Spirit that convicts us of what we should be doing, and how we should be living.
Righteousness is being made right with God. The Spirit will reveal if we are right with God or not. The Spirit will move in our hearts if we want him to. He will tell us how we should live and bring the principles of the Bible to reality. He calls us into a fellowship and together we serve him priests one to another.
Thirdly, the Spirit convicts in regards to judgment. If we do not have Jesus take care of our sin, we will be judged. We stand condemned. There will be none other than the all knowing Lord whom we must face. Judgment is an awful thing to think about. No one can hide anything from God.
I get really irritated when I see justice in our country abused by the system. Too often the judgment of guilty or innocent is intertwined with the arguments, not with the facts. If you have a good lawyer, then can twist things around to make the innocent seem guilty and the guilty seem innocent. There are no loopholes with God. He not only knows all but sees our hearts, thoughts, and motives. Coming clean before God is done by the prompting and conviction of the Holy Spirit.
Either we stand forgiven in the righteousness of Jesus or we do not. Satan, even with all of his accusations, cannot change that fact. The price of all our sin and our shame has been paid for on the Cross and we will never have to answer for the past sins paid for in full on the cross. However without the cross, we will be judged ourselves. And the penalty is eternal separation from God forever in Hell.
He speaks to the world that the world might be saved. And He speaks to the believer that we live to the glory of God.
Pastor Dale
