September 17
Ezra 9:1-10:44; Nehemiah 1:1-2:20
We are told in John 16:8 that the Holy Spirit will convict us of sin. The word "convict" comes from the Greek word, "elencho" which means "to convince someone of truth; to reprove; to accuse, refute, or cross-examine a witness". So, it is that the Holy Spirit acts as a prosecuting attorney, who in the process of exposing truth, convinces people of their need for a Savior. Conviction is not simply a guilty or shameful feeling over sin, for such feelings are naturally felt by nearly everyone. It is also not a fear of divine punishment, as this is likewise experienced in the hearts and minds of sinners. Conviction is also much more than having head knowledge of right and wrong, and giving mental assent to the authority of Scripture. When you are convicted you will feel the loathsomeness, the dreadfulness of sin and we become mindful of how much sin dishonors God. This is why those who walk around consumed with their own goodness miss their true need of a Savior. As you see the response of Ezra and the people in Jerusalem in Ezra 10 when convicted by the reality of their sin, you get a good visual of what conviction looks like. Take to heart the words in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, and realize who resides within us, " Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s."
For a better appreciation, here are some quotes on the topic by some well known Christians:
"Unless I am convicted by Scripture and plain reason. I do not accept the authority of popes and councils, for they have contradicted each other - my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and will not recant anything, for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. Here I stand, I cannot do otherwise. God help me. Amen." Martin Luther
"God's call is an inner conviction given by the Holy Spirit and confirmed by the Word of God and the body of Christ." Erwin Lutzer
"When Holy God draws near in true revival, people come under terrible conviction of sin. The outstanding feature of spiritual awakening has been the profound consciousness of the Presence and the holiness of God" Henry Blackaby
"There is something essentially wrong with a man who calls himself a Christian and who can listen to a truly evangelistic sermon without coming under conviction again, without feeling something of his own unworthiness, and rejoicing when he hears the Gospel remedy being presented." Martin Lloyd-Jones
"Now is the hour we should humbly prostrate ourselves before God, willing to be convicted afresh of our sins by the Holy Spirit." Watchman Nee
"Unless we are thoroughly convinced that without Christ we are under the eternal curse of God, as the worst of His enemies, we shall never flee to Him for refuge." John Owen
Messages from Pastor Lloyd Pulley: