Day 10- Conviction
Author: Pastor David Robertson
The Gift of Conviction
“…because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake.” 1 Thessalonians 1:5
Seventh grade was the worst year of my life. Finally, the school year ended and I began to breathe again. Then, autumn in Chicago signaled it was time to go back to Jefferson Junior High and face the music. “Oh God! What am I going to do?”
I was pondering my plight during the morning preaching at Calvary Temple Assembly of God and then it happened. I experienced the gift of conviction. The Holy Spirit, as only He can, leveraged my desperation, the truth of the Scriptures, and a compelling awareness of my sinfulness. With my 13-year old heart pounding wildly, my hands sweating, and all the spit in my mouth now gone, I responded to the altar call. I gave my heart to Jesus right then and there. I was born again! Then it happened just like the song says. "I felt Peace like a river, joy like a fountain, and love like an ocean in my soul!"
Our regeneration is made possible by the Holy Spirit. He is the one who convicts us of our sin, much like a court of law convicts a felon. Imagine if we didn’t feel bad when we behaved badly. You would think not feeling guilty would be a good thing, when in fact, it puts us in spiritual danger. Our enemy, the devil, uses a different approach. His accusations produce in us condemnation. This is a good test to determine whose voice is talking to you.
Conviction is a gift. Without it, we can quench, grieve, and ignore the Holy Spirit to our own harm. With it, we can allow Him to gently but powerfully do His job, and that is to lead, guide, and direct us into all truth (John 16:13). Let’s determine this year to be:
- Quick to listen to conviction
- Quick to repent of sin
- Quick to obey the next right thing
“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.” John 6:44
Notice how the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit work in partnership to draw us to Himself. Conviction plays a key role in this process because our sin nature rationalizes, justifies, and even enjoys our misbehavior.
PRAYER
Father, thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit, and the conviction He brings to keep my life on track. In the strong name of Jesus, amen.