Convictions

By Pastora Beth Lee

John 16:8-9 says, “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.” When the Holy Spirit comes, He will prove the wold about sin. He convicts the world. Man did not believe in God. But now, the Holy Spirit convicts us of righteousness, as it says in verse 10 too. Jesus gave a promise to His disciples in Acts 1:8 when He said, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”” The first word of the risen Jesus used to describe the gift of the Holy Spirit is power. In Greek, power is “dynamis,” which means power, mighty work and strength.

What is the purpose of Acts 1:8?

1. To be His witness, testifying to Jesus’ deity, ministry, suffering, resurrection and ascension (Acts 2:32, Acts 3:15) - Before we have a relationship with the Holy Spirit, we need to have a relationship with Jesus first. He is the way, the truth and the life. He is the only way to heaven that is why we need to be anchored to Him.

2. Proclaiming salvation in Jesus, both Jews and Gentiles (John 3:16) - We are the Gentles and we are included in this. Salvation of the whole world was proclaimed in this verse.

3. Demonstrating their testimony not just in words but in their actions (Acts 3:1-10) - Through your actions, you can demonstrate the power given to you by the Holy Spirit. You need to accept Jesus first before the Holy Spirit can dwell in you.

Who is the Holy Spirit?

1. He is the  3rd person of the Trinity, co-equal and co-eternal with God the Father and God the Son. - The Holy Spirit is a person; not a thing or force.

2. He is fully God, possessing all divine attributes such as eternality (Hebrews 9:14), omnipresent (always present, Psalms 139:7-12), omniscient (all knowing, 1 Corinthians 2:10-11), omnipotent (all powerful, Psalms 139:7-8), a personal being; He thinks, feels, makes decisions, intercedes, comforts, and guides believes.

Acts 2:1-47  is an important chapter in the New Testament that marks the birth of the church and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

What are the works of the Holy Spirit?

1. Conviction of Sin (John 16:8) - If you are doubting God, that is the work of the enemy. If you are thinking right now that God does not love you, He loves you so much. He never left you.  Do not remain in your sin; surrender it to Him.

2. Transformation and Sanctification (2 Corinthians 3:18, Galatians 522-23) - If you are going through trials and hardships in life, remember that you have a God who is always watching out for you and He knows what is happening to your life. There is nothing you can do. If you give everything to Him, it is only then that you will have a breakthrough.

3. Empowerment for Witness and Ministry (Acts 1:8, 1 Corinthians 12:7) - If you are a leader,

4. Comfort and Strength (John 1416-17) - When the times comes when you feel like you are at the end of you rope, it is the Holy Spirit who comforts you and makes you do otherwise.

Application.

1. Jesus sent His Holy Spirit to guide and lead us.

2. Always be filled with the Holy Spirit for empowerment.

3. Grow by God’s word and prayer.

4. Be witnesses of conviction and repentance.

Do you need to surrender something to the Holy Spirit? Jesus asks you to come to Him so He can give you rest. If you want that rest in the presence of the Lord, Give Him all of your life so you can shine and do what He asks of you.