Enemies of Conviction

By Pastor John Mateos Ong

What makes it so hard for people to be convicted?

1. Deception - 2 Timothy 3:13 says, “But evil people and impostors will flourish. They will deceive others and will themselves be deceived.” Those in love cannot be convicted because they are at the hype of their feelings. Those addicted to gambling and other vices cannot be convicted too. Matthew 24:24 also says, “For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform great signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even God’s chosen ones.” Even Christians can be deceived. Justification  - Why do people continue to do things even if they know it is wrong? They weigh what they need at the moment versus the consequence of their actions. If they think there is none or little consequence, is it easy to justify the wrongdoing.

2. Pride - Proverbs 16:18 says “Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall.” Pride has no room anywhere. Pride prevents your growth. Pride prevents relationships from being restored. How can you help anyone who does not admit that they have a problem.

3. Morals - Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” The world is not always correct. Not because everybody else does it makes something right. Unfortunately, morals are dictated by how you were brought up and also by your surroundings.

How can we fight the enemy?

1. Increase sensitivity - Hebrews 3:15 says, “As has just been said: “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion.”” John 16:8 says, “When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment:” Some do the right things not because it is right but because they are being forced. Change has to come from within. The Holy Spirit is always speaking. Are you listening?

2. Know the word. 2 Timothy 3:16 says, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,” If your brain is not filled with God’s word, the world will fill it with worldly things. Where will you draw your convictions from if not from the word of God?

3. Accountability - 1 Corinthians 15:33 says, “Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”” Accountability has 2 things: people and systems. While we are all high into the world, Proverbs 12:15 says, “The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.” People always think they are always right.

Breached walls are things that have been part of our system and culture.

1. LGBTQIA - 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 says, “Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men.”

2. Gambling - 1 Timothy 6:9-10 says, “Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”

3. Porn - Matthew 5:28 says, “But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Ratings nowadays are going down, showing a decay in morality. The standard of iur conviction should not be sociaty; the standard of conviction should be God’s word.

4. Bribery - Proverbs 17:23 says, “The wicked accept bribes in secret to pervert the course of justice.”

5. Addiction - Ephesians 5:15-16 says, “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” Psalm 90;12 says, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Christians should know that time is precious and be good stewards of it. Paul said all things are good but not everything is beneficial. If you know that you will not be on this earth forever, they you might be wiser in the way you deal with your time.

Romans 5:20 says, “But where sin increased, grace increased all the more,” The grace of God is enough to cover all  sins. But it is not a license to do so.