The Work of Conviction

- Romans 2:14-16

INTRODUCTION

Without the truth, there can be no true biblical conviction. By definition, conviction is the work of God that convinces an individual concerning the validity of truth and accountability for truth. The Spirit of God takes the law of God and writes it upon men’s hearts. That truth works upon a man’s conscience to accuse or excuse one’s thoughts. Either way, this work is very much the work of conviction. On one hand, a man develops the conviction that Jesus is the only way to get his sins forgiven. On the other hand, a man sees himself as sinful with no hope. In the end, conviction demands a holy God and a holy truth in order to forgive sin. Both elements working together bring true biblical heartfelt conviction.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children):God’s word is true (Psalm 119:160
  a; John 17:17
  ). The Spirit was already working in the Ethiopian eunuch as he read Isaiah chapter 53. Philip, sent by the Spirit, preached to him from the same Scripture and the eunuch believed to the saving of the soul (Acts 8:26-38 ; Psalm 19:7-8 ).
• (For everyone): Why is it important for believers to recognize the role of truth in the work of conviction? Why is it crucial to understand that it is God who orchestrates this work and not simply some man?
• Does your conscience ever accuse you of sin? Where does your conscience get the knowledge of right and wrong? Who put that knowledge in your conscience?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Thank God for the work of conviction in your heart.
• Ask the Lord to continually convict you of sin.

HYMN

HOLY BIBLE, BOOK DIVINE