The Confession of Conviction

- James 2:8-11

INTRODUCTION

Conviction testifies of guilt and transgression. It testifies that God is just while man is vile. It testifies to the gap of righteousness that exists between the two. If men were righteous apart from the Lord’s help, the Lord would never need to convince men that they are transgressors of His law. When men violate or transgress the law of God, the Spirit of God uses that law to convince those guilty that they are wrong and need to make things right with the Lord. The very presence of conviction confirms man’s guilt. It cries out that I am wrong and God is right. Perhaps this explains why in these last days, fewer seem interested in experiencing the convicting work of the Spirit of God.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): When sin left the prodigal son in a sad state, he realized how wrong he was for leaving his father in the manner in which he left. He was ready to go back and confess (Luke 15:17-21 ).
• (For everyone): When is the last time the Lord convicted you for something? How did that conviction prove your guilt? How did you respond to that conviction?
• Unlike the judgment of men, all that are convicted of the Lord have been proven guilty. In what areas is the Lord currently convicting you? What does that conviction prove?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask the Lord to help you respond properly to His conviction.
• Thank the Lord for not leaving you alone.

HYMN

CHRIST RECEIVETH SINFUL MEN