Abundant Grace Fellowship Church, Blanco, TX

Last week, we began to discuss the subject of knowing the Holy Spirit. We looked at the fact that many people have a hard time relating to the Holy Spirit; at least more so than relating to The Father and The Son. We saw how The Holy Spirit was clearly God- the third Person of The Blessed Trinity. We also saw how the Holy Spirit is a He, and not an it. He (The Holy Spirit) is a gift from God; freely given to all who ask in faith. He is the believer’s best friend, advocate, counselor, comforter, teacher, leader, and helper. He also has feelings, and can be grieved, suppressed, resisted, and vexed. He indwells the believing Christian, and is known as a promise of God.

The Holy Spirit has many attributes, but the one in particular I would like to point out today is that of bringing conviction. John 16:7-11 says “ Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove (convict) the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on me; Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.” The Holy Spirit brings conviction, not condemnation. Conviction is a good thing, and Christians ought to welcome it.

Several times I’ve had people come up to me after church and say, “Pastor, you were talking directly to me! It’s like you’ve been following me around!”. In reality, I neither have the time, nor the desire, to follow anyone around 24-7. Often times, I don’t know what is going on with people- but God does. He knows if your faithful in your marriage; if your honest in business; how you treat your family; what you do late at night; where you go on the internet; and everything else about you. If God’s Word is used by the Holy Spirit to cut you to the heart, and expose something hidden in your life (Heb 4:12-13): Then repent. God has good plans for you, and anything He wants gone from your life; believe me, you want it gone, too.

If you’re listening to a sermon and you feel like the preacher is speaking directly to you; then you need to know that is the Holy Spirit bringing conviction. Fall on your face and worship God (1Cor 14:24-25). God loves you too much, to let you stay where you are. He wants to bring you up higher. The Word of God is a light that the Holy Spirit uses to shine on the cock roaches in our life. When light is shed on something, it is made known (Eph 5:13). Then it can be “stepped on”, like a nasty cock roach. God wants to take you to new heights, and he wants His children to walk in the fullness of blessing and victory. However, if you ignore the conviction of the Holy Ghost; you will be stuck in a rut- and you can’t blame God.

Don’t gnash your teeth at the preacher, and get mad when the Word of God cuts you to the heart (Act 5:33, 7:54, Lk 4:28-29, 6:11). That’s the wrong response; and it will only bring more destruction, deception, and darkness to your life. That’s not God’s will for you, but if that’s what you want, then you can have it. God won’t take your free will (Dt 30:19).

So what is the proper response to Holy Spirit conviction? Basically, you need to repent (turn away from that thing, and towards God). If you need specific direction, ask the preacher or someone who knows The Word of God, what you must do (Act 2:37, 16:30, Lk 3:10). And of course, ask God what you need to do (Act 9:6). God wants His best for you, and you should want His best for you: but this only comes through obedience to The Holy Spirit. If you ignore His conviction, and refuse to deal with whatever issue He is bringing to your attention; then He will not be able to do more in your life. DESIRE GOD’S BEST! I pray this has helped you, and until next time, rejoice in The Lord! (Phip 4:4)