The Conviction of the Spirit

I. Text: John 16:7-15

II. Background

A. Jesus was about to be betrayed in the Garden of Gethsemane and crucified

B. Jesus consoled His disciples telling them that He would not abandon them

C. He loved them and the Father loved them, 16:26-27 He chose them to take the gospel to the world, 15:15-17

D. He warned them that many in the world would reject their message

E. John 15:18-20 John 16:1-4

F. Though He would leave, the Spirit would be with them

G. He would call to mind Jesus’ teachings and would explain the fullness of the gospel, 16:13 He would guide them in what they would say when they were persecuted by the world, Luke 21:12-19 He would give them works to validate their message, 14:12-14 Beginning from Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost, the Spirit was with the apostles as they took the gospel throughout the world.

H. The work of the Spirit is summarized in John 16:8-12

III. Convict the world of sin

A. Sin is transgression of God’s law which merits spiritual death—separation from God

B. Sin was introduced in the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve disobeyed God. Each person is guilty of sin when he transgresses God’s law, Romans 3:9-12; 23.

C. The Spirit convicts the world of sin by declaring what is holy and right and the sin which opposes it.

D. Romans 7:7 – Paul knew sin through the Law

E. He knew what God required and yet sometimes disobeyed the word. The fault was not the word but his transgression of God’s commands.

F. 2 John 9 – Abiding in Jesus

G. Christians must abide in Christ by keeping His commandments. When one disobeys Christ’s commandments, he rebels against God.

H. The Spirit, through the writings of the apostles, still convicts the world of sin

I. Sin is a universal problem both in time and space; all men of all ages are guilty of sin before God and need salvation.

J. A lack of knowledge about sin makes it difficult to reach the world today.

K. Some do not acknowledge sin because, to do so, would require that one acknowledge a God who is in control and has a right to expect obedience. Some acknowledge sin but blame it on their childhood, societal situation, or genetics and thereby absolve themselves of guilt and any personal responsibility or accountability regarding sin.

L. Some compare themselves to others and think that if they compare well, though they sin, they have nothing to worry about.

M. This is a foolish type of judgment, 2 Corinthians 10:12 God will judge us by His word, John 12:48 Though many deny the existence of sin or fail to acknowledge their guilt of sin, all will be convicted of sin in judgment, “for all have sinned.”

IV. Convict the world of righteousness

A. Christians will also be convicted as sinners, but will be declared righteous through the grace of God and sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

B. Romans 3:21-26

C. Righteousness comes through Jesus to all who believe though they have sinned.

D. Jesus became a propitiation for us through His blood.

E. Propitiation is something offered to God to appease Him, or make reconciliation, for rebelling against Him. There is nothing we could do of ourselves to receive favor from God and satisfy the penalty of death due from our sin. Jesus died to satisfy the penalty of death due to the sinner. Through His sacrifice we who are guilty of sin and deserve condemnation can receive eternal life with God as if we were innocent for God’s justice has been satisfied through Jesus.

F. 1 Peter 1:22-2:3

G. We purify our souls through obedience to the truth and the new birth through the word of God.

H. Through baptism we are purified, our sins are washed away, Acts 22:16. This new birth is described in Romans 6:4 in which we rise from baptism, being washed by the blood of Jesus, to have a new life.

I. The conviction of righteousness comes through the gospel

J. James 1:21-22 – Receive the word that can save your souls Yet we must obey the word of God and do what He commands.

V. Convict the world of judgment

A. God will judge all mankind

B. 1 Peter 4:1-6

C. All will give an account to God Therefore we must live righteously, 1 Peter 4:7, 17-19 Revelation 20:11-15

D. God has judged the world in the past, 2 Peter 3:1-9

E. He destroyed wicked humanity before with a flood; only saving righteous Noah and his family from destruction. He destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah for their wickedness. He punished many nations for disobedience. Men willfully forget God’s judgment and do not fear His wrath; yet God is longsuffering so that they will realize their destructive error and repent Since He will come in judgment again, we must be ready, 2 Peter 3:10-15a

F. You will be judged

G. You will die and make your appointment for judgment, Hebrews 9:27-28. You will give an account of your life before God, Hebrews 4:11-13 Jesus will satisfy the penalty of death for sin if you will serve Him. Revelation 22:14-15 Your eternal future is in your hands; what do you choose?