| The Role
of the Holy Spirit in ConversionIntroduction:The Holy Spirit most certainly
plays a role in the conviction and conversion of sinners. But how?. The
question does not revolve around the fact of the Spirit’s work, but the
manner of his work.I. What is conviction?A. Jesus promised that a significant
aspect of the Spirit’s work would be convicting {John 16:7-11).1.
“Concerning , because they do not believe in me” (16:9).2.
“Concerning , because I go to the Father’ {16:10).3. “Concerning ,
because the ruler of this world is judged” (16:11).B. We get a greater
sense of the word’s (elenxer) meaning when we notice its various
renderings:1. “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his
fault… ” (Matt 18:15).2. “Herod the tetrarch, who had been
reproved by [John] for Herodias … ” (Luke 3:19).3. “[He] who does
wicked things hates the /ight…/est his works should be exposed” (John
3:20).4. “As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence
of all… n (1 Tim 5:20).C. What would the Spirit use in his work of
convicting? “The “(John 16:12-13).D. The truth as God’s tool of
conviction (Matt 18:15;Mark 6:18; John 3:20; Eph 5:6-17; 1 Tim 5:20;2 Tim
4:2; Tit 1:9-13; 2:15; James 2:9; Jude 1:14-15).II. What is conversion?A. In
Acts 3:19, Peter preached, “Repent therefore and be converted”
(NKJV) or “turn back” (ESV).B. We get a greater sense of the word’s
(epistrepsate) meaning when we notice its various uses:1. ” /est they
should see…and hear…and understand”.and turn … ” (Matt
13:15).2. ” we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain
things … ” (Acts 14:15).3. “”.to open their eyes, so that
they may turn from darkness to light…” (Acts 26:18-20).4.
“”.how can you turn back again to the weak and worth/ess… ”
(Gal 4:9).C. What was used to encourage people to turn? “Good n (Acts
14:15).D. The truth as God’s tool of conversion (Acts 26:20; James 5:19-20;
John 16:13).III. “The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of
God” (Eph 6:17)A. Instrumental in the new (John 3:5; Tit 3:4-7; 1 Pet
1:22-25;James 1:18-21).B. Instrumental in our (1 Cor 6:9-11; Eph 5:25-27).B.
Instrumental in filling us with all and in believing (Rom 15:13; 1:16;
10:17). |
