Trust the Holy Spirit
Spirit Conviction

Scripture Reading:  John 16:5-11

Key Verse: John 16:8

When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment

It was devastating to the disciples when Jesus announced that He was going away.  Of course, they could not imagine doing life without Jesus beside them.  It was at this point that Jesus started to instruct them about the Holy Spirit.  It would be the Holy Spirit that will fill in the gaps for not only the disciples, but all the future followers of Christ.

            In our scripture reading for today, we see that the first job description for the Holy Spirit would be conviction.  Jesus said He, the Holy Spirit, would come and convict the world of guilt in regard to sin, righteousness, and judgment.  This is the work of God in people before they confess and repent.  In fact, if the Holy Spirit was not at work in people’s lives, no one would ever repent and be saved.  They would never feel guilty of anything, which would lead them to look for a Savior.

            When we are praying for our unsaved family or friends, this is a good place to start: asking God to convict them of their sins.  Our prayers can intensify the work of God in their lives.  The Apostle Paul prayed for the Ephesians: “I pray that out of your glorious riches you may strengthen them with power through your Spirit in their inner being so that Christ may dwell in their hearts by faith” (Ephesians 3:16).  It’s the Spirit’s work that every potential believer must have!

Father, thank you for your work in the hearts of the unbelievers around me.  I pray that you will convict them of their sins, showing them their need of a Savior.  In Jesus’ name, amen.