Friday February 24, 2017
“We are without excuse”
18For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven
against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their
unrighteousness suppress the truth. 19For what can be known about God is plain
to them, because God has shown it to them. 20For his invisible attributes,
namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever
since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are
without excuse – Roman 1:18-20
Conviction of Sin (ongo‘i tautea ‘i he angahala)
B. Questions about Conviction
1) is conviction necessary?
2) How much conviction is necessary?
3) What is the purpose of conviction?
The Spirit
convicts us of sin in order to bring us to Christ. Conviction of sin is a process by which we
gain a proper perspective on our lives in the sight of God so that we may cast
ourselves up on his grace and mercy in the cross. There are two ways that conviction
enhances Christian character.
It produces humility. Romans 1:18 – 3:20; every man’s mouth is
stopped and the whole world becomes conscious of its guilt. That leaves a
lasting impression in a person’s life. To be silenced before the throne of God
is an unforgettable experience.
It produces thankfulness. It is in proportion to our sense of need
that we are able to grasp the measure of God’s grace. Thankfulness grows best
in the seedbed of conviction.
Challenge:
We usually
find ourselves praying something like this for a friend or family member who
may not be a Christian yet: “Lord, please
speak to [Sione]. Touch him in a special way so that he may come to know you.”
What we are asking is for that person to be “convicted” of his sin. But as we
have seen, some people take little time and God “cuts” their hearts (as in
Pentecost) and others take longer and may require more events and circumstances
(harsher means) to bring them to salvation (like Paul). Do not lose heart.
Press on and be faithful to do your part.
This Day in Christian History:
February 24,
303 – Emperor DIOCLETIAN decreed that all who would not serve the gods
of Rome should lose their offices, have their property seized, and be demoted
if they were persons of rank. He forbade Christians to meet for worship,
ordered their churches destroyed, and their holy books burned. As soon as this
proclamation was posted, a Christian tore it down, and loudly reproached the
emperors. For this, he was roasted alive over a slow fire, but died without
uttering a groan. Down came the great church at Nicomedia, and the persecutors
burned its books.
Christians
suffered terribly, especially in the eastern empire. Some were thrown to wild
beasts, others burned alive or roasted on griddles. Some were skinned or had
their flesh scraped from their bones. Others were crucified. A few were tied
between trees that were bent so as to meet and, when the branches were
released, the force ripped these victims limb from limb.
Memory Verse:
And I, when
I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself."
— John 12:32
Pea ko au,
kapau ‘e hiki au ki ‘olunga mei he kelekele, te u tohoaki ‘a e kakai kotoa pē
kiate au – Sione 12:32
Bible Reading Plan: (52 weeks; 5 days a week)
Week
8 – Leviticus 8-23; Psalm 110, 111, 31; Hebrews 4-8
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