Controlled to Convict
The sermon emphasizes the necessity of being controlled by the Holy Spirit to effectively convict others of sin and share the truth of Christ.
Theodore Epp emphasizes the vital role of the Holy Spirit in convicting both believers and the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. He explains that the Spirit, as the Comforter, not only confirms the truth of Christ to us but also reveals our own sinfulness, making us effective witnesses. Epp argues that our awareness of sin is crucial for the world's conviction, and that we must be fully surrendered to the Holy Spirit to fulfill God's work through us. He highlights that this surrender is not for personal gain but for the purpose of leading others to Christ. Ultimately, we are the instruments through which the Holy Spirit operates to bring about conviction and conversion.
Text
John 16:5-14
The indwelling Holy Spirit helps us to share Christ with others. The Lord promised this in John 15:26,27: "When the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: and ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning."
The Holy Spirit confirms to us what is true about Christ, and we in turn share those truths with others.
If the Spirit of God is responsible to convict the world of sin, He must first of all convict us of sin because we are the ones He indwells--we are the tools He will use.
He not only makes the life of Christ real to us, but He also causes us to understand our own sinfulness. We can do little to impress others with the awfulness of sin if we ourselves are not acutely aware of our own sinfulness.
This is possibly one basic reason why the world is not convicted of sin, yet is bound for hell at an accelerating speed.
We are the key to the world's conviction and conversion. This is why we need to be controlled by the Holy Spirit. Only as we are completely surrendered to Him can He use us to convict people around us of sin, righteousness and judgment.
It is necessary for us to surrender completely, not for personal enjoyment but so the Father's work in the world might be done in and through us.
"Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile" (Ps. 32:2).
Sermon Outline
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I
- The role of the Holy Spirit in witnessing
- The promise of Christ regarding the Comforter
- The importance of sharing truths about Christ
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II
- Conviction of sin begins with us
- Understanding our own sinfulness
- Impact on our witness to others
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III
- The urgency of the world's condition
- Our responsibility in conviction and conversion
- Surrendering to the Holy Spirit
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IV
- The necessity of complete surrender
- The Father's work through us
- Living a life free from guile
Key Quotes
“When the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me.” — Theodore Epp
“We can do little to impress others with the awfulness of sin if we ourselves are not acutely aware of our own sinfulness.” — Theodore Epp
“Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.” — Theodore Epp
Application Points
- Reflect on your own sinfulness to enhance your witness to others.
- Surrender to the Holy Spirit daily to be used for God's work.
- Recognize the urgency of sharing the Gospel in a world that is unaware of its spiritual condition.