Today we’re going to talk about the difference between Condemnation and Conviction

If we’re not careful we’ll dismiss Conviction as Condemnation and refuse to listen to the correction of the Holy Spirit

1. Condemnation

Revelation 12:10 (NIV)…For the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night…

Romans 8:1-3 (NLT)So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.2 And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. 3 The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature. So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins.

Hebrews 4:16 (NLT)16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.

“All this is true, and much more that you have left out; but the Prince whom I serve and honor is merciful and ready to forgive. And besides, these failings possessed me in your country, and I have groaned under them, been sorry for them, and have obtained pardon from my Prince.” - Pilgrim's Progress

Condemnation says, “you’ll never change”
Conviction says, “You can change.”

2. Conviction

John 16:8 (NLT)8 And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment. - One of the roles of the Holy Spirit is to convict us of sin present in our life

Hebrews 10:26 (NLT)26 Dear friends, if we deliberately continue sinning after we have received knowledge of the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice that will cover these sins.

Romans 6:15 (NLT)15 Well then, since God’s grace has set us free from the law, does that mean we can go on sinning? Of course not!

So what role does Conviction play in our lives?

When God calls out junk in our life that HE WANTS US TO CHANGE...
That’s CONVICTION not CONDEMNATION

Here’s some things to look for to know if what you’re feeling is the Holy Spirit

1. Does it line up with the Word of God?

1 John 2:3-4 (NLT)3 And we can be sure that we know him if we obey his commandments. 4 If someone claims, “I know God,” but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person is a liar and is not living in the truth.

2. Does it reflect how Jesus lived?
1 John 2:6 (NLT) 6 Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.

3. Will it help others not stumble?
Romans 14:21 (NLT)20 Don’t tear apart the work of God over what you eat. Remember, all foods are acceptable, but it is wrong to eat something if it makes another person stumble. 21 It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything else if it might cause another believer to stumble.

4. Is it something God has asked you to change/give up/walk away from?
Romans 14:23 (NLT)23 But if you have doubts about whether or not you should eat something, you are sinning if you go ahead and do it. For you are not following your convictions. If you do anything you believe is not right, you are sinning.

1 Thessalonians 5:19 & 22 (KJV)19 Quench not the Spirit….
22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.

In his book “The Power of Your Words,” Robert Morris said this:
There is a difference between being accused by the enemy and being convicted by the Holy Spirit. You can recognize conviction of the Holy Spirit because the Spirit always offers hope. Conviction says, “you did this wrong, but if you repent, I’ll make it right and help you overcome it.” But condemnation says, “You always do things wrong, You’ll never do anything right. You’ll never get better. Things will never work out for you.” Condemnation is not from God.