Conviction of Sin

[b]Conviction of Sin – R.A Torrey[/b]
[i]The Bible Answer Book[/i]

[b]Question:[/b] How is conviction of sin produced? In other words, what kind of preaching would you recommend in order to bring people to a realization of the awfulness of sin, and to bring upon them conviction of sin?

[b]Answer:[/b] The law was given to bring men to a knowledge of sin (Romans 3:20), and I find that the preaching of the law does bring men to such a knowledge. I preach on the Ten Commandments, looking to the Holy Spirit to show men how they have not kept them. I also preach on Matthew 7:12, the so-called Golden Rule, to show people that they have not kept the Golden Rule and therefore cannot be saved by it: [i]“Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them...”[/i] In addition, I preach on Matthew 22:37-38. Through these verses, I seek to show people that they have not only sinned but they have also broken the first and greatest of God’s commandments: [i]“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment.”
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However, we read in John 16:8-9 that the sin of which the Holy Spirit convicts men is the sin of unbelief in Jesus Christ. Also, we see in Acts 2:1-37 that the sin of which the Holy Spirit convicted so many thousands on the Day of Pentecost was the sin of rejecting Jesus Christ. Working along these lines, I find that holding up before men the majesty and glory of Jesus Christ and the sacrifice He made for us, then driving home the awfulness of the sin of rejecting such a Savior, brings the deepest conviction of sin.

But in all our preaching, we must bear in mind that it is the Holy Spirit, not we ourselves, who convicts men of sin. He does it through the truth we present, but we must realize our dependence upon Him and look to Him and count on Him to do the work. This is where many make their mistake. They try to convict men of sin instead of putting themselves in an attitude of complete dependence on the Holy Spirit so that He will convict men through them.

But in all our preaching, we must bear in mind that it is the Holy Spirit, not we ourselves, who convicts men of sin. He does it through the truth we present, but we must realize our dependence upon Him and look to Him and count on Him to do the work. This is where many make their mistake. They try to convict men of sin instead of putting themselves in an attitude of complete dependence on the Holy Spirit so that He will convict men through them.

I think this is true. I am reminded of how Isaiah in Isaiah 6 cried out, "WOE is me for I am undone!" No preaching or teaching, just the revelation and manifest presence of God. The same holds true for Peter when the miracle of the large catch of fishes took place at the word of our LORD. He immediately recognized himself as a 'sinful man.' whether it be the law or whatever the case may be it IS the Holy Spirit that must bring conviction, this is why the minister must submit to God and seek Him for the right words. He has to be utterly dependent on the Holy Spirit that He might work with and not against the Spirit. Not every thought that pops up in your mind when preaching or witnessing is from the Holy Spirit. Be sensitive. Let the Holy Spirit bring the truth to bear upon their heart. Submurge yourself in the scriptures that He might call them to remembrance at a moments notice. No two people are completely alike. No two ministry opportunities are exactly alike.