Jeremy Utley - Expecting Conviction, Rejecting Condemnation

Jeremy UtleyJanuary 17, 202024mWatch on YouTube

Speaker: Jeremy Utley Title: Expecting Conviction, Rejecting Condemnation Date: 01-12-2020 Our Goal as Christians is this: To be an exact reflection of Jesus, the Son of God (Romans 8:29) We do this individually by growing in purity in our personal lives (1 John 3:2-3) We do this corporately by becoming fully functioning members of a local Church (Ephesians 4:11-16)

Summary

The sermon discusses the 'narrow way' of Christian living, emphasizing that one must guard against dangers on both sides: worldliness and spiritual complacency. The speaker warns that while ignoring sin is dangerous, so is falling into the trap of condemnation—feeling bad about being convicted. True spiritual progress requires embracing conviction from the Holy Spirit, understanding that this process is not linear, and combating fears of God's final judgment by relying on the abundant forgiveness found in Scripture.

Outline

The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.

The narrow way and a clear conscienceBuilding on recent weeks about maintaining a clear conscience and taking every little sin seriously, the speaker introduces the concept of the narrow way.Matthew 7:14

Two cliffs on the narrow wayA better picture of the narrow way reveals steep cliffs on both sides: worldliness on one side and judging worldliness on the other.

The danger of condemnationWhile ignoring the conscience is a dangerous cliff, condemnation is a second cliff that believers often put up with for far too long by beating themselves up.

Deceptions about a clear conscienceBelievers can fall into the deception of thinking a clear conscience means never being aware of any shortcomings, whereas the path of the righteous involves a constant casting out of darkness.

Fears that creep in during convictionMoments of conviction often trigger specific fears, including the thought that God will not forgive this time, that the struggle is hopeless, or that God has set the believer aside.

Combatting the fear of unforgivenessIsaiah teaches that God abundantly pardons those who return to Him, showing there is more than enough forgiveness.

Combatting the fear of hopelessnessEzekiel promises that God gives a new heart and a new spirit, proving that spiritual transformation is possible.Ezekiel 36:25–26

Combatting the fear of rejectionJesus explains in John that the Father prunes the branches that bear fruit so they can be more fruitful, meaning conviction is evidence of God's love rather than rejection.John 15:2

Redefining conviction as proof of loveInstead of viewing conviction with a name tag of fear, believers must see it through Hebrews as proof of God's loving discipline.Hebrews 12:6

Peter as the most corrected manPeter experienced repeated corrections throughout the scriptures, yet he finished strong as a living proof of God's faithfulness and transforming power.

Succeeding because of correctionPeter succeeded not despite being corrected, but because he responded properly to correction, allowing it to produce the fruit of Christ-likeness.

How to respond when disciplinedBelievers are instructed not to regard the Lord's discipline lightly nor to faint when reproved, but rather to strengthen weak knees and seek healing.Hebrews 12:5–12

Welcoming correction with 'more please'Instead of defending or justifying mistakes, the correct response to God's benefits and correction is to welcome more light and repentance daily.

Being on the same team as GodWhen God convicts, He is not adversarial; He is on our team, helping us fight against wrong attitudes and behaviors.

Never growing weary of repentingBelievers should eagerly crucify the flesh and never grow weary of repenting, welcoming every opportunity to nail sin to the cross.

God's promise to those who turnProverbs promises that when someone turns and repents at God's reproof, He will pour out His Spirit and make His words known.

Seeing conviction as a call to take courageJust as the blind man was told to take courage because Jesus was calling him, believers should view every conviction as God calling them further down the narrow way.

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Jeremy Utley - Expecting Conviction, Rejecting Condemnation

Jeremy Utley · January 17, 2020 · 24m

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