A People of Biblical Convictions
Romans 4:21-22 21 (Abraham was) fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. 22 That is why his faith was “counted to him as righteousness.”
A man of Biblical convictions
Conviction - the act or process of convincing - the state of being convinced - a fixed or strong belief
Biblical Conviction - convictions or beliefs derived from and based on a commitment to Scripture, the Bible - stands opposed to doubt and skepticism
Two Aspects: - What happens when a person has NO Biblical Convictions? - What happens when a person HAS Biblical Convictions?
1. What happens when a person has NO Biblical Convictions? Book of Isaiah Book of 2 Peter
Early chapters of Isaiah, - Nation lacking in leadership - Leaders viewed as Adulterated Diluted thoughts & opinions of the world Polluted
Isaiah 3:4 NASB And I will make mere lads their princes, And [e]capricious children will rule over them
Biblical convictions SELFISH IRRESPONSIBLE MORALLY CORRUPTED
Isaiah 1:21 NASB (Zion Corrupted, to Be Redeemed) 21 How the faithful city has become a harlot, She who was full of justice! Righteousness once lodged in her, But now murderers.
Isaiah 1:10 NASB Unless the LORD Almighty had left us some survivors, we would have become like Sodom, we would have been like Gomorrah. 10 Hear the word of the LORD, you rulers of Sodom; listen to the instruction of our God, you people of Gomorrah!
Isaiah 5:24 NASB 24 Therefore, as a tongue of fire consumes stubble And dry grass collapses into the flame, So their root will become like rot and their blossom[q]blow away as dust; For they have rejected the law of the LORD of hosts And despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.
The Israelites were religious, but they had abandoned the Word of God and were a people without biblical convictions
2 Peter, - Apostate leader/ False teachers, lead people astray Unsound Doctrine Unethical Behavior
2 Peter 2:1-3 NASB (The Rise of False Prophets) 2 But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves. 2 Many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned; 3 and in their greed they will exploit you with false words; their judgment from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.
2. What happens when a person HAS Biblical Convictions? (a) Commitment to Scripture as one’s authority (b) Construction of convictions based on that authority (c) Courage to act on those convictions in faith
(a) Commitment to Scripture as one’s authority - Recognizing the Scripture as inspired by God and thus authoritative and the final word 2 Peter 1:20-21 NASB 20 But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, 21 for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.
2 Timothy 3:16 NASB 16 All Scripture is [h]inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for [i]training in righteousness;
- Where are we leaning towards in giving our life over to God? - Scripture is not a menu - God’s authority over us is absolute - How much are we committed to submit to Scripture as our authority? Give it whole, Give it willingly
(b) Construction of convictions based on that authority Mark 7:6-8, 13 NASB 6 And He said to them, “Rightly did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: ‘THIS PEOPLE HONORS ME WITH THEIR LIPS, BUT THEIR HEART IS FAR AWAY FROM ME. 7 ‘BUT IN VAIN DO THEY WORSHIP ME, TEACHING AS DOCTRINES THE PRECEPTS OF MEN.’ 8 Neglecting the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men.”
13 thus invalidating the word of God by your tradition which you have handed down; and you do many things such as that.”
- Everyone has convictions, but are they biblical convictions? - Use the Word to filter everything that comes into our minds - Scripture always takes priority over our opinions, experiences, and background.
(c) Courage to act on those convictions in faith - Being one who seeks to rightly handle the Word 2 Tim. 2:15 NASB 15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.
- Carefully study the Word until it yields up its spiritual treasures
2 Tim. 2:14-19 NASB 14 Remind them of these things, and solemnly charge them in the presence of God not to wrangle about words, which is useless and leads to the ruin of the hearers. 15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. 16 But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for [e]it will lead to further ungodliness, 17 and their [f]talk will spread like [g]gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus,18 men who have gone astray from the truth saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and they upset the faith of some. 19 Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to abstain from wickedness.”
Three responsibilities in being a people of biblical convictions: (1) Commitment to Scripture as one’s authority (2) Construction of convictions based on that authority (3) Courage to act on those convictions in faith Don’t be like the Israelites who abandoned God’s Word or apostate leaders who were desensitized of God’s word. |
Add comment