What Is A Conviction?

What is a conviction?

A conviction is a basic scriptural principle which we purpose to follow, whatever the cost!

How do convictions differ from preferences?

Quiz:

Which are convictions and which are preferences?

1. I have a conviction that I should try and overcome a drinking problem.

2. I have a conviction that a man should lead his family, but in some situations this may change.

3. I have a conviction that some of the television program that I watch are harmful for my children.

4. I have a conviction that I should not pay taxes to programs which violate God’s word.

Answers:

1. A preference – not a conviction. A conviction must be seen in daily living.

2. A preference – not a conviction. A conviction must not change.

3. A preference – not a conviction. A conviction must be consistent. If the television programs are harmful for children, they are also harmful for adults.

4. An unscriptural conviction. Jesus paid taxes to the very government which put Him to death, and God commands us to pay all of our taxes (Romans 13:6-7).

TEN SCRIPTURAL CONVICTIONS

…which every man must teach his family in order to protect them from destructive influences of wrong desires, false philosophies and Satanic temptations.

1. The bible is the inspired word of God and the final authority for my life.

2. My purpose in life is to seek God with my whole heart and to build goals around His priorities.

3. My body is the living temple of God and must not be defiled by the lusts of the world.

4. My church must teach the foundational truths of the Bible and reinforce my basic convictions.

5. My children and grandchildren belong to God, and it is my responsibility to teach them Scriptural principles, Godly character, and basic convictions.

6. My activities must never weaken the Scriptural convictions of another Christian.

7. My marriage is a life-long commitment to God and to my marriage partner.

8. My money is a trust from God and must be earned and managed according to Scriptural principles.

9. My words must be in harmony with God’s Word, especially when reproving and restoring a Christian brother.

10. My affections must be set on things above, not on things in the earth.

SCRIPTURAL BASIS FOR THESE TEN CONVICTIONS:

1. The bible is the inspired word of God and the final authority for my life.

a. First Commandment: “Thou shalt have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3)

b. David’s Teaching: “…Thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name” (Psalm 138:2)

c. Christ’s teaching: “…Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4).

d. Paul’s Teaching: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God…” (II Timothy 3:16).

2. My purpose in life is to seek God with my whole heart and to build goals around His priorities.

a. Second commandment: Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image…nor serve them…” (Exodus 20:4-5).

b. David’s Teaching: “Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart” (Psalm 119:2).

c. Christ’s teaching: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33).

d. Paul’s Teaching: “…I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ…” (Philippians 3:8).

3. My body is the living temple of God and must not be defiled by the lusts of the world.

a. Third commandment: Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain…” (Exodus 20:7) (We damage His name by immorality).

b. Nathan’s reproof of David’s immorality: “…By this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme…” (II Samuel 12:14).

c. Daniel’s Example: “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself…” (Daniel 1:8).

d. Christ’s Teaching: “For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications…and defile the man” (Mark 7:21-23)

e. Paul’s teaching: “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God…if any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy…” (I Corinthians 3:16-17).

f. Peter’s teaching: “…Abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul” (I Peter 2:11).

4. My church must teach the foundational truths of the Bible and reinforce my basic convictions.

a. Fourth Commandment: Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy” (Exodus 20:8).

b. God’s promise: “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sins, and will heal their land” (II Chronicles 7:14).

c. David’s Teaching: Give unto the lord the glory due unto his name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness” (Psalm 29:2).