Convictions Acts 2:22-36

Introduction Firm convictions are almost extinct We live in an age of relativity Having convictions is “old fashioned” and viewed as arrogance

Introduction Even the church has been affected Preachers are toning down what is said Elders are yielding on significant issues

Definition Definitions “State of being convinced, a fixed belief.” (Random House Dictionary) “Assuredly” (Greek asphalos)- “freedom from fear of contradiction.” (Vine’s Expository Dictionary) Notice what took place for those who “knew for certain (assuredly, KJV)” (Acts 2:42, 46; 8:19-24, 36; 16:25, 30)

Definition Conviction and opinion not the same Opinion falls short of conviction We must “prove” what the Lord’s will is (Ephesians 5:10; 1 Peter 4:11)

Definition Conviction is not being close-minded Paul had convictions (Acts 23:1; 26:9) Keep an open mind (Acts 17:10, 11)

Conviction In Moral Matters Convictions demands action We must not practice evil (Ephesians 5:11) Speak out against the evil of others

Conviction In Moral Matters Conviction regarding sexual purity We live in an age of promiscuity, virginity said to be “old-fashioned,” marital fidelity ridiculed

“His Wife Approves of Mistress” “I figure he will die at a much earlier age due to the constant stress he is under trying to hide his affair from me…. When he finally drops dead, I stand to collect several hundred thousand dollars in insurance money, and all of our assets will be 100 percent mine. The other woman is doing me a favor.” (Letter to Dear Abby)

Conviction In Moral Matters Conviction regarding sexual purity We live in an age of promiscuity, virginity said to be “old-fashioned,” marital fidelity ridiculed We must stand up and be counted (1 Corinthians 6:18; Hebrews 13:4)

Conviction In Moral Matters Conviction regarding speaking truth We are told lying is right at times

Lying About One’s Age “Many, many people have found it necessary to lie about their ages to avoid the very real problem of age discrimination. We could moralize about this kind of lying, but, as a practical matter, if it came to a choice between putting bread and butter on the table or telling the truth about my age, I would do the same thing you did.” (Money Matters)

Conviction In Moral Matters Conviction regarding speaking truth We are told lying is right at times Where is our conviction? (Colossians 3:9)

Conviction In Moral Matters Conviction regarding purity of speech Profanity abounds Euphemisms (Ephesians 4:29; 5:4)

Conviction In Moral Matters Conviction regarding modesty Little is left to the imagination Must dress modestly (1 Timothy 2:8, 9)

Conviction In Doctrinal Matters Some are growing weaker in doctrine Don’t “offend” anyone (Jeremiah 5:31) Preach what is wanted (2 Timothy 4:1-5)

Conviction In Doctrinal Matters Doctrine is important Must be sound (1 Timothy 1:10; 4:16; Titus 2:1) Limits to fellowship (2 John 9-11)

Conviction In Doctrinal Matters Contend for “the faith” “Just preach love”; no debating Apostles debated like Jesus (Acts 15:2, 7)

Conclusion How much conviction must I have? Die for my beliefs? (Revelation 2:10) Give up my family? (Matthew 10:34-39) Risk being a “troublemaker?” (Acts 17:6)

Conclusion Do you have convictions? Are you “playing church?” Are you even a Christian?