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Are we Christians of Conviction or Convenience? (2 Timothy 1:12)

I. Nature of true conviction

  1. Conviction begins with a real relationship with Christ (Matthew 7:21–23; 2 Corinthians 13:5; John 10:27–29; 1 Peter 2:2; 1 Thessalonians 4:7; 2 Corinthians 5:17; John 14:21; John 21:15–17)
  2. Conviction must be rooted in the Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16–17; Psalm 119:89; Matthew 24:35)
  3. True conviction produces faith in the power of God
    • Paul (2 Timothy 1:12; Acts 20:24; 2 Timothy 4:6–8; 2 Corinthians 11:23–
      28; Philippians 3:8–10)
    • Abraham (Romans 4:20–21; Genesis 12:1-4; Genesis 22:1-12;
      Hebrews 11:8–19)
    • Joseph (Genesis 39:7–12; Genesis 39:21–23)
    • Daniel (Daniel 3:16–18; Daniel 3:24–30)
    • Daniel’s friends (Daniel 3:16–18; Daniel 3:24–30)

II. Lack of conviction produces compromise (Matthew 6:24; 1 John 2:15–17; Revelation 3:16; James 1:8; John 14:24;
Romans 15:4; 1 Corinthians 10:11)

  1. Lot (Genesis 13; 19; Luke 17:32; 2 Peter 2:7–8)
  2. Demas (2 Timothy 4:10)
  3. King Saul (1 Samuel 15:22–23)
  4. Judas (Matthew 26:24; John 6:70; Matthew 7:21–23)

III. Reasons for lack of real conviction

  1. Christ is not truly Lord (Colossians 1:18; Romans 12:1–2; Philippians 3:10; John 17:3)
  2. Head knowledge without heart conviction (James 1:22; Psalm 119:11; Psalm 1:1–3; Matthew 4:4)
  3. Convenience taking place of commitment (2 Timothy 3:5; Revelation 3:15–17; Daniel 1:8; Job 31:1)
  4. Lack of full surrender (Proverbs 23:26; Romans 6:13; Romans 8:13; Colossians 3:1–4)