Convictions. They’re something we never really talk about. But it is something we all have in some way or another. And while we do have them, how often do we actually think about that our convictions are? The question is, what are the convictions that we are holding on to?
What convictions do you have that you will not change?
- • You will not compromise…
- • You will not deny…
- • You will not surrender…
Convictions are given by God to protect you and to help you love a godly life. So if someone asked you what your convictions were, what would you tell them? Have you thought about what your convictions are? These are all important questions.
Why?
Because convictions define who you are.
- • They influence how you think.
- • They define choices you make.
- • They set the direction you are going in life.
- • They influence how you spend your money.
- • They impact how you treat others.
- • They shape your character over time.
You convictions are a major part of your life and they make up who you are.
What are your convictions? What will you not compromise under any circumstance? What convictions are influencing your thoughts, choices, direction, spending, how you treat others, character?
We have to make sure that we are on the same page when we discuss the term conviction.
Definitions of Conviction
- 1. To be formally determined as guilty
- 2. A firmly held belief
- 3. Convictions impressed by the Holy Spirit
Convictions are the beliefs that we hold firmly to. These the things we believe that no one or nothing can change our mind on.
As believers in Jesus Christ, our convictions must be shaped by God’s Word. If a conviction is not rooted in Scripture then it is just a strong opinion. We must be careful that we are not just holding firmly to strong opinions.
CONVICTIONS | PREFERENCES |
|---|---|
Do not change | Do change |
Rooted in God’s Word | Shaped by culture, upbringing, and personality |
Faith based | Opinion based |
Non-negotiable | Situational |
You believe no matter the situation you face | You believe now but can be convinced there is something better. |
So what are convictions? How would you define a conviction?
Conviction — Something you are so thoroughly convinced is absolutely true that you are willing to take a stand for it regardless of the consequences
Convictions are revealed in the face of adversity and consequences.
Characteristics of a person with Convictions
Story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego.
- - Three Jews who were absorbed into the Babylonian kingdom
- - They were commanded to bow down to the golden image, and if they didn’t then they would be thrown into a fiery furnace
- - This went against their convictions as the people of God
- - So when everyone bowed down to the golden image, these three men were resolute in their decision not to bow down to the idol
- - This led to them being brought before King Nebuchadnezzar and were threatened
Daniel 3:12,16-18
12 There are certain Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego; these men, O king, have not paid due regard to you. They do not serve your gods or worship the gold image which you have set up.”
“16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 17 If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. 18 But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.””
In the midst of adversity and serious consequences, these three men stood firm in their convictions. I believe that we can learn something from these men. I want to talk about the characteristics of someone who lives by convictions.
- 1. Convictions are settled before a Crisis
v12 — “They do not serve your gods or worship the gold image” - • Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego didn’t get together when the music started playing to figure out what they were going to do.
- • They had already decided what they were going to do before anyone was commanded to bow. They were resolute.
- • As Christians, we don’t decide our convictions when we are under pressure. We must decide ahead of time.
- • The golden image didn’t decide their convictions, it revealed them.
- • Similarly, the pressure moments you face in life will not decide your convictions…they reveal them.
- 2. Convictions are rooted in a fear of God
v16 — “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter.” - • These three men knew that they ultimately did not answer to the king. They knew that they had to answer God.
- • They were unshakeable in their response because they feared God.
- • They feared God more than they feared man or feared consequences.
- • As believers, our convictions come from a fear of God, not from a fear of consequences
Matthew 10:28 — “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” - 3. Convictions refuse to bow, even when others do
v18 — “nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.” - • Everyone had bowed down; an entire nation had complied.
- • However, these three men refused to bow even when everyone else did
- • As Christians, we live for obedience to God, not acceptance of others
- • When people around you are cursing, drinking, gossiping, don’t worry about offending them; worry about offending God.
- • Choose obedience over acceptance
- 4. Convictions are lived out publicly
- • They simply stood when everyone else bowed— everyone saw it
- • When you stand for Jesus, people will notice
- • Conviction isn’t about being seen, but real convictions will be seen.
- • Don’t be afraid to speak up when someone says something negative about Jesus. Don’t be afraid to stand up against what is wrong when everyone else says that its okay. Don’t be ashamed to talk about Jesus at your workplace or with your friends.
- 5. Convictions trust in God
v17 — “If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king.
18 But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods” - • Their obedience was not tethered to how things might’ve turned out. They were going to trust God regardless of what happened.
- • They chose to obey God, and then left the results to Him.
- • As christians, we obey God without guarantees of what might happen.
- • We must trust God for the outcome rather than ourselves.
- 6. Convictions produce courage when challenged
v18 — “But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.” - • Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego had the courage to stand up and obey God in the face of serious consequences.
- • That courage came when they chose to make a stand in faith.
- • We too receive courage and boldness when we choose to obey God.
- • That courage comes after we have made the decision.
In this series we will be going over 5 Rock-Solid Convictions that you as a Christian should hold firmly to:
Rock-Solid Conviction Topics
- 1. God — God Alone Is Supreme
- 2. The Bible — God’s Word Is the Authority
- 3. Money — God’s Blueprint: Stewardship
- 4. Prayer — Our Dependence on God
- 5. Eternity — Living With the End in Mind
