Personal Convictions Above Popular Opposition
Rev. Enoch Thompson | May 21, 2024 | John 9:24-34
KEY VERSE:
He replied, "Whether he is a sinner or not, I don't know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!” John 9:25 (NIV)
MESSAGE:
When our faith in God and our discipleship walk with the Lord Jesus is called into question, and our God is mocked and insulted, there is one force that will help us stay firm and faithful: the power of personal conviction. What we have seen, touched, experienced and become convinced about, personally, will hold us up spiritually, morally, emotionally, and intellectually as we face the opposition of the devil, the world and the sinful nature in us.
The healed blind man was not free to go his way yet. The Pharisees insulted his Saviour Jesus and called Him a sinner (verse 27). They rubbished the Lord Jesus and ignorantly placed Moses above Him (verse 28). To all their taunting and false accusations of the Lord being a sinner, the response of the healed blind man was personal conviction: ‘He replied, "Whether he is a sinner or not, I don't know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!”’ (John 9:25), NIV. To the claim of the Pharisees that they did not even know where the Lord Jesus came from, the healed man’s response was personal conviction: ‘The man answered, ". . . You don't know where he comes from, yet he opened my eyes.”’ (John 9:30), NIV. Personal conviction will stand in the face of every opposition.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Are you convinced about the reality and being of God? Are you convinced about the power of the blood of the Lord Jesus to save your soul? Are you convinced that He is coming again to take us home? Are you convinced that God would take care of you, and that it is better to die believing in God than to live without God in this world? Get conviction, it will make you tough for life.
PRAYER:
Lord, please help me to believe, and to truly believe. May my convictions based on your Word be so strong that they will stand the test of time. For your dear Name’s sake, Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
DAILY word study: ONE THING The Greek phrase for "one thing" is "ἓν οἶδα" (hen oida). "ἓν" (hen) means "one" and "οἶδα" (oida) means "I know" or "I am aware of." This emphasizes the singular, undeniable fact the healed blind man is certain about, despite the surrounding controversy. Amidst Pharisaic scepticism, the healed man focuses on his personal encounter with Jesus, asserting the reality of his healing over theological debates. In Psalm 27:4, David expresses a similar focus: "One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life." This single-minded pursuit of God’s presence parallels the healed man’s single-minded testimony. In Philippians 3:13-14, Paul states, "But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal." This shows a similar focus on a single, significant purpose. The verse underscores the power of personal testimony. The man's experience with Jesus' healing power is irrefutable evidence of divine intervention. Reflections:
What is your "one thing" about Jesus that you can share? Reflect on how your personal encounter with Him can be a powerful testimony to others.
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