How can John 16:9 guide us in evangelism efforts today? The Verse “ …and when He comes, He will convict the world regarding sin and righteousness and judgment: regarding sin, because they do not believe in Me.” (John 16:8-9) Key Truths in John 16:9 • The Holy Spirit’s first work in evangelism is conviction. • The fundamental sin He pinpoints is unbelief in Jesus. • Evangelism that ignores unbelief as the root issue misses Christ’s own focus. Why Unbelief Is the Central Issue • Sin is broader than outward acts; its core is rejecting the Son (John 3:18). • All other sins flow from a heart that refuses Christ’s authority (Romans 1:21-25). • Faith in Jesus reverses that posture and restores fellowship with God (John 20:31). Practical Guidance for Evangelism Today 1. Keep Christ at the Center – Present who Jesus is, what He did, and why He alone saves (Acts 4:12). – Avoid drifting into mere moralism; people need a Person, not a program. 2. Partner With the Spirit’s Convicting Work – Pray before, during, and after conversations (1 Timothy 2:1-4). – Trust that conviction is His role, not ours; we witness, He convinces (1 Corinthians 2:4-5). 3. Address Unbelief Directly but Graciously – Ask questions that surface what a person believes about Jesus (Matthew 16:15). – Share Scripture that exposes unbelief as sin: • “Whoever does not believe has already been condemned.” (John 3:18) • “The god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelieving.” (2 Corinthians 4:4) 4. Present the Gospel’s Remedy – Show how the cross answers both guilt and unbelief (1 Peter 3:18). – Highlight resurrection proof (Acts 17:31). – Invite repentance and faith (Acts 2:38). 5. Use Scripture Confidently – Faith comes by hearing the Word (Romans 10:17). – God’s Word will not return void (Isaiah 55:11). 6. Cultivate Humble Boldness – We speak with gentle respect (1 Peter 3:15) yet refuse to soften the call to believe. – Remember our own rescue from unbelief (Ephesians 2:8-9). Encouragement for the Evangelist • The Spirit is already at work in people’s hearts; we join His mission. • Success is measured by faithfulness to proclaim, not by visible results (1 Corinthians 3:6-7). • Every conversation that lifts up Jesus confronts unbelief and opens the door to saving faith. |
    |