Week 9

Objective: Students will learn how the Holy Spirit brings conviction and will commit to take action in ways the Holy Spirit reveals to them.

Key Thought: Respond to "Friction of Conviction."

Lesson Summary: Do you know what is true about sandpaper? Sandpaper works as a result of friction. Removing the rough places on a piece of wood requires friction. While this friction is uncomfortable, it does result in a change that only the sandpaper could accomplish.
 
In a similar way, God the Holy Spirit desires to use the friction of conviction to bring about change in our lives in order to conform us to look more like Jesus. The Word of God is the primary tool the Spirit powerfully uses in the lives of all people to create spiritual tension in life.
 
For unbelievers, God’s Word exposes their sin condition and convicts them of their need for salvation. For believers, His Word teaches us how to stay in step with the Spirit (Galatians 5:25) and convicts us when we step out of bounds. The Spirit also uses the tension of difficult circumstances to get our attention and bring us to a place where we are ready to respond positively to the Gospel.
 
Your student was challenged with the necessity of responding positively to the Holy Spirit’s convicting friction in their lives. If they were feeling conviction because they do not know Jesus as their Savior, they were invited to say “Yes” to Jesus. If the Holy Spirit was convicting them of certain behaviors or attitudes in their lives where they are fulfilling the lusts of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21), they were exhorted to repent of whatever has caused them to step out of the bounds of the Spirit.
 
At the close of the lesson, each student was given a quarter-sheet of sandpaper as a reminder to respond to the friction of conviction. The best way to reinforce what they have learned is to have it modeled for them. There is no greater person to teach them how to respond positively to the friction of conviction than you! Don’t be afraid of the fact that you are not perfect; your student knows that already. What he or she does need to see is how you respond in obedience and humility to the friction of the Holy Spirit’s conviction!

 
Parent Challenge: Friction of Conviction is for all believers, it is an important part of walking with Jesus. How is the Holy Spirit speaking to you? It is important to remember that "Those who are lead by the Spirit of God are the children of God," (Rom. 8:14). 

It’s Worth Considering: A podcast that follows the Quiet-Time devotional (Wk 20). Series 1, Series 2, Series 3