I have said, on more than one occasion, that you cannot sit under the Word and not be convicted. There is no way for you to hear the Word and not find yourself not only convicted, but also asking God for correction. The Word will correct us; it will lead us to another path of life. I would argue strongly that far too many people sit under the Word, Sunday after Sunday, but are never convicted. I want to be able to inspire them to possess the whole gospel, that cuts on every side.  I also don’t want them to feel like the man or woman of God is preaching at them. The same gospel that the preachers use is also one that convicts him or her. It is a sword that cuts on both sides. In 2 Timothy 3:16, we find these words:

“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.”

Paul gives Timothy a charge. He loves Timothy as his son in the ministry. He tells him to “Remain faithful in the things you have been taught. You have been taught the holy scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus.”  This wisdom must be applied to his life. The Word of God teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip His people to do good work always. Timothy lived up to his teaching and had faith and endurance. Therefore, he was able to preach the whole truth. I have been convicted so many times by the Word I preach. I felt that I needed to be corrected by God, and I thank God that He used the Word that I preached to correct me and to take away some of my stubbornness. Prayerfully, you can say that you have been convicted and corrected by the Word of God, the same as me.