Charles Finney addresses the decline in the depth and effectiveness of modern revivals compared to those of the past, noting a lack of deep conviction of sin and humility among converts. He emphasizes that recent revivals often fail to probe the heart's depravity and guilt, leading to superficial conversions that lack the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. Finney calls for ministers to focus on exposing the true nature of sin and the necessity of divine influence in the revival process. He expresses concern that many ministers are hesitant to pursue revivals due to the disappointing outcomes of recent ones. Ultimately, he urges a return to the foundational principles that characterized earlier, more impactful revivals.

G. Campbell Morgan emphasizes the expansive ministry of the Holy Spirit beyond the Church, highlighting its prophetic fulfillment on Pentecost and its role in convicting the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. He explains that the Spirit's work is to reveal truth to all humanity, striving with unbelievers while indwelling believers to maintain their union with Christ. Morgan also discusses the Spirit's restraining influence against evil, asserting that the Spirit's ministry is crucial for both the Church and the world, ultimately pointing to the necessity of preaching the Gospel for the Spirit's work to be realized. The sermon underscores the importance of recognizing the Spirit's active role in the world today.

A.W. Pink emphasizes the spiritual dangers of Bible reading that lacks genuine engagement with God, warning that many approach the Scriptures for intellectual pride or sectarian arguments rather than for true edification. He outlines that true profit from the Word comes through conviction of sin, sorrow over sin, confession, and a deeper hatred of sin, leading to a forsaking of sin and a practice of righteousness. Pink stresses that the Scriptures are meant to transform us, not merely inform us, and that a genuine encounter with God's Word should produce humility and a desire for holiness. He challenges listeners to reflect on their own engagement with the Bible and its impact on their spiritual lives.

Andrew Murray emphasizes that for a true revival to occur, it must be accompanied by a profound conviction of sin and the recognition of our complacency in the face of a dying world. He calls for a breaking up of the 'great deep' within us, exposing the formalities and self-indulgences that hinder our spiritual growth and commitment to God's mission. Murray stresses that judgment must begin within the church, urging believers to reflect on their lives and worship in light of God's call to deeper devotion and self-sacrifice.

D.L. Moody emphasizes that unbelief is the root of all sin, labeling it as the 'climax sin' of the world. He argues that many societal issues stem from this fundamental lack of faith, which leads individuals to live in sin and rebellion against God. Moody calls for the Holy Spirit's convicting power to reveal the seriousness of unbelief, stressing that true conversion must be accompanied by a deep conviction of sin. He warns against superficial conversions that lack genuine repentance and urges believers to pray for a thorough work of conviction in the hearts of men. Ultimately, Moody highlights the Spirit's role in imparting life and guiding believers into truth while convicting the world of sin.

Paris Reidhead emphasizes that salvation is fundamentally a revelation from God, not merely an intellectual acknowledgment of sin or a superficial acceptance of Christ. He recounts experiences in Africa and America that illustrate how many people can recognize their sinfulness yet remain untransformed, highlighting the necessity of true conviction and revelation of God's holiness and justice. Reidhead argues that genuine salvation involves a deep understanding of one's guilt before a holy God, leading to true repentance and faith in Christ. He stresses that the work of the Holy Spirit is essential in awakening individuals to their need for salvation and that this revelation must be communicated effectively to lead to true conversion.

Theodore Epp emphasizes the vital role of the Holy Spirit in convicting both believers and the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. He explains that the Spirit, as the Comforter, not only confirms the truth of Christ to us but also reveals our own sinfulness, making us effective witnesses. Epp argues that our awareness of sin is crucial for the world's conviction, and that we must be fully surrendered to the Holy Spirit to fulfill God's work through us. He highlights that this surrender is not for personal gain but for the purpose of leading others to Christ. Ultimately, we are the instruments through which the Holy Spirit operates to bring about conviction and conversion.

R.A. Torrey shares a powerful account of a prayer meeting at Chicago Avenue Church, where the officers sought the Holy Spirit's convicting power due to a lack of conviction of sin. During his sermon, a man known for his sporting lifestyle unexpectedly accepted Jesus Christ, prompting a wave of responses from the congregation. This moment of conviction led to many individuals, including a troubled colonel, accepting Christ as their Savior. Torrey emphasizes the importance of being open to the Holy Spirit's work in transforming lives and the urgency of responding to God's call. The sermon illustrates the profound impact of the Holy Spirit in bringing conviction and salvation.

Robert Murray M'Cheyne emphasizes the necessity of personal conviction of sin for true conversion, arguing that many people mistakenly rely on their perceived virtues to justify themselves before God. He highlights the danger of believing that earthly kindness and integrity can compensate for a lack of honor and fear towards God, who is often neglected despite our affections for earthly relationships. M'Cheyne warns that these very virtues can become a barrier to recognizing our need for forgiveness, as they may lead us to believe we are righteous when we are not. He calls for self-examination, urging individuals to confront the reality of their ungodliness and the dishonor they show to God as their Father and Master. Ultimately, he stresses that without a relationship with Christ, even the best human qualities cannot save us from condemnation.

D.L. Moody emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in convicting individuals of their sins to guide them towards a better life. He points out that many people resist this conviction, preferring comforting messages that ignore their faults and promote a false sense of improvement in the world. Moody critiques the prideful belief that humanity is inherently better than previous generations, highlighting the danger of ignoring God's laws. He asserts that true preaching, empowered by the Holy Spirit, confronts sin, particularly the sin of unbelief in Christ. Ultimately, Moody calls for a recognition of the Spirit's work in revealing our need for repentance and faith.

Duncan Campbell shares powerful testimonies of revival, recounting his experiences of addressing numerous meetings day and night, where the presence of God was palpable and many souls were saved. He describes the deep conviction of sin that gripped individuals, leading them to cry out for mercy, and the overwhelming awareness of God's presence that filled the churches and fields. Campbell emphasizes the importance of leaving people in their conviction, allowing God to work in their hearts, and highlights the lasting impact of revival on communities, with many individuals entering full-time ministry. He calls for a renewed hunger for God's presence and a desire to witness His miraculous work among His people.

Chuck Smith emphasizes the vital role of the Holy Spirit in the world, asserting that the church's revival hinges on understanding and embracing the Spirit's work. He explains that the Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, urging believers to recognize the importance of faith in Jesus Christ for salvation. Smith warns against hardening one's heart to the Spirit's reproof, as this leads to spiritual decline and ultimately judgment. He encourages the congregation to seek the Holy Spirit's guidance and empowerment to live righteously and to share the message of salvation with others. The sermon concludes with a call to embrace the freedom and victory over sin that comes through the Holy Spirit.

Andrew Murray emphasizes the vital role of the Holy Spirit in convincing the world of sin, highlighting that the Spirit first must dwell within believers to effectively reach others. He explains that the Spirit's work in us is essential for our testimony to be powerful and convincing, as it aligns our hearts with God's perspective on sin. Murray urges believers to yield their lives to the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to cultivate a deep conviction of sin within them, which will then flow out to the world. He stresses the importance of self-sacrifice and unity among believers in the mission to reveal the reality of sin and the need for redemption through Christ. Ultimately, Murray calls for a deeper awareness of the Spirit's indwelling presence, which empowers believers to be instruments of conviction and transformation in the world.

Oswald J. Smith emphasizes the critical role of deep conviction of sin in genuine revivals, contrasting it with the superficial methods of modern evangelism that lack true spiritual depth. He argues that without the Holy Spirit's work in convicting individuals of their sin, efforts to lead them to Christ are often fruitless and result in shallow conversions. Smith laments the absence of heartfelt repentance and the urgency that should accompany a sinner's cry for salvation, advocating for a return to a more profound understanding of sin and the need for redemption. He calls for a revival that stirs true anguish for sin, leading to authentic conversions that endure over time. Ultimately, he stresses that true evangelism must be rooted in the conviction of sin, allowing the Holy Spirit to prepare hearts before calling individuals to faith in Christ.

Thomas Brooks emphasizes the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in recognizing and rejecting sin. He explains that true conviction of sin and the desire to forsake cherished sins can only occur when one is filled with the Holy Spirit. Brooks illustrates this by comparing the struggle against sin to sacrificing one's most beloved possessions and highlights the Spirit's role in cultivating a love for holiness and a commitment to turn towards God. The sermon calls for believers to seek the Holy Spirit's guidance in their journey towards holiness and away from sin.

Roy Hession emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit as the Convicter, whose primary task is to reveal our sins and lead us to repentance. He explains that the Holy Spirit shines the light of truth on our hearts, exposing self-deception and urging us to respond honestly to our shortcomings. Hession highlights that true confession, without reservations, is essential for receiving forgiveness and cleansing from sin. He illustrates that the Spirit's conviction is not limited to specific times but is a continuous process, requiring our willingness to see and acknowledge our faults. Ultimately, the Holy Spirit advocates for Christ, reminding us that our sins are not just ethical failures but acts that have dethroned Jesus, calling us to a deeper relationship with Him.