Awakening the Church: A Call to Vigilance and Revival

 

Summary

In the 62nd chapter of Isaiah, we find a profound call to vigilance and action, a message that resonates deeply with the current state of the church. Isaiah, foreseeing the Babylonian captivity and the eventual restoration of Jerusalem, provides a dual vision: a lament for the present desolation and a hopeful prophecy for future glory. This chapter is not merely historical; it serves as a timeless exhortation for the church to awaken from its lethargy and embrace its divine calling.

Isaiah's concern for Zion and Jerusalem is not just about physical locations but represents a deep spiritual burden for the people of God. He sees the church as the city of God, a place of divine dwelling, and is grieved by its current state of desolation and forsakenness. This concern should be mirrored in our hearts today. We must recognize the church's true identity as God's new creation, a city meant to shine with righteousness and salvation.

The prophet's vision extends beyond lamentation to a fervent hope for revival. He envisions a church whose righteousness shines brightly, whose salvation is like a burning lamp, and whose glory is recognized by all nations. This vision is not just a distant dream but a call to action. Isaiah urges us to become intercessors, to set watchmen on the walls, and to remind God of His promises. This is a call to persistent prayer and unwavering faith, believing that God will restore His church to its intended glory.

Isaiah's message is a challenge to us: to be consumed by a passion for the church's revival, to speak out, and to take no rest until we see God's promises fulfilled. We are to be the Lord's remembrances, reminding Him of His covenant and pleading for His intervention. This is not a passive waiting but an active, relentless pursuit of God's presence and power.

In these times of spiritual decline, we are called to rise as watchmen, to guard the truth, and to look for signs of God's movement. We must be vigilant, discerning the threats to the church's doctrine and life, while also eagerly anticipating the coming of God's deliverance. Let us be bold in our prayers, giving God no rest until He establishes His church as a praise in the earth.

Key Takeaways:

- Concern for the Church's State: Isaiah's deep concern for Zion and Jerusalem reflects a spiritual burden for the church. We must recognize the church as God's dwelling place and be grieved by its current state of desolation, prompting us to intercede for its revival. [09:37]

- Vision for Revival: Isaiah envisions a church whose righteousness shines brightly and whose salvation is like a burning lamp. This vision calls us to action, urging us to pray and work towards the church's restoration to its intended glory. [18:01]

- Persistent Prayer and Intercession: We are called to be the Lord's remembrances, reminding God of His promises and pleading for His intervention. This requires persistent prayer and unwavering faith, believing that God will restore His church. [37:10]

- Vigilance and Watchfulness: As watchmen, we must guard the truth and be vigilant against threats to the church's doctrine and life. We are also to look for signs of God's movement, eagerly anticipating His deliverance. [32:31]

- Boldness in Prayer: We are encouraged to give God no rest until He establishes His church as a praise in the earth. This boldness in prayer reflects a deep faith in God's promises and a relentless pursuit of His presence and power. [42:02]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:12] - Introduction to Isaiah 62
- [00:49] - The Church's Lethargy
- [02:22] - Prophecy of Captivity and Restoration
- [03:28] - Foreview of the Church
- [04:53] - Call to Action
- [06:50] - The Prophet's Concern
- [09:37] - Concern for the Church's State
- [13:30] - Vision for Revival
- [17:46] - Intercession and Prayer
- [20:58] - The Church's Future Glory
- [25:08] - The Gentiles and Kings
- [28:45] - The Prophet's Exhortation
- [32:31] - Setting Watchmen
- [36:19] - The Lord's Remembrances
- [42:02] - Boldness in Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Isaiah 62:6-7
- Isaiah 62:1-5

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Observation Questions:

1. What specific roles do the "watchmen" have according to Isaiah 62:6-7, and how are they instructed to carry out these roles? [00:12]

2. In the sermon, what is the prophet Isaiah's emotional response to the state of Zion and Jerusalem, and how does this reflect his concern for the church? [06:50]

3. How does the sermon describe the current state of the church, and what historical context does it provide to illustrate this condition? [13:30]

4. What vision does Isaiah have for the future of the church, and how is this vision described in the sermon? [18:01]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. What does it mean for the church to be "forsaken" and "desolate," and how does this relate to the spiritual condition of the church today? [13:47]

2. How does the sermon interpret the role of persistent prayer and intercession in the context of Isaiah's prophecy? What is the significance of being the "Lord's remembrances"? [37:10]

3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the church can become a "praise in the earth," and what actions are necessary to achieve this vision? [42:02]

4. How does the sermon address the importance of vigilance and watchfulness in guarding the truth and anticipating God's deliverance? [32:31]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your personal concern for the state of the church. How can you cultivate a deeper awareness and burden for the church's spiritual condition? [09:37]

2. Isaiah calls for persistent prayer and intercession. What specific steps can you take to become more consistent in your prayer life, especially in praying for the church's revival? [37:10]

3. The sermon emphasizes the need for vigilance against threats to the church's doctrine and life. How can you stay informed and discerning about these threats in your own church community? [32:31]

4. Consider the vision of the church as a "burning lamp" of righteousness and salvation. What practical actions can you take to contribute to this vision in your local church? [18:01]

5. The sermon encourages boldness in prayer, giving God no rest until His promises are fulfilled. How can you incorporate this boldness into your personal prayer practices? [42:02]

6. How can you actively participate in setting "watchmen" in your church, whether through leadership, teaching, or other forms of service? [32:31]

7. Reflect on a time when you felt spiritually lethargic. What changes can you make to awaken from this state and embrace your divine calling more fully? [00:49]

Devotional

Day 1: Recognizing the Church's True Identity
Isaiah's deep concern for Zion and Jerusalem reflects a spiritual burden for the people of God. He sees the church as the city of God, a place of divine dwelling, and is grieved by its current state of desolation and forsakenness. This concern should be mirrored in our hearts today. We must recognize the church's true identity as God's new creation, a city meant to shine with righteousness and salvation. This recognition is not just about acknowledging the church's current state but also about understanding its potential and divine purpose. As believers, we are called to intercede for the church's revival, to pray fervently for its restoration, and to work towards its transformation into a beacon of hope and light in the world. [09:37]

"For the Lord has chosen Zion; he has desired it for his dwelling place: 'This is my resting place forever; here I will dwell, for I have desired it.'" (Psalm 132:13-14, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively participate in recognizing and restoring the church's identity as a place of divine dwelling in your community today?


Day 2: Envisioning a Church of Righteousness and Salvation
Isaiah envisions a church whose righteousness shines brightly and whose salvation is like a burning lamp. This vision is not just a distant dream but a call to action. It urges believers to pray and work towards the church's restoration to its intended glory. The church is meant to be a reflection of God's righteousness and a source of salvation for all nations. This vision challenges us to examine our own lives and the life of our church community, asking whether we are living up to this divine calling. It calls us to be proactive in our faith, to seek God's guidance and strength in transforming our church into a place where His righteousness and salvation are evident to all. [18:01]

"Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you." (Isaiah 60:1-2, ESV)

Reflection: What specific actions can you take this week to help your church shine with righteousness and salvation in your community?


Day 3: The Power of Persistent Prayer and Intercession
We are called to be the Lord's remembrances, reminding God of His promises and pleading for His intervention. This requires persistent prayer and unwavering faith, believing that God will restore His church. Intercession is not a passive activity but an active engagement with God's promises, a relentless pursuit of His presence and power. As intercessors, we stand in the gap for the church, lifting up its needs and concerns to God, trusting that He will hear and respond. This call to persistent prayer challenges us to deepen our faith, to trust in God's timing and wisdom, and to remain steadfast in our commitment to seeing His promises fulfilled in the life of the church. [37:10]

"And I sought for a man among them who should build up the wall and stand in the breach before me for the land, that I should not destroy it, but I found none." (Ezekiel 22:30, ESV)

Reflection: Who or what is God calling you to intercede for today, and how can you commit to persistent prayer for this need?


Day 4: Vigilance and Watchfulness in Guarding the Truth
As watchmen, we must guard the truth and be vigilant against threats to the church's doctrine and life. We are also to look for signs of God's movement, eagerly anticipating His deliverance. This role requires discernment, courage, and a deep commitment to the truth of God's Word. In a world where the truth is often compromised, the church must stand firm in its convictions, protecting the integrity of its message and mission. Being a watchman means being alert to the spiritual climate, recognizing the challenges and opportunities that arise, and responding with wisdom and faithfulness. It is a call to be proactive in defending the truth and to be hopeful in anticipating God's work in and through the church. [32:31]

"Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come." (Mark 13:33, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you be more vigilant in guarding the truth and discerning God's movement in your church and community?


Day 5: Boldness in Prayer for the Church's Establishment
We are encouraged to give God no rest until He establishes His church as a praise in the earth. This boldness in prayer reflects a deep faith in God's promises and a relentless pursuit of His presence and power. It is a call to pray with confidence, knowing that God desires to see His church flourish and become a testament to His glory. Bold prayer is not about demanding our own desires but aligning our hearts with God's will and purposes for the church. It is about seeking His kingdom first and trusting that He will provide all that is needed for the church to fulfill its mission. This boldness challenges us to pray with expectation, to believe in the impossible, and to persist in prayer until we see God's promises come to fruition. [42:02]

"Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:16, ESV)

Reflection: What bold prayer can you offer today for the establishment and flourishing of your church in the world?

Quotes



Isaiah urges us to become intercessors, to set watchmen on the walls, and to remind God of His promises. This is a call to persistent prayer and unwavering faith, believing that God will restore His church to its intended glory. We are to be the Lord's remembrances, reminding Him of His covenant and pleading for His intervention. [00:36:19]

The prophet's vision extends beyond lamentation to a fervent hope for revival. He envisions a church whose righteousness shines brightly, whose salvation is like a burning lamp, and whose glory is recognized by all nations. This vision is not just a distant dream but a call to action. [00:18:01]

Isaiah's deep concern for Zion and Jerusalem reflects a spiritual burden for the church. We must recognize the church as God's dwelling place and be grieved by its current state of desolation, prompting us to intercede for its revival. [00:09:37]

We are encouraged to give God no rest until He establishes His church as a praise in the earth. This boldness in prayer reflects a deep faith in God's promises and a relentless pursuit of His presence and power. [00:42:02]

As watchmen, we must guard the truth and be vigilant against threats to the church's doctrine and life. We are also to look for signs of God's movement, eagerly anticipating His deliverance. [00:32:31]

The prophet is deeply moved. Listen to him, he starts off, "For Zion's sake I will not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest." Zion, Jerusalem, these were not mere names to the prophet. They were names which meant so much to him, which conveyed so much to him. [00:06:50]

The prophet is concerned because he knows the real meaning of Zion and of Jerusalem. There was not just an ordinary city to him, just a city among cities. No, no, the city of God. God had made this place and established it for himself and had given this people, his own people, this great privilege of living in such a city. [00:07:39]

The prophet's concern is not just about physical locations but represents a deep spiritual burden for the people of God. He sees the church as the city of God, a place of divine dwelling, and is grieved by its current state of desolation and forsakenness. [00:09:37]

The prophet's vision extends beyond lamentation to a fervent hope for revival. He envisions a church whose righteousness shines brightly, whose salvation is like a burning lamp, and whose glory is recognized by all nations. This vision is not just a distant dream but a call to action. [00:18:01]

Isaiah urges us to become intercessors, to set watchmen on the walls, and to remind God of His promises. This is a call to persistent prayer and unwavering faith, believing that God will restore His church to its intended glory. [00:36:19]

We are encouraged to give God no rest until He establishes His church as a praise in the earth. This boldness in prayer reflects a deep faith in God's promises and a relentless pursuit of His presence and power. [00:42:02]

As watchmen, we must guard the truth and be vigilant against threats to the church's doctrine and life. We are also to look for signs of God's movement, eagerly anticipating His deliverance. [00:32:31]

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Transcript
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