Desperate for God: A Call to Spiritual Awakening

 

Summary

In today's message, I explored the profound need for spiritual revival and awakening within the church and individual lives. The central theme, "Fill Me or Kill Me," underscores the urgency of seeking a deeper relationship with God, one that transcends mere theological knowledge and ignites a passionate, Spirit-filled life. I emphasized that while many may know the scriptures, they lack a true connection with the Savior, leading to a spiritually barren existence. This spiritual awakening is not just a personal journey but a collective call to the church to rise and influence all areas of society, including politics, education, and culture, with the love and truth of Christ.

I shared personal experiences of wrestling with God's call, highlighting the importance of submitting to His will even when it conflicts with our desires. The message also touched on the historical context of America as a nation founded on Christian principles, urging believers to engage in societal issues with a biblical perspective. The call to action is clear: Christians must not shy away from being involved in societal matters, as the gospel impacts every area of life.

The sermon also addressed the need for desperation in seeking God, as desperation is the catalyst for spiritual awakening. This involves a deep, heartfelt cry to God, a willingness to be broken and humble before Him, and a commitment to prayer and fasting. The message concluded with a call to secure the presence of God in our lives, emphasizing the importance of spending time in prayer and allowing God to break our pride and rekindle our spiritual fire.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Need for Spiritual Awakening: True revival begins with a personal encounter with God that transforms our lives from spiritual barrenness to passionate zeal. This awakening is essential for restoring families, marriages, and our relationship with God. It is the only force capable of changing a nation and must be sought with desperation and humility. [12:54]

2. Engagement in Society: Christians are called to influence all areas of society, including politics, with the truth and love of Christ. The gospel is not limited to personal salvation but extends to societal transformation. Engaging in these areas is not about being political but being biblical, as the gospel impacts every aspect of life. [09:58]

3. Desperation as a Catalyst: Desperation is the catalyst for spiritual awakening. It involves a deep, heartfelt cry to God, a willingness to be broken and humble before Him, and a commitment to prayer and fasting. This desperation leads to a powerful encounter with God that transforms lives and ignites a passion for Him. [24:02]

4. Humble Boldness: Christians need humble boldness, a zeal for God's truth that is rooted in humility and brokenness. This boldness allows believers to stand firm in their faith and speak truth with love and compassion, even in the face of opposition. It is a boldness that cannot be moved because it is grounded in the character of God. [37:52]

5. Securing God's Presence: To experience God's presence, believers must spend time in prayer, allowing God to break their pride and rekindle their spiritual fire. This involves a commitment to seeking God with desperation and allowing Him to transform their hearts and lives. It is in the waiting and seeking that believers experience the fullness of God's presence. [48:02]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [04:07] - Theological Knowledge vs. Knowing the Savior
- [05:11] - Wrestling with God's Call
- [06:03] - Controversial Titles and Church Condition
- [08:06] - Engaging in Society and Politics
- [10:45] - Fill Me or Kill Me: The Heart Cry
- [12:54] - Importance of Spiritual Awakening
- [14:18] - The Fire of God in the Pulpit
- [19:29] - Historical Examples of Revival
- [24:02] - Desperation as a Catalyst for Awakening
- [30:38] - The Cry of Desperation
- [37:52] - Humble Boldness
- [48:02] - Securing God's Presence
- [51:00] - Returning to Your First Love
- [51:37] - Conclusion and Call to Action

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Psalm 85:6 (KJV) - "Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?"
2. Isaiah 57:15 - "For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones."
3. Isaiah 66:2 - "For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the Lord: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word."

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Observation Questions:

1. What does the phrase "Fill Me or Kill Me" signify in the context of the sermon, and how does it relate to the need for spiritual revival? [05:48]

2. How does the sermon describe the difference between theological knowledge and a true connection with the Savior? [04:07]

3. What role does desperation play in seeking a spiritual awakening, according to the sermon? [24:02]

4. How does the sermon suggest Christians should engage with societal issues, and what is the biblical basis for this involvement? [09:58]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does Psalm 85:6 reflect the heart cry for revival, and why is this revival essential for both personal and national transformation? [12:54]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that humble boldness is necessary for Christians, and how does this concept align with biblical teachings? [37:52]

3. How does the sermon interpret the historical context of America’s founding principles, and what implications does this have for Christian engagement in politics today? [08:06]

4. What does the sermon imply about the relationship between personal spiritual revival and the broader impact on society and culture? [09:58]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your current spiritual state. Are you experiencing spiritual barrenness or passionate zeal? What steps can you take to seek a personal revival? [12:54]

2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of engaging in societal issues with a biblical perspective. Identify one area in your community where you can make a difference and how you plan to get involved. [09:58]

3. Desperation is described as a catalyst for spiritual awakening. What are some practical ways you can cultivate a sense of desperation for God in your daily life? [24:02]

4. Consider the concept of humble boldness. How can you develop this trait in your interactions with others, especially when discussing your faith? [37:52]

5. The sermon calls for securing God's presence through prayer and humility. What changes can you make in your prayer life to deepen your connection with God? [48:02]

6. Reflect on a time when you felt a strong connection with God. What practices or habits helped you maintain that connection, and how can you reintroduce them into your life now? [51:00]

7. The sermon challenges believers to influence all areas of society. How can you use your unique gifts and talents to impact your workplace or social circles with the love and truth of Christ? [09:58]

Devotional

Day 1: Awakening Through Encounter
True spiritual awakening begins with a personal encounter with God that transforms lives from spiritual barrenness to passionate zeal. This awakening is essential for restoring families, marriages, and our relationship with God. It is the only force capable of changing a nation and must be sought with desperation and humility. The call is for individuals and the church collectively to rise and influence all areas of society with the love and truth of Christ. [12:54]

"For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: 'I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.'" (Isaiah 57:15, ESV)

Reflection: What specific steps can you take this week to seek a deeper encounter with God that moves beyond knowledge to a transformative relationship?


Day 2: Biblical Influence in Society
Christians are called to influence all areas of society, including politics, with the truth and love of Christ. The gospel is not limited to personal salvation but extends to societal transformation. Engaging in these areas is not about being political but being biblical, as the gospel impacts every aspect of life. This engagement requires a commitment to living out biblical principles in every sphere of influence. [09:58]

"Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare." (Jeremiah 29:7, ESV)

Reflection: Identify one area in your community where you can actively bring the love and truth of Christ. How can you start making a difference there today?


Day 3: Desperation as a Spiritual Catalyst
Desperation is the catalyst for spiritual awakening. It involves a deep, heartfelt cry to God, a willingness to be broken and humble before Him, and a commitment to prayer and fasting. This desperation leads to a powerful encounter with God that transforms lives and ignites a passion for Him. It is through this desperation that believers experience a renewed spiritual fervor. [24:02]

"As the deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?" (Psalm 42:1-2, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel spiritually dry? How can you express your desperation for God in this area through prayer and fasting this week?


Day 4: Humble Boldness in Faith
Christians need humble boldness, a zeal for God's truth that is rooted in humility and brokenness. This boldness allows believers to stand firm in their faith and speak truth with love and compassion, even in the face of opposition. It is a boldness that cannot be moved because it is grounded in the character of God. [37:52]

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9, ESV)

Reflection: In what situation do you need to exercise humble boldness this week? How can you prepare your heart to speak truth with love and compassion?


Day 5: Securing the Presence of God
To experience God's presence, believers must spend time in prayer, allowing God to break their pride and rekindle their spiritual fire. This involves a commitment to seeking God with desperation and allowing Him to transform their hearts and lives. It is in the waiting and seeking that believers experience the fullness of God's presence. [48:02]

"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." (James 4:8, ESV)

Reflection: How can you intentionally create space in your daily routine to seek God's presence? What changes do you need to make to prioritize time with Him?

Quotes


"Fill me or kill me. And the verse is wilt thou not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in thee. Love the King James on this one wilt thou not revive us again so that we can rejoice in thee. That word rejoice is interesting if you ever put if you're thinking about putting re in front of something renew, restore, revive, rejoice to bring back joy." [00:10:54]

"God broke me, God revived me and then I rejoiced in that work of the Holy Spirit that was the turning point in my life and that's where my passion came from that's why you know we have different callings different giftings and so you're probably many people aren't going to be going in the same direction as me and I'm not going to go in the same direction as them but it's all the body of Christ." [00:12:24]

"Why is this topic so important of all the topics in the church this is the only thing that's really going to change a nation. It's going to restore families it's going to restore your marriage it's going to restore your passion for God. Did you know a lot of people don't have a passion for God they're in the church and they just sit there like they just drink prune juice." [00:12:57]

"Can you imagine if the pulpits across America were filled with the fire of God if I could if I could preach one message it'd probably be this one throughout the United States the fight can you imagine churches today having pastors being broken in their prayer closet coming up and preaching with the fire of God to change and ignite not worried about people pleasing." [00:14:20]

"Desperation is the catalyst to a spiritual awakening desperation if you're not desperate do you think God hears the cries of a passive child like God you know I mean our nation's going to hell in a hand basket but I'm hungry king's stomach is on the throne let's go eat or hey tonight we're coming back at six we're gonna pray we're gonna seek the heart of God we're so desperate to hear from him." [00:24:02]

"Desperate people do let's all say that together desperate people do desperate things I was kidding but that sounded pretty good but isn't that true if I'm desperate I'm gonna I'm gonna restructure my life I don't need to hang out with the boys that are causing me to go down I don't need to have my watch my Netflix binges if it's taking me away from the Lord." [00:29:47]

"All spiritual awakenings are birthed in the womb of brokenness not arrogance and so you have to ask for humble boldness what is that well I'm glad you asked and I prayed about this all week before releasing this article because I want to make sure here's what we need humble boldness what this is it's a zeal a zeal for the truth of God coming from a person touched by God representing the character of God." [00:37:52]

"Jesus was let me give you think about this for a minute Jesus said turn the other cheek correct what happened when he was hit he didn't turn the other cheek what what what well hold on you're breaking scripture no I'm not see we are to err on the side of grace but there comes a time we say you want to try to do that to a kindergarten student." [00:38:56]

"Secure you have to secure the presence of God what I mean by that is Andrew Murray I don't know if you've read anything by him but his books on prayer he he said you have to secure the presence of God and what that means is in simple terms did you know you can experience God the presence of God many times we'll go into a prayer in just a few minutes." [00:48:07]

"See it's in the waiting time it's in the waiting time Samson that your hair will grow back not physically but you the spiritual strength the waiting on God the petitioning the the the and you and what happens when you you after after you know 5 10 15 minutes and you're seeking God you're repenting God I need to hear from you the well springs are finally broken open." [00:48:40]

"Isn't that a cry of desperation oh God would you rip open the heavens God I want to hear from you again some of you you remember you remember you remember when God touched your heart you remember when you couldn't stop reading the word you remember when worship was coming alive you remember Jesus says return to your first love return to that passion that desire break the pride and the arrogance out of your heart." [00:51:00]

"Why are you so loud why why I go to church or just just monotone I'd say I don't know we're talking about the God of the universe who changes lives who brings prodigal sons home who's brought me out of the pit of darkness and despair you know you might get a little bit excited about that I don't know some of you some of you get more excited about baseball games." [00:51:37]

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?