Embracing Revival: Readiness and Faithfulness in Ministry

Devotional

Day 1: Willingness to Go Wherever God Opens a Door

The people God uses in revival are those who are ready and willing to go anywhere, at any time, to serve the Lord, whether that means traveling far or simply stepping into opportunities in their own community. This readiness is not about having a grand, international ministry, but about being attentive to the gifts, talents, and desires God has given you and responding when opportunity arises—whether that’s leading a Bible study at a fast-food restaurant, engaging with people through a hobby, or serving in a local school or civic organization. The heart of this willingness is a posture that says, “Here am I, Lord, send me,” and a trust that God will use your obedience to open further doors for His gospel. [05:59]

Acts 17:1, 10, 16 (ESV)
Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews... The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue... Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols.

Reflection: What is one opportunity—big or small—that God has placed before you this week where you can step out in faith to serve or share Christ, even if it feels outside your comfort zone?

Day 2: Commitment to Proclaiming the Gospel Clearly

Wherever God’s people go, the call is to bring the message of Christ with clarity and conviction, tailoring the approach to the audience but never compromising the truth. Whether reasoning from the Scriptures in the synagogue or engaging with philosophers in the marketplace, the focus remains on Christ crucified and risen, calling people to repentance and faith. This means not watering down the message to gain approval, but faithfully presenting the gospel—even when it is offensive or misunderstood—because nothing matters more than making Christ known. [23:27]

Acts 17:2-3, 10-12, 17, 22-31 (ESV)
And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ.”... The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue. Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. Many of them therefore believed, with not a few Greek women of high standing as well as men... So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: “Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious... The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.”

Reflection: In your conversations this week, how can you intentionally and lovingly share the truth of the gospel—even if it means risking misunderstanding or rejection?

Day 3: Fruitfulness—God Brings Transformation Through Obedience

When God’s people step out in obedience—willing to go and faithfully proclaim the gospel—God brings fruit: lives are changed, people are drawn to Christ, and new doors for ministry are opened. The impact often reaches unexpected people, including those of influence and high standing, and the ripple effect of one act of obedience can lead to further opportunities for the gospel to spread. Revival is not about instant results or public acclaim, but about God using faithful people to turn lives upside down for His glory. [31:01]

Acts 17:4, 12, 34 (ESV)
And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a great many of the devout Greeks and not a few of the leading women... Many of them therefore believed, with not a few Greek women of high standing as well as men... But some men joined him and believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them.

Reflection: Who in your life might be impacted if you faithfully walk through the doors God opens for you, and how can you pray for God to bear fruit through your obedience?

Day 4: Expecting and Enduring Opposition

Revival and gospel advance are always accompanied by opposition—sometimes from the world, sometimes from those closest to us, and even from within the church. The message of Christ crucified and risen is a stumbling block and an offense, and those who stand for the gospel will face resistance, misunderstanding, and even hostility. Yet, this opposition is not a sign of failure, but a mark of faithfulness, and God’s people are called to endure, knowing that the gospel—not the opposition—will have the final word. [39:32]

Acts 17:5-8, 13, 32 (ESV)
But the Jews were jealous, and taking some wicked men of the rabble, they formed a mob, set the city in an uproar, and attacked the house of Jason, seeking to bring them out to the crowd... But when the Jews from Thessalonica learned that the word of God was proclaimed by Paul at Berea also, they came there too, agitating and stirring up the crowds... Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked. But others said, “We will hear you again about this.”

Reflection: When you face pushback or criticism for your faith, how can you respond with perseverance and grace, trusting that God is at work even in the midst of opposition?

Day 5: Revival Begins with a Heart Cry for God’s Glory

True revival is not about personal recognition or comfort, but about a deep hunger for God’s presence and a longing for Christ to receive the fullness of His reward. It begins with humble prayer, asking God to move for the sake of His kingdom and His glory, and a willingness to be used by Him—whatever the cost. Revival-minded believers are those who seek God earnestly, desiring that His Spirit would be poured out and that lives, communities, and nations would be transformed for Jesus’ sake. [46:12]

Psalm 85:6-7 (ESV)
Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? Show us your steadfast love, O Lord, and grant us your salvation.

Reflection: Take time today to pray earnestly for revival in your own heart, your church, and your community—not for your own sake, but that Christ would be glorified and His kingdom advanced.

Sermon Summary

Acts 17 gives us a vivid portrait of the kind of person God uses in times of revival. Throughout history, God has used many different men and women, but the Apostle Paul stands out as a model. Wherever Paul went, there was either revival or riot—often both. His life demonstrates two essential characteristics: a readiness to go wherever God opens a door, and a commitment to bring the gospel to bear in every opportunity, tailored to the audience but never compromising the message.

Paul’s willingness to go anywhere at any time is not just about international missions or grand gestures. It’s about being attentive to the opportunities God places before us, whether in a foreign land, a local community, or even a fast-food restaurant. The story of the pastor discipling young men in a drive-thru, or my own experience building relationships outside the church through Brazilian jiu-jitsu, illustrates that God often opens doors in the ordinary rhythms of life. The key is to be ready and willing to step through those doors, using our gifts and passions for His purposes.

But willingness alone is not enough. When Paul entered a new place, he brought the gospel with clarity and conviction. In the synagogue, he reasoned from the Scriptures; in the marketplace and the Areopagus, he engaged the culture and addressed their specific beliefs, but always pointed to Christ crucified and risen. He did not water down the message to gain favor or avoid controversy. Even when he knew the resurrection would provoke mockery, he proclaimed it boldly, because the gospel’s power lies in its truth, not its popularity.

These two characteristics—readiness to go and faithfulness to the gospel—produce two outcomes. First, there is fruit: people believe, lives are changed, and new doors open for further ministry. Notably, the gospel reaches unexpected people, including influential women and community leaders, showing that God’s work often exceeds our expectations. Second, there is opposition. Revival always brings resistance, both from the world and sometimes from within the church. The gospel confronts sin and challenges the status quo, and those who love darkness will push back.

Yet, the story does not end with opposition. The gospel always has the last word. As we seek revival, may we be people who are willing to go wherever God leads and who proclaim Christ without compromise, trusting that God will bring fruit—even in the face of resistance.

Key Takeaways

1. True readiness for revival means being willing to go wherever God opens a door, whether that’s across the world or across the street. This posture is not about seeking grand assignments, but about faithfulness in the opportunities—big or small—that God provides. Our gifts, desires, and circumstances intersect with God’s providence to create moments for gospel impact. [11:50]
2. Faithfulness in ministry is not measured by the size of our platform, but by our commitment to bring the gospel to bear in every context. Paul’s example shows that we must adapt our approach to our audience, but never dilute the message. Whether reasoning from Scripture with the religious or engaging the culture’s questions, the heart of the gospel—Christ crucified and risen—remains central. [16:48]
3. Fruitfulness in gospel ministry often comes in unexpected ways and among unexpected people. Paul’s willingness to enter the synagogue led to the conversion of Greeks and influential women, opening new avenues for the gospel. God delights to use our obedience to reach those we might overlook, and to multiply opportunities as we walk through the doors He opens. [31:01]
4. Genuine revival is always accompanied by opposition. The same message that brings life to some will provoke hostility in others. This resistance is not a sign of failure, but a mark of authentic gospel work; the world, the enemy, and even the lukewarm will push back when confronted with the claims of Christ. [38:06]
5. The ultimate victory belongs to the gospel, not to the opposition. Though revival brings both fruit and resistance, the story ends with the triumph of Christ. Our calling is to be faithful—to go, to preach, to endure—trusting that God will use our obedience for His glory and the advance of His kingdom, even when the cost is high. [43:45]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:12] - Paul: Revival or Riot
[02:22] - Readiness to Go Anywhere
[04:09] - Everyday Opportunities for Ministry
[08:10] - Building Relationships Outside the Church
[09:21] - Ministry Perspective Shift
[10:46] - Engaging in the Community
[11:50] - The Call to Be Willing
[14:16] - Commitment to the Gospel in Every Context
[16:48] - Tailoring the Message Without Compromise
[22:32] - The Cost of Clarity
[24:40] - Two Outcomes: Fruit and Opposition
[31:01] - Unexpected Fruitfulness
[33:24] - The Reality of Opposition
[38:06] - Revival and Resistance
[43:45] - The Gospel Has the Last Word
[45:31] - Closing Prayer for Revival

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Acts 17:1–34 — (Paul’s ministry in Thessalonica, Berea, and Athens: his readiness to go, his faithfulness to the gospel, the fruit and opposition that followed.)

Observation Questions

In Acts 17, what pattern do we see in Paul’s approach when he enters a new city or community? How does he decide where to go and what to do?
What are some of the different places and types of people Paul engages with in Acts 17? How does his method change depending on his audience?
According to the sermon, what are the two main characteristics of the person God uses in revival, as seen in Paul’s life?
What are the two main outcomes that result from Paul’s ministry in Acts 17?

Interpretation Questions

Why is Paul’s willingness to go “anywhere at any time” significant for gospel ministry, even if it doesn’t always mean traveling far away? How does this challenge our usual ideas about what it means to serve God?
The sermon points out that Paul adapts his approach to his audience but never changes the core message. Why is this balance important, and what might happen if we lose either side?
The text highlights that unexpected people—like influential women and community leaders—responded to the gospel. What does this teach us about God’s work and our expectations?
The sermon says that opposition is a mark of genuine revival. Why do you think resistance often comes alongside spiritual fruit?

Application Questions

The sermon gave examples of everyday opportunities for ministry, like discipling young men in a drive-thru or building relationships through hobbies. What are some ordinary places or activities in your life where God might be opening a door for gospel impact? How can you be more attentive and willing to step through those doors?
Paul was ready to go wherever God led, but he also used his unique gifts and circumstances. What are some gifts, interests, or connections you have that God could use for His purposes? Are there opportunities you’ve overlooked because they seemed too small or ordinary?
When Paul shared the gospel, he didn’t water down the message, even when he knew it would be unpopular or provoke mockery. Is there a situation in your life where you’ve been tempted to soften or avoid the truth of the gospel? What would it look like to speak with both clarity and love in that context?
The sermon emphasized that fruitfulness often comes in unexpected ways and among unexpected people. Can you think of a time when God used your obedience to reach someone you didn’t expect? How might God want to surprise you as you step out in faith?
Revival brings both fruit and resistance. Have you ever experienced pushback or opposition because of your faith or ministry? How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience?
The ultimate victory belongs to the gospel, not to the opposition. How does this truth encourage you when you face discouragement or setbacks in sharing your faith?
The sermon closed with a prayer for revival, not just for ourselves but for the sake of God’s kingdom. What is one specific way you can pray for revival in your own life, your church, or your community this week?

Sermon Clips

The men God uses in revival tend to be those men who are ready to go anywhere at any time to serve the Lord. They're ready to go anywhere at any time to serve the Lord. Wherever there was an open door, wherever there was an opportunity, they were willing to go.

That same willingness to go anywhere and do anything when the Lord opens up an opportunity was evident as my family and I were in the van stopping to get some food. We were about to, I think, drive down here from Jacksonville. And we go through the drive-thru. And as often happens with us when we go through the drive-thru, the nine of us, our stuff's not ready when we get to the second window, right? So you know those lines? You may have wondered, right? They'll have like a line and it says one and a line and it says two. And you go through the drive-thru and you're like, what are those for? Well, they're for us. [00:04:32]

Here's a guy who for whatever reason has been presented with an opportunity to invest his life in the ministry of the word and these three college age young men. And at least on that day, that was precisely what he was doing. That's what I mean. That's the same attitude that says, if you send me to Apollonia or if you send me to Thessalonica or if you send me to Berea or if you send me to Athens, if that's where the opportunity is, if there's a call to Macedonia, if that's where the opportunity is, yes and amen, I will go. I'll go because I want to serve and I want to be where the Lord is at work. [00:06:00]

If you're in pastoral ministry, you know exactly what I'm getting ready to say. If you're not, you may be shocked by this, but men who are in pastoral ministry, who've been doing it for around five years, they don't have real friends outside of church. They may have people that they know, but, but real friendships, especially not with lost people. [00:08:17]

Oftentimes we never rub shoulders with people who don't go to church, who don't believe what we believe. And all of a sudden I'm thrust into this world where I had those kinds of relationships. And it was incredibly meaningful. It changed the way that I thought about my ministry. It changed the way that I thought about preaching. [00:09:02]

When you get outside of that box and put yourself out there in the world among people who don't automatically agree with what you're going to be saying and automatically believe what it is that you believe, it changes the way you think about a text. And you start going, oh, I know if Jim heard me say this, this would be his objection. [00:10:07]

If you can get engaged in hobbies or things of that nature that get you involved with people, that's great. Here's another one. Is there a local Christian school that would have you come in and speak at their chapel? Do that. Do that. Do that. Would they have you come in and maybe teach a Bible class? Do that. Do that. [00:10:47]

Are there ways that you can get involved with civic organizations? Are there ways that you can handle that? Do that. Do that. Do that. Do that. Do it. Do that. Do it. Do that. Do it. Do it. Do that. Do it. Do it. Do the do that do that why because the Lord may just open up an opportunity and he may just use it. [00:11:50]

The men that God uses in revival are men who are ready and willing to go anywhere at any time when the Lord opens up an opportunity and again this doesn't mean that you have to be the one to go to every place that's not what I'm saying it doesn't mean that you have to be the one jet setting that you have to be the one doing international this that or the other. [00:12:15]

What it has to look like is what are your gifts your talents your abilities what are the desires that God has put on your heart and what are the opportunities that arise that are suitable and when those things intersect your gifts your talents your abilities your desires and an opportunity then be willing to go be willing so that God perchance may use you. [00:13:22]

A commitment to bring the gospel to bear in appropriate ways in each one of those opportunities. Look at the rest of verse one. They had passed through and Phippolis and Apollonia. They came to Thessalonica and there was a synagogue of the Jews. [00:14:22]

The pattern is I'll go wherever the Lord opens the door. But when the Lord opens the door, what I'm going to do is Simplanda for the great Lord is here. I'm going to preach Christ wherever that door opens up because because that's all I got. I'm gonna look for opportunities I'm gonna look for open doors and when I go through those open doors I'm going to preach Christ. [00:16:30]

He took advantage of the opportunity that he had. He took his commitment to the message of the gospel and he tailored it to the opportunity that he had. These are the two things, a willingness to go wherever the Lord provides an opportunity. And when we get there, a commitment to the clear message of the gospel. [00:23:58]

If we don't have men who are willing to go and stand where there are opportunities, there will be no revival. And if we have men who go where there are opportunities, but don't stand with the truth of the gospel and call men to repentance and faith and preach Christ and him crucified and risen from the dead, then we don't have revival. We have to have both of those things. [00:24:46]

He consistently proclaimed the gospel. He consistently called people to repentance and faith. He consistently preached Christ and him crucified and resurrected from the dead. And some believed. Some mocked. Some gathered mobs to try to assault them. Some ran them out of town. [00:36:24]

Sometimes we get this romanticized view of revival. And here's what we think. We think, Lord, please send revival. Because if the Lord sends revival, then there's going to be a passionate outpouring of the Spirit of God. And when there's this passionate outpouring of the Spirit of God, people are going to come to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. First, when people come to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, the presence of God in our midst will be so powerful that people will be called to holiness and righteousness and they will deepen their faith and they will deepen their obedience. And as a result of this, people will come from miles around to be part of the revival that's going on. And then the newspapers will write articles about how wonderful it is that revival has come to our town. And you see, that's what we think. But that's not the case. When revival comes, opposition comes with it. [00:36:53]

When revival comes, opposition comes with it. Why? Because our adversary, the devil, still goes around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Why? Because our enemy still hates the gospel. Why? Because the world still loves its sin and hates to be reminded of its sin. Why? Because they hated Jesus. They hated him so much that they put him to death. And we are preaching Christ and him crucified. [00:38:09]

If they hated Jesus so much that they put him to death, what do you think is going to happen if we preach Christ and the preaching of Christ spreads abroad and it gets louder and louder and more and more prominent in the midst of a world that hates the Christ whom we preach? They will hate us all the more. They will hate us all the more. And not just the world. the lukewarm among us. [00:38:53]

We have men who are ready and willing to go wherever the Lord opens up a door of opportunity even at great cost here my Lord send me and not only are they willing to go but when they go when they get there when they show up they show up ready to preach Christ and him crucified to call men to repentance and faith to preach this supernatural gospel of ours including the fact that Christ was raised from the dead for our justification they show up with that regardless of where they are regardless of how many people sit there and go man I hope he doesn't do all that stuff is that you know they do that they do that because nothing matters more to them and there's nothing that they believe in more than they believe in that. [00:40:49]

There's fruit two kinds of fruit one kind is the fruit of people's lives being impacted by their obedience and their ministry people being redeemed people being called out of darkness and into marvelous light people turning from their sin and turning to Christ lives being turned upside down lives being turned upside down Amen. Hallelujah. Praise the Lord. The other fruit, opposition. [00:42:17]

People who are warring against God and warring against the gospel will always war against you when you're standing for the God and the gospel against which they fight. But we know how the story ends. Amen. The mobs didn't have the last word. The gospel did. And the gospel still does have the last word. [00:43:09]

As an army of revival -minded believers, we take all these things that we've heard here, but from my perspective, these two things that we've gotten from last night and today. One is this commitment to preaching that is serious and courageous and evangelistic and faithful. And the other is a willingness and a desire to be the kind of people who will go anywhere, anytime the Lord opens up a door of opportunity and will show up with that same commitment of serious, courageous, evangelistic, faithful preaching of the message of the cross to a lost, hurting, and dying world. Believing all the while. That God will bless it, that he will cause it to bear fruit, maybe even the fruit of revival. [00:44:14]

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