Re-digging Wells: Reviving the Church's Spiritual Flow

 

Summary

In reflecting on the life of Isaac and his task of re-digging the wells of his father Abraham, we find a profound metaphor for the current state of the church and the pressing need for revival. Just as Isaac had to clear the wells of the debris left by the Philistines to access the life-giving water, so too must the church clear away the doctrinal and spiritual obstructions that hinder the flow of God's Spirit. The history of revivals reveals that a return to sound doctrine is essential. The church has often strayed from core doctrines, leading to spiritual drought. The neglect or misunderstanding of doctrines such as the sovereignty of God, the authority of Scripture, the nature of sin, the person and work of Christ, and the role of the Holy Spirit are significant barriers to revival.

A critical examination of our beliefs about the Holy Spirit is necessary. If our understanding excludes the possibility of a fresh outpouring, we are unlikely to pray for or expect revival. The doctrine of justification by faith alone is central to every revival, emphasizing the end of self-reliance and the necessity of God's grace. Similarly, the doctrine of regeneration underscores the need for a transformative work of the Holy Spirit, beyond mere human decision or effort.

Orthodoxy, while essential, can become lifeless if it is not accompanied by a living relationship with God. The danger lies in focusing on doctrines about God rather than knowing God Himself. A lack of balance in doctrinal emphasis can lead to spiritual dryness, as can an overemphasis on certain doctrines to the exclusion of others. The church must also guard against the rise of entertainment in religious gatherings, which can detract from the seriousness and depth required for true spiritual renewal.

Finally, the spirit in which we hold our beliefs is crucial. Pride, contentiousness, and a lack of love can quench the Spirit and hinder revival. A profound seriousness about the things of God, coupled with a life of holiness and obedience, is necessary for the church to experience a fresh visitation of God's Spirit.

Key Takeaways:

- Doctrine and Revival: The neglect or distortion of essential doctrines such as the sovereignty of God, the authority of Scripture, and the nature of sin are significant barriers to revival. A return to sound doctrine is crucial for the church to experience a fresh outpouring of God's Spirit. [02:09]

- The Role of the Holy Spirit: A proper understanding of the Holy Spirit's work is vital. If our doctrine excludes the possibility of a fresh outpouring, we are unlikely to pray for or expect revival. Revival is characterized by a powerful visitation of the Holy Spirit. [04:54]

- Justification by Faith: This doctrine is central to every revival, emphasizing the end of self-reliance and the necessity of God's grace. It highlights the immediate possibility of salvation and the futility of relying on personal righteousness. [06:00]

- Orthodoxy and Relationship: While orthodoxy is essential, it can become lifeless if it is not accompanied by a living relationship with God. The focus should be on knowing God Himself, not just doctrines about Him. [15:17]

- Spirit and Attitude: Pride, contentiousness, and a lack of love can quench the Spirit and hinder revival. A profound seriousness about the things of God, coupled with a life of holiness and obedience, is necessary for the church to experience a fresh visitation of God's Spirit. [38:05]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:14] - Isaac's Wells and the Church's Need for Revival
- [01:14] - Hindrances to Revival
- [02:09] - The Importance of Sound Doctrine
- [03:15] - The Sovereignty of God and Authority of Scripture
- [04:02] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
- [06:00] - Justification by Faith
- [09:18] - The Necessity of Regeneration
- [12:16] - Essential Doctrines for Revival
- [13:30] - Defective Orthodoxy
- [15:17] - Relationship Over Doctrine
- [19:02] - Balance in Doctrine
- [25:36] - The Church and Revival
- [30:27] - Entertainment vs. Seriousness
- [38:05] - The Spirit and Attitude
- [47:15] - Conclusion and Call to Reflection

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Genesis 26:17-18

Observation Questions:
1. What actions did Isaac take regarding the wells that his father Abraham had dug? How does this relate to the church's need for revival? [00:14]
2. What were the obstacles that Isaac faced when re-digging the wells, and how do these obstacles metaphorically relate to the church today? [01:32]
3. According to the sermon, what are some of the key doctrines that have been neglected or misunderstood, leading to spiritual drought in the church? [03:01]
4. How does the sermon describe the role of the Holy Spirit in revival, and what might be the consequences of excluding the possibility of a fresh outpouring? [04:38]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the metaphor of re-digging wells apply to the church's current spiritual state, and what does it suggest about the process of revival? [01:32]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that a return to sound doctrine is essential for revival? How might this look in a practical sense for a church community? [02:09]
3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of a living relationship with God over mere orthodoxy. How can this balance be achieved in a church setting? [15:17]
4. What are the dangers of pride and contentiousness in holding doctrinal beliefs, and how can these attitudes hinder the work of the Holy Spirit? [38:05]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your personal understanding of the Holy Spirit. Do you believe in the possibility of a fresh outpouring? How does this belief (or lack thereof) affect your prayer life and expectations for revival? [04:38]
2. Consider the doctrines mentioned in the sermon, such as justification by faith and regeneration. How well do you understand these doctrines, and how do they impact your daily walk with God? [06:00]
3. The sermon warns against the rise of entertainment in religious gatherings. How can your church maintain a focus on seriousness and depth in its services? [30:27]
4. Examine your own attitudes towards doctrinal discussions. Are there areas where pride or contentiousness might be affecting your relationships within the church? How can you cultivate a spirit of humility and love? [38:05]
5. The sermon highlights the importance of a living relationship with God. What practical steps can you take this week to deepen your personal relationship with Him? [15:17]
6. How can you contribute to clearing away "debris" in your church community that might be hindering the flow of God's Spirit? What specific actions can you take to promote sound doctrine and spiritual renewal? [01:32]
7. Reflect on the balance of doctrine and relationship in your own life. Are there areas where you might be focusing too much on one at the expense of the other? How can you address this imbalance? [15:17]

Devotional

Day 1: Sound Doctrine as a Pathway to Revival
The church's journey towards revival is often hindered by the neglect or distortion of essential doctrines. These include the sovereignty of God, the authority of Scripture, and the nature of sin. When these core beliefs are misunderstood or sidelined, the church experiences a spiritual drought, much like Isaac's wells filled with debris. A return to sound doctrine is crucial for the church to experience a fresh outpouring of God's Spirit. This involves not only understanding these doctrines intellectually but also allowing them to shape our lives and communities. By clearing away the doctrinal obstructions, the church can once again access the life-giving water of God's Spirit. [02:09]

"For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions." (2 Timothy 4:3, ESV)

Reflection: What is one doctrine you feel you need to understand better? How can you begin to study and apply it in your life this week?


Day 2: Embracing the Holy Spirit's Work
A proper understanding of the Holy Spirit's work is vital for revival. If our doctrine excludes the possibility of a fresh outpouring, we are unlikely to pray for or expect revival. Revival is characterized by a powerful visitation of the Holy Spirit, which transforms lives and communities. This requires a willingness to be open to the Spirit's leading and to seek His presence earnestly. The church must move beyond a theoretical understanding of the Holy Spirit to a lived experience of His power and presence. By doing so, we open ourselves to the transformative work that only He can accomplish. [04:54]

"And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit." (Ephesians 5:18, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you invite the Holy Spirit to work more powerfully in your life today? What specific steps can you take to be more open to His leading?


Day 3: Justification by Faith as the Foundation of Revival
The doctrine of justification by faith alone is central to every revival, emphasizing the end of self-reliance and the necessity of God's grace. It highlights the immediate possibility of salvation and the futility of relying on personal righteousness. This doctrine calls believers to trust wholly in Christ's finished work on the cross, rather than their own efforts. By embracing this truth, the church can experience a renewed sense of freedom and joy, as well as a deeper reliance on God's grace. This foundational doctrine is a catalyst for personal and communal transformation, leading to a vibrant and authentic faith. [06:00]

"For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin." (Romans 3:20, ESV)

Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you are relying on your own efforts rather than God's grace? How can you shift your focus to trust more fully in Christ's work?


Day 4: The Balance of Orthodoxy and Relationship
While orthodoxy is essential, it can become lifeless if it is not accompanied by a living relationship with God. The focus should be on knowing God Himself, not just doctrines about Him. A lack of balance in doctrinal emphasis can lead to spiritual dryness, as can an overemphasis on certain doctrines to the exclusion of others. The church must strive for a balance that fosters both sound doctrine and a vibrant relationship with God. This involves cultivating a heart that seeks to know God personally and intimately, beyond mere intellectual understanding. [15:17]

"And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent." (John 17:3, ESV)

Reflection: How can you deepen your personal relationship with God this week? What practices can you incorporate into your daily routine to know Him more intimately?


Day 5: Cultivating a Spirit of Humility and Love
The spirit in which we hold our beliefs is crucial. Pride, contentiousness, and a lack of love can quench the Spirit and hinder revival. A profound seriousness about the things of God, coupled with a life of holiness and obedience, is necessary for the church to experience a fresh visitation of God's Spirit. This involves cultivating a spirit of humility and love, both in our personal lives and within our communities. By doing so, we create an environment where the Holy Spirit can move freely and powerfully, leading to genuine transformation and renewal. [38:05]

"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves." (Philippians 2:3, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you demonstrate humility and love in your interactions with others today? How can you create an environment that welcomes the Holy Spirit's presence in your life and community?

Quotes

Isaac knew that there at the bottom of those Wells which had been dug by his father there was a supply of water but unfortunately these Philistines had been there and had thrown Earth and rubbish into these Wells and had filled them up and so the task confronting Isaac was to get rid of all this which had been thrown in by the Philistines and which were stopping the Welles. [00:01:20]

Failure with respect to Doctrine is always a hindrance every Revival emphasizes that in the drought and the periods of dryness before Revival the church has gone astray in her Doctrine and in her belief and we believe the same is true today. I have no hesitation in asserting that the main cause of the state of the Christian church and the whole state of the world in consequence today is the terrible apostasy that has characterized the church increasingly for the last 100 years. [00:02:19]

If our doctrine of the Holy Spirit is one that excludes the possibility of a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit Well then it's not surprising that we don't even think in terms of Revival it's not surprising that we're not praying for Revival or looking for Revival so I do commend to you again a thorough examination of your whole view of the work of the Holy Spirit. [00:04:27]

Justification by faith only is absolutely Ely Central there has never been a Revival but that this has always come back into great prominence in other words it means this the end of all thinking about ourselves and our goodness and our good deeds and our morality and all our works you look at the histories of revivals and you'll find men and women feeling desperate that they can do nothing they know that all their goodness is as filthy rags and all their righteousness it's of no value at all. [00:05:56]

Regeneration it reminds us that nothing will suffice except a man be born again that he be given a new nature that there's no value in any decision on the part of men unless it is indicative of this change of nature now here's a point that I could easily elaborate we do know psychologically that it is possible to make people take decisions and persuade them to do almost anything you like. [00:09:21]

You can be Orthodox but dead why well because you're stopping at the doctrines you're stopping at the definitions and failing to realize that the whole purpose of Doctrine is not to be an end in itself but to lead us to a knowledge of the person and to an understanding of the person and to a fellowship with the person. [00:15:57]

If we lack a balance in the scriptural proportion of doctrines we shall find that we shall become dry and Aid and useless as the Apostle Paul puts it knowledge puffeth up but charity edify builds up and there is nothing in which this is more likely to take place than in a lack of balance with respect to doctrines an excessive emphasis on certain aspects of Truth and allowing them to monopolize the whole of our attention. [00:19:20]

There are people who in a time like this of drought when God's name is being violated and ignored by others in this awful period in which we live the whole of their time is occupied in church government and others with forms of service and such matters my dear friends these are the ways of quenching the spirit you mustn't exalt to the primary and the central position matters that belong to the periphery. [00:23:39]

The unit through which God has always worked has been the church you read the history and the story of revivals take this story of 1859 in aler which is now available you read it there and you'll find it's in a little gathering the Saints coming together that idea seems to have gone but the the church you know consists of the gathered Saints God's people coming together because they're God's people and because they've got this concern and therefore to pray to God together. [00:28:36]

There is nothing that is so characteristic of every period of Revival than a great and a profound seriousness, seriousness don't take my word for these things go and read them for yourselves I've often told you from this Pulpit how when the saintly Robert muray mcchain would simply walk into his Pulpit at dande before he'd opened his mouth people began to weep and were broken down why well the solemnity about the men he'd come from the presence of God. [00:44:43]

You can be perfectly Orthodox and yet your Orthodoxy can be finally useless if you're failing in your life if you're disobedient to God's holy laws if you're guilty of sin and a continuing in known sin if you put your own desires before him well we have no right to expect Revival however Orthodox and correct we may be be in all our doctrines and in all our understanding you will find invariably when Revival comes that men and women are profoundly and deeply convicted of sin. [00:46:59]

Pride of knowledge oh yes I I I'm the man the Christian that reads a lot I'm the man who knows the doctrines I am the man who's read all the works of all the Puritans that other person over there he knows nothing about it pride of knowledge I'm the great Theologian I'm unlike this Publican over there who hasn't got the brains nor the understanding to grasp these things pride of know know what an ugly thing this is also knowledge puffeth up of course it does may God preserve us from it. [00:38:20]

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Transcript
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