Revival: A Divine Outpouring of God's Spirit

 

Summary

In the book of Exodus, chapter 33, verse 17, we find a profound moment where God responds to Moses, promising to do what Moses has requested because Moses has found grace in God's sight. This passage serves as a powerful illustration of the church in its moments of weakness and impotence, crying out for a manifestation of God's presence, glory, and power. This is the essence of revival—a divine response to the earnest prayers of God's people, resulting in a renewed outpouring of His Spirit.

Revival is not a one-time event confined to the day of Pentecost. Instead, it is a recurring phenomenon throughout church history, echoing the events of Pentecost. The baptism of the Holy Spirit, as experienced by the apostles, was not a singular occurrence but the beginning of a series of outpourings. This is evident in the book of Acts, where similar manifestations of the Spirit occurred, such as with Cornelius and his household. The Spirit's outpouring is not limited to the past but is a continual possibility for the church today.

The church's current predicament is its failure to recognize its need for this divine power. Instead of seeking God's Spirit, many churches resort to human strategies, such as commissions and investigations, to address their challenges. However, the true solution lies in a return to prayer, humility, and a desperate cry for God's Spirit to be poured out anew. When the Holy Spirit descends, the church experiences a profound sense of God's presence, assurance of truth, joy, and boldness in proclaiming the gospel.

The world outside the church is also impacted by revival. Curiosity draws people in, and the Spirit's work leads to deep conviction of sin, repentance, and transformation. This results in a genuine addition to the church, not just temporary decisions. The moral and spiritual landscape of entire communities can be transformed when the Holy Spirit moves powerfully.

In conclusion, the church's supreme need today is a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit. This requires earnest prayer and a recognition that God's power can accomplish more in a moment than human efforts can achieve in decades. Let us pray for revival, trusting that God will once again pour out His Spirit upon us.

Key Takeaways:

- Revival is a divine response to the church's earnest prayers, manifesting God's presence, glory, and power. It is not a one-time event but a recurring phenomenon throughout church history, echoing the events of Pentecost. [02:24]

- The baptism of the Holy Spirit, as experienced by the apostles, was not confined to the day of Pentecost. Similar manifestations occurred later, such as with Cornelius, demonstrating that the Spirit's outpouring is a continual possibility for the church today. [06:29]

- The church's current predicament is its failure to recognize its need for divine power. Instead of seeking God's Spirit, many churches resort to human strategies, but the true solution lies in prayer, humility, and a desperate cry for God's Spirit. [13:25]

- When the Holy Spirit descends, the church experiences a profound sense of God's presence, assurance of truth, joy, and boldness in proclaiming the gospel. This transformation is evident in the lives of believers and the church's witness to the world. [21:23]

- Revival impacts the world outside the church, drawing people in through curiosity and leading to deep conviction of sin, repentance, and transformation. This results in genuine additions to the church and a transformed moral and spiritual landscape. [36:20]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:11] - Introduction to Exodus 33:17
- [01:25] - God's Promise to Moses
- [02:24] - Understanding Revival
- [03:19] - The Day of Pentecost
- [04:53] - Repetition of Pentecost Events
- [06:29] - The Baptism of the Holy Spirit
- [08:10] - The Church's Need for Revival
- [11:18] - The Church's Current Predicament
- [15:06] - The Power of God in Revival
- [17:22] - What Happens in Revival
- [21:23] - Assurance and Joy in Revival
- [25:22] - Worship and Thanksgiving
- [29:32] - Boldness in Proclamation
- [32:05] - Impact on the World Outside
- [36:20] - Conviction and Repentance
- [40:06] - The Supreme Need for Revival

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Exodus 33:17: "And the Lord said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name."
- Acts 2:1-4: "When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them."
- Acts 11:15-17: "As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came on them as he had come on us at the beginning. Then I remembered what the Lord had said: ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ So if God gave them the same gift he gave us who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could stand in God’s way?"

#### Observation Questions
1. What was God's response to Moses' request in Exodus 33:17, and why did He agree to it? [00:11]
2. How does the sermon describe the events of Pentecost as a pattern for revival? [02:24]
3. According to the sermon, what is the church's current predicament regarding its need for divine power? [13:25]
4. What impact does the Holy Spirit's outpouring have on the church and the world, as described in the sermon? [36:20]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the sermon interpret the repeated outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the book of Acts as a model for ongoing revival? [06:29]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the church today is failing to recognize its need for the Holy Spirit's power? [13:25]
3. How does the sermon describe the transformation that occurs within the church when the Holy Spirit descends? [21:23]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the role of prayer and humility in seeking a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit? [41:01]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt a profound sense of God's presence. How did it change your perspective or actions? How can you seek that presence more intentionally in your daily life? [18:08]
2. The sermon emphasizes the need for earnest prayer for revival. What specific steps can you take to incorporate more prayer into your routine, both individually and as a group? [41:01]
3. Consider the ways in which your church might be relying on human strategies rather than seeking divine power. How can you encourage a shift towards prayer and reliance on the Holy Spirit? [13:25]
4. The sermon describes the joy and boldness that come with the Holy Spirit's outpouring. How can you cultivate a spirit of joy and boldness in your own life and witness? [21:23]
5. How can you personally contribute to creating an environment in your church that is open to the Holy Spirit's movement and revival? [29:32]
6. The sermon mentions the impact of revival on the world outside the church. How can you engage with your community in a way that reflects the transformative power of the Holy Spirit? [36:20]
7. Identify one area in your life where you feel powerless or ineffective. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to work in that area, trusting in God's power rather than your own efforts? [41:17]

Devotional

Day 1: Revival as a Divine Response
Revival is a divine response to the earnest prayers of God's people, manifesting His presence, glory, and power. It is not a one-time event but a recurring phenomenon throughout church history, echoing the events of Pentecost. The church, in its moments of weakness, cries out for a manifestation of God's presence, and revival is the answer to that cry. It is a time when God's Spirit is poured out anew, bringing a renewed sense of His presence and power. This divine response is not limited to the past but is a continual possibility for the church today. [02:24]

"And the Lord said to Moses, 'This very thing that you have spoken I will do, for you have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name.'" (Exodus 33:17, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to earnestly seek God's presence and power through prayer today?


Day 2: The Continual Possibility of the Holy Spirit's Outpouring
The baptism of the Holy Spirit, as experienced by the apostles, was not confined to the day of Pentecost. Similar manifestations occurred later, such as with Cornelius and his household, demonstrating that the Spirit's outpouring is a continual possibility for the church today. The book of Acts provides evidence of these repeated outpourings, showing that the Holy Spirit's work is not limited to a single event but is an ongoing reality for believers. This continual possibility invites the church to remain open and expectant for fresh movements of the Spirit in their midst. [06:29]

"And while Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles." (Acts 10:44-45, ESV)

Reflection: How can you cultivate an openness and expectancy for the Holy Spirit's work in your life and community today?


Day 3: Recognizing the Church's Need for Divine Power
The church's current predicament is its failure to recognize its need for divine power. Instead of seeking God's Spirit, many churches resort to human strategies, such as commissions and investigations, to address their challenges. However, the true solution lies in a return to prayer, humility, and a desperate cry for God's Spirit to be poured out anew. When the church acknowledges its dependence on divine power, it positions itself to receive the profound sense of God's presence and the assurance of truth that comes with the Holy Spirit's descent. [13:25]

"Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts." (Zechariah 4:6, ESV)

Reflection: What human strategies have you relied on instead of seeking God's Spirit? How can you shift your focus to prayer and humility today?


Day 4: Transformation Through the Holy Spirit's Descent
When the Holy Spirit descends, the church experiences a profound sense of God's presence, assurance of truth, joy, and boldness in proclaiming the gospel. This transformation is evident in the lives of believers and the church's witness to the world. The Spirit's work brings about a renewed confidence in the truth of the gospel and a joyful boldness in sharing it with others. This transformation is not just for the individual believer but for the entire church community, impacting its mission and outreach. [21:23]

"And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness." (Acts 4:31, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you seek the Holy Spirit's transformation in your life to enhance your boldness in sharing the gospel today?


Day 5: Revival's Impact on the World
Revival impacts the world outside the church, drawing people in through curiosity and leading to deep conviction of sin, repentance, and transformation. This results in genuine additions to the church and a transformed moral and spiritual landscape. When the Holy Spirit moves powerfully, entire communities can be changed, as people are drawn to the church and experience the transformative power of the gospel. This impact is not just temporary but leads to lasting change in the lives of individuals and communities. [36:20]

"And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord." (Acts 11:21, ESV)

Reflection: How can you be a part of drawing others to experience the transformative power of the gospel in your community today?

Quotes


Revival after all is nothing but God hearing the people and having mercy upon them and answer them by giving this manifestation of his glory and his strength and his power that is that is really what Revival means and it is important therefore for us to understand it and to know something of what at inate we should be anticipating and what we should be seeking in our prayers. [00:02:22]

Every Revival of religion that the church has ever known has been in a sense a kind of repetition of what happened on the day of Pentecost it has been a return to that origin to that beginning it has been a riving now there is a great deal it seems to me of very loose and dangerous talk and writing about what happened on the day of Pentecost. [00:03:04]

The baptism of the Holy Ghost took place in the of Pentecost but it also took place later upon Cornelius and his household that's exactly Peter's argument but then I remember the word of the Lord how he said John indeed baptized with water but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost for as much then as God gave them the like gift the same gift you see as he did unto us who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ. [00:06:27]

Revival it is God pouring forth his Spirit filling his people again it's not the thing that's talked of in Ephesians 5:18 which is a command to us go on being filled with the spirit that is something you and I do but this is something that is done to us it's the spirit falling upon us being poured out upon us these are the terms I will pour forth my spirit God Alone can do that. [00:09:17]

The church's current predicament is its failure to recognize its need for divine power. Instead of seeking God's Spirit, many churches resort to human strategies, but the true solution lies in prayer, humility, and a desperate cry for God's Spirit. [00:11:18]

When the Holy Spirit descends, the church experiences a profound sense of God's presence, assurance of truth, joy, and boldness in proclaiming the gospel. This transformation is evident in the lives of believers and the church's witness to the world. [00:21:23]

The world outside the church is also impacted by revival. Curiosity draws people in, and the Spirit's work leads to deep conviction of sin, repentance, and transformation. This results in a genuine addition to the church, not just temporary decisions. The moral and spiritual landscape of entire communities can be transformed when the Holy Spirit moves powerfully. [00:36:20]

The church becomes conscious of a presence and a power in her midst when the day of Pentecost was fully come they were all with one Accord in one place suddenly there came a sound from henness of a mighty rushing wind and it filled all the house where they were sitting and the there appeared unto them clo tongues like as a fire and it sat upon each of them and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost. [00:18:04]

The church is given as the result of this great Assurance concerning the truth she doesn't have to investigate the truth set up a commission to look into it she's given an absolute certainty about it that's the thing that comes out so clearly you see in this story now take these men these apostles you remember how a few weeks before after the crucifixion they'd been very shaken they'd been most uncertain. [00:21:31]

The church is filled with great joy and a sense of Praise did you notice the terms there towards the end of the chapter and they continuing daily with one Accord in the temple and breaking bread from house to house did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart praising God and her having favor with all the people you know that's how the Christian church is meant to be great joy great praise to the Lord Jesus Christ and to God. [00:24:46]

The power and the boldness that is given in the proclamation of the truth look at this man Peter it's but a few weeks before that he was so fearful and so much the victim of a craven spirit that he even denied the Lord Jesus Christ to that servant made in order to save his life and here he is now preaching in Jerusalem he knows the authorities are watching him and listening to him and he tells them quite plainly and in no uncertain language what they have done in the crucifixion of the Lord Jesus Christ. [00:29:32]

The world outside becomes attracted by curiosity and there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews devout men out of every nation under heaven now when this was noised abroad the multitude came together and were confounded a great crowd gathered they said what's this you see the problem confronting the church today is what can we do with these messes that are outside the church and you see their way of solving it is let us set up commissions to investigate. [00:32:05]

Chatbot

  • I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Sep 12, 2024. Do you have any questions about it?

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