Revival: A Sovereign Work of God's Mercy

Devotional

Day 1: Revival as a Divine Breath of Life

Revival is a profound and sovereign work of God that breathes new life into His people. It is not a scheduled event or a manufactured excitement but begins with a deep cleansing and conviction of sin among believers, leading to genuine transformation. This cleansing is not superficial but involves a profound confrontation with sin, resulting in a renewed sense of God's presence and a compelling urgency to get right with Him. Revival extends beyond individual experiences, often impacting the broader community as God's Spirit moves powerfully among His people. [33:13]

Habakkuk 3:2 (ESV): "O Lord, I have heard the report of you, and your work, O Lord, do I fear. In the midst of the years revive it; in the midst of the years make it known; in wrath remember mercy."

Reflection: What areas of your life need a deep cleansing and renewal from God today? How can you invite Him to begin this transformative work in you?

Day 2: The Power of Prayer in Revival

Every great Revival has been marked by a spirit of prayer, where God's people cry out for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit. This plea is not just for personal blessing but for a broad work that impacts the entire community. Prayer is the lifeline that connects believers to the heart of God, aligning their desires with His will. It is through persistent and humble prayer that believers express their dependence on God, seeking His intervention and guidance for a mighty move of His Spirit. [38:34]

2 Chronicles 7:14 (ESV): "If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land."

Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper spirit of prayer in your life, not just for personal needs but for the revival of your community?

Day 3: Revival as a Manifestation of God's Mercy

Revival is a work of great mercy, not something we can earn through our efforts. It is a gracious gift from God, demonstrating His mercy even in times when we deserve His wrath. This divine initiative is a reminder of God's unfailing love and compassion towards His people, offering them a chance to return to Him and experience His transformative power. Revival is a testament to God's desire to restore and renew His people, drawing them closer to His heart. [34:43]

Isaiah 57:15 (ESV): "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.'"

Reflection: In what ways have you experienced God's mercy in your life, and how can you extend that mercy to others around you today?

Day 4: The Evident Marks of True Revival

True Revival is characterized by a remarkable sense of God's presence, an unusual interest in spiritual matters, and a compelling urgency to get right with God. It is evident to all and impacts both believers and the broader community. This transformation is not hidden but is a visible demonstration of God's power at work, drawing people to seek Him earnestly. Revival ignites a passion for holiness and a desire to live in alignment with God's will, resulting in a community that reflects His love and grace. [12:50]

Acts 3:19-20 (ESV): "Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus."

Reflection: How can you be a visible witness of God's transformative power in your community today? What steps can you take to reflect His presence in your daily interactions?

Day 5: Learning from Historical and Biblical Revivals

Throughout history and Scripture, we see examples of Revival as a powerful move of God. These examples remind us of the potential for God to do a mighty work in our time, reviving His church and awakening the community. By studying these instances, believers can gain insight into the conditions and responses that accompany genuine Revival, inspiring them to seek God's face with renewed fervor. These historical and biblical accounts serve as a testament to God's faithfulness and His desire to bring about spiritual renewal among His people. [16:48]

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: Reflect on a historical or biblical example of Revival that inspires you. How can you apply the lessons learned from that example to your own spiritual journey today?

Sermon Summary

In this evening's gathering, we explored the profound and transformative concept of Revival, drawing from Habakkuk 3:2. Revival, a topic close to my heart, is not merely a series of scheduled meetings or a fleeting spiritual excitement. It is a deep, sovereign work of God that breathes new life into His people and often extends into the broader community. We began by examining the historical context and personal experiences that have shaped my understanding of Revival, particularly through the teachings of Dr. J. Edwin Orr, a renowned scholar on the subject.

Revival is characterized by a remarkable sense of God's presence, an unusual interest in spiritual matters, and a compelling urgency to get right with God. It is not something that can be manufactured or scheduled; rather, it is a sovereign act of God that often begins with a deep cleansing and conviction of sin among believers. This cleansing is not a light or frothy experience but rather a profound confrontation with sin that leads to genuine transformation.

We also discussed the importance of prayer in seeking Revival. Every great Revival has been marked by a spirit of prayer, where God's people cry out for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit. This plea is not just for personal blessing but for a broad work that impacts the entire community. True Revival is a work of great mercy, not something we can earn through our efforts but a gracious gift from God.

As we concluded, we were reminded that Revival is a broad work, evident to all, and a demonstration of God's mercy. It is a divine initiative that requires our humble and sincere prayer, asking God to revive His work in our midst.

Key Takeaways

1. Revival as a Sovereign Work of God: Revival is not a scheduled event or a manufactured excitement but a sovereign work of God that breathes new life into His people. It begins with a deep cleansing and conviction of sin among believers, leading to genuine transformation. [33:13]
2. The Role of Prayer in Revival: Every great Revival has been marked by a spirit of prayer. God's people must cry out for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit, not just for personal blessing but for a broad work that impacts the entire community. [38:34]
3. Revival as a Work of Mercy: Revival is a work of great mercy, not something we can earn through our efforts. It is a gracious gift from God, demonstrating His mercy even in times when we deserve His wrath. [34:43]
4. Characteristics of True Revival: True Revival is characterized by a remarkable sense of God's presence, an unusual interest in spiritual matters, and a compelling urgency to get right with God. It is evident to all and impacts both believers and the broader community. [12:50]
5. Historical and Biblical Examples of Revival: Throughout history and Scripture, we see examples of Revival as a powerful move of God. These examples remind us of the potential for God to do a mighty work in our time, reviving His church and awakening the community. [16:48]
** [16:48]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:23] - Introduction and Personal Background
[01:12] - Four Principles of True Revival
[04:24] - Habakkuk 3:2: A Prayer for Revival
[06:11] - What Revival Is and Is Not
[09:31] - Historical Context of Revival
[12:50] - Marks of Genuine Revival
[16:48] - Biblical Examples of Revival
[20:09] - Introduction to Four Principles
[21:04] - Principle 1: True Revival is a Broad Work
[25:30] - Principle 2: True Revival is Evident
[34:43] - Principle 3: True Revival is a Work of Great Mercy
[36:57] - Principle 4: True Revival is from God
[38:34] - The Role of Prayer in Revival
[40:46] - Closing Prayer and Call to Action

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Revival

Bible Reading:
- Habakkuk 3:2

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Observation Questions:

What does Habakkuk 3:2 reveal about the prophet's understanding of God's past works and his desire for revival? How does this verse set the tone for the sermon on revival? [04:24]
According to the sermon, what are some misconceptions about revival, and how does the speaker differentiate between true revival and scheduled religious events? [06:46]
What role does prayer play in the context of revival as discussed in the sermon? How is this reflected in Habakkuk's prayer? [38:01]
How does the speaker describe the characteristics of true revival, and what biblical examples are provided to illustrate these characteristics? [12:50]

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Interpretation Questions:

In what ways does the sermon suggest that revival is a sovereign work of God rather than a human achievement? How does this align with Habakkuk's plea for mercy? [36:57]
How does the sermon interpret the phrase "in Wrath remember Mercy" from Habakkuk 3:2, and what does this suggest about the nature of God's response to human sinfulness? [34:59]
The sermon mentions historical and biblical examples of revival. How do these examples serve to encourage believers about the potential for revival in their own communities? [16:48]
What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between personal revival and community-wide spiritual awakening? How does this relate to the broader work of God? [24:15]

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Application Questions:

Reflect on your personal prayer life. How can you incorporate a more intentional plea for revival, both personally and within your community, as suggested in the sermon? [38:18]
The sermon emphasizes the importance of a deep cleansing and conviction of sin among believers. What steps can you take this week to confront and confess any hidden sins in your life? [33:13]
Consider the role of prayer in seeking revival. How can you engage more actively in prayer groups or initiatives within your church to pray for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit? [38:34]
The sermon describes revival as a work of great mercy. How can you cultivate a heart of gratitude and humility, recognizing that revival is a gift from God rather than something earned? [34:43]
Think about the historical examples of revival mentioned in the sermon. How can these stories inspire you to have faith in God's ability to bring about change in your own community? [16:48]
The speaker mentions the importance of being open to God's work beyond one's own church or denomination. How can you foster a spirit of unity and collaboration with other believers in your area? [21:04]
Reflect on the urgency to get right with God as a characteristic of true revival. What practical steps can you take to prioritize your spiritual growth and relationship with God this week? [14:18]

Sermon Clips

Revival is not a week of meetings held by an evangelist. I mean, that's kind of Christian culture, especially in some parts of the country out in the South. You'd see a pest, but other places as well. You'd go by a church, and for a week out of the year, they'd have a big banner out: Revival every night this week. [00:06:46]

Revival is the restoration of life and vitality. I guess if I was really going to get technical here, I would make a division. I would talk about Revival—that's the work God does in the church—and then I would talk about Spiritual Awakening—that's the work that God does in the community. [00:11:44]

Here are five, I think, marks of a genuine Revival. Number one, there's a remarkable sense of the presence of God, and then this is usually sensed by both believers and unbelievers. Unbelievers will come into a meeting where Revival is present, and they won't be able to describe it, but they know something is different in that room. [00:12:45]

There's an unusual interest in the things of God, often to the neglect of otherwise normal activities and duties. What do I mean? It's just like people want to come and be at church or wherever the meeting is, and they don't want to leave. [00:13:16]

In times of Revival, there's a great work of conviction of sin and cleansing among Christians. This is very important. Believers are getting right with God, and secret sin is being cleared out and cleared away. [00:14:58]

True Revival is a broad work. Now, this is a word very important for Christian workers to remember. Revival does not grow in the soil of congregational competition. It doesn't grow in the soil of a desire for personal glory, fame, income, or credit. Those things will always squelch Revival. [00:20:40]

True Revival is evident. Look at there, Habakkuk chapter 3:2 again. He prays this: in the midst of the years, make it known. In other words, Habakkuk longed for God to do a work that was evident to everybody. Make it known, Lord, in a definite time and place. [00:25:39]

True Revival is a work of great mercy. Habakkuk chapter 3:2: in wrath, remember mercy. See, Habakkuk prayed knowing well that they didn't deserve Revival. So what did he pray for? Mercy. The idea is, Lord, I know we deserve your wrath, but in the midst of your wrath, remember mercy and send Revival among us. [00:34:43]

Revival is a work of God, not the achievement of man. But there is something that man can do. You can even say there's something that man must do for Revival: simply cry out to God and plead for his Revival work. Every Great Awakening, every great Revival has been marked by a great spirit of prayer. [00:38:34]

When God pours out his Spirit on the community, people are revived. So, friends, four principles of Revival from Habakkuk chapter 3:2: True Revival is a broad work, true Revival is evident, true Revival is a work of great mercy, and true Revival is from God. [00:39:58]

Oh God, have mercy upon thy poor church and visit her and revive her. She has only a little strength. She's desired to keep your word. Oh, refresh her, restore to her your power, and give her yet to be great in this land. Father, that is our prayer. [00:41:59]

We say it, Lord, with all sincerity: revive your work, revive your work, Lord. This isn't an advancement or an agenda, Lord. We would be very pleased to be invisible and unknown in a great work, Lord, if only you would accomplish it. [00:42:58]

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Revival: A Sovereign Work of God's Mercy

Devotional

Day 1: Revival as a Divine Breath of Life

Day 2: The Power of Prayer in Revival

Day 3: Revival as a Manifestation of God's Mercy

Day 4: The Evident Marks of True Revival

Day 5: Learning from Historical and Biblical Revivals

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

Revival: A Sovereign Work of God's Mercy

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