Revival Through Repentance: Embracing Kingdom Identity
Summary
God is orchestrating a profound and transformative movement, one that calls us back to the heart of repentance. This is not an ordinary time; it is a season of revival, both personal and corporate. Revival, however, is inseparable from repentance. Every significant move of God begins with hearts turning back to Him, surrendering all. Repentance is not a one-time event but an ongoing journey. It is a continual turning towards God, acknowledging our need for Him daily.
In our exploration of kingdom identity, we recognize that we are not of this world. Our identity is rooted in being kingdom citizens, and with that identity comes a call to embody kingdom character. The Sermon on the Mount, particularly the Beatitudes, provides a blueprint for this character. Jesus' teachings in Matthew 5 are not just historical sermons but timeless truths that call us to live out the qualities of the kingdom.
The Beatitudes begin with being "poor in spirit," a recognition of our spiritual bankruptcy without God. It is a posture of humility and dependence, acknowledging that we need God every moment. This is the foundation of kingdom living. The second Beatitude, "blessed are those who mourn," speaks to a godly sorrow over sin, both personal and in the world. This mourning leads to repentance and ultimately to comfort, as the burden of sin is lifted and we experience the presence of the Holy Spirit, our Comforter.
Jesus' teachings invite us to draw near to God, promising that He will draw near to us. Our intimacy with God is determined by our willingness to approach Him. As we mourn over sin, both ours and the world's, we are compelled to intercede, to be salt and light, holding back the decay and reflecting Jesus into the world. This mourning is not an end but a path to repentance, leading to transformation and revival.
Key Takeaways:
- Revival and Repentance: True revival begins with repentance. It is not a one-time event but a continual turning towards God, acknowledging our need for Him daily. This ongoing repentance is the foundation for experiencing a move of God in our lives and communities. [01:40]
- Kingdom Identity and Character: As kingdom citizens, our identity is not of this world. We are called to embody kingdom character, as outlined in the Beatitudes. These qualities are not optional but essential for living out our kingdom identity. [06:03]
- Poor in Spirit: Being "poor in spirit" means recognizing our spiritual bankruptcy without God. It is a posture of humility and dependence, acknowledging that we need God every moment. This is the foundation of kingdom living. [27:31]
- Mourning Over Sin: Mourning over sin, both personal and in the world, leads to repentance and comfort. This godly sorrow is a path to transformation, as the burden of sin is lifted and we experience the presence of the Holy Spirit, our Comforter. [45:23]
- Drawing Near to God: Our intimacy with God is determined by our willingness to approach Him. As we draw near, He promises to draw near to us. This closeness compels us to be salt and light, interceding for the world and reflecting Jesus. [36:53]
Youtube Chapters:
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:40] - Revival and Repentance
[02:39] - Ongoing Repentance
[03:43] - Kingdom Identity
[06:03] - Kingdom Character
[07:43] - The Beatitudes
[09:04] - Drawing Near to God
[10:37] - Jesus' Ministry Begins
[12:04] - Kingdom Message
[14:06] - Understanding "Blessed"
[16:37] - Kingdom Qualities
[18:38] - Old and New Covenant
[22:34] - Living Water
[27:31] - Poor in Spirit
[45:23] - Mourning Over Sin
[51:31] - Intercession and Mourning
[01:13:48] - Closing and Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Matthew 5:1-12 (The Beatitudes)
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Observation Questions:
1. What does it mean to be "poor in spirit" according to the sermon, and how is this concept foundational to kingdom living? [27:31]
2. How does the sermon describe the relationship between mourning over sin and experiencing comfort from the Holy Spirit? [45:23]
3. In the context of the sermon, what is the significance of Jesus drawing near to His followers during the Sermon on the Mount? [19:34]
4. How does the sermon explain the connection between repentance and revival? [01:40]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How might the concept of being "poor in spirit" challenge common societal values of self-sufficiency and independence? [29:56]
2. What role does mourning over personal and communal sin play in the process of spiritual transformation and revival? [47:27]
3. How does the sermon suggest that embodying kingdom character, as outlined in the Beatitudes, impacts our identity as kingdom citizens? [06:03]
4. In what ways does the sermon illustrate the importance of drawing near to God, and how does this affect our intimacy with Him? [36:53]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you need to acknowledge your spiritual bankruptcy and dependence on God? How can you cultivate a posture of being "poor in spirit" this week? [29:11]
2. Consider a time when you mourned over sin, either personal or in the world. How did that experience lead you to repentance and transformation? How can you make mourning over sin a regular practice in your spiritual life? [45:23]
3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of drawing near to God. What practical steps can you take this week to intentionally draw closer to Him? [36:53]
4. How can you embody the qualities of the Beatitudes in your daily interactions with others? Choose one Beatitude to focus on this week and describe a specific action you will take to live it out. [14:06]
5. The sermon discusses the role of intercession in being salt and light in the world. Identify one area of societal sin or brokenness that you feel called to intercede for. How will you commit to praying for this issue? [52:57]
6. Reflect on the idea of revival beginning with repentance. Is there an area in your life or community where you sense a need for revival? What steps can you take to initiate repentance in that area? [01:40]
7. The sermon mentions the importance of recognizing our identity as kingdom citizens. How does this identity influence your decisions and actions in your everyday life? What changes might you need to make to align more closely with this identity? [06:03]
Devotional
Day 1: Revival Begins with Repentance
Revival is not a spontaneous event but a process that begins with repentance. It is a continual turning towards God, acknowledging our need for Him daily. This ongoing repentance is the foundation for experiencing a move of God in our lives and communities. True revival is both personal and corporate, requiring each individual to surrender their heart and align with God's will. As we repent, we open ourselves to the transformative work of the Holy Spirit, allowing God to renew and revive us from within. [01:40]
"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." (Acts 3:19-20, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to turn back to God today? How can you make repentance a daily practice?
Day 2: Embracing Kingdom Identity
As kingdom citizens, our identity is not of this world. We are called to embody kingdom character, as outlined in the Beatitudes. These qualities are not optional but essential for living out our kingdom identity. The Beatitudes provide a blueprint for the character we are to develop, emphasizing humility, mercy, and purity of heart. By embracing our kingdom identity, we align ourselves with God's purposes and reflect His nature to the world around us. [06:03]
"But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself." (Philippians 3:20-21, ESV)
Reflection: How can you embody one of the Beatitudes in your interactions today? What specific action can you take to reflect your kingdom identity?
Day 3: The Foundation of Being Poor in Spirit
Being "poor in spirit" means recognizing our spiritual bankruptcy without God. It is a posture of humility and dependence, acknowledging that we need God every moment. This is the foundation of kingdom living. When we are poor in spirit, we open ourselves to God's grace and provision, understanding that apart from Him, we can do nothing. This humility allows us to receive the fullness of God's kingdom and His blessings. [27:31]
"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: In what ways can you cultivate a spirit of humility and dependence on God today? How does recognizing your need for God change your perspective on daily challenges?
Day 4: Mourning Over Sin Leads to Transformation
Mourning over sin, both personal and in the world, leads to repentance and comfort. This godly sorrow is a path to transformation, as the burden of sin is lifted and we experience the presence of the Holy Spirit, our Comforter. Mourning is not an end but a means to draw closer to God, allowing His Spirit to work in us and through us. As we grieve over sin, we are moved to intercede for others and become agents of change in a broken world. [45:23]
"For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death." (2 Corinthians 7:10, ESV)
Reflection: What sin in your life or in the world grieves your heart today? How can you turn this mourning into a prayer for transformation and healing?
Day 5: Drawing Near to God
Our intimacy with God is determined by our willingness to approach Him. As we draw near, He promises to draw near to us. This closeness compels us to be salt and light, interceding for the world and reflecting Jesus. The more we seek God, the more we become like Him, influencing the world with His love and truth. Our relationship with God is not static but dynamic, growing deeper as we pursue Him with all our hearts. [36:53]
"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: What steps can you take today to draw closer to God? How can you be a reflection of His light in your community?
Quotes
1) "There is no revival without repentance. Oh, we don't want to clap too much for that. But it is the truth. Every move of God, every great move of God begins with prayer and repentance. Repentance. Hearts that are repenting. Hearts that are turning to God. And surrendering everything within them to the Lord. See, repentance is not just a one-time thing." [02:39] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "You're not of this world. You're in it, but you're not of it. We have a higher perspective to understand. Our identity lies in the fact that I am grafted into this kingdom. I'm a kingdom citizen." [05:25] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him. For the kingdom of heaven is theirs. God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth." [14:06] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "The poor in spirit is someone who realizes that I am spiritually bankrupt without God. You have to have this realization in your life. This understanding that, man, now that I know him, now that I know the truth, now that I've been saved, now that I'm a kingdom citizen, really, I'm walking in this. You have to realize that without him, you are bankrupt. You have nothing. You need him. You need him." [29:11] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "Blessed are those who mourn. What is the promise? For they shall be comforted. Right? How are we comforted when we mourn over our sin? When we have this penthos, this path that leads to repentance. It's because the burden of sin is lifted. There is a burden. That you carry with sin. It is heavy. And it's not meant for you to carry. Jesus died to carry that burden for you." [09:05] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6) "God hates sin. But why does He hate sin so much? His hate for sin is fueled, it's compelled by His love for people. Does that make sense? He hates what sin is doing to people. I've talked about this. I've talked about it before. I don't want to hit on it too much, but, you know, sin is like cancer. You know, it just, it comes in. It affects. We've all been affected some way by cancer. Maybe not personally, but we've lost people. It's horrible. It sucks. It's bad." [01:02:05] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7) "Blessed. Blessed. Blessed. Joyful. Flourishing. Thriving are those who mourn. For they shall be comforted. Blessed. Flourishing. Thriving. Joyful are those who are poor in spirit and realize our desperation, our dependency, that we are destitute without you, Jesus. For we have the kingdom of heaven." [01:13:48] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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