Reviving Hope: God's Power in Hopeless Situations
Summary
### Summary
Greetings, dear friends, and happy Sabbath. Today, we continue our series on "New Heart" based on the book of Ezekiel. In previous parts, we explored how God reveals His glory, speaks to us, calls us to repentance, and corrects our false hopes to lead us into obedient faith. Today, we delve into Ezekiel 37, where God takes Ezekiel into a vision of a valley filled with dry bones, symbolizing the hopeless and spiritually dead state of Israel.
Israel felt utterly hopeless, believing their national identity and hope for revival were lost forever. God shows Ezekiel the valley of dry bones to illustrate Israel's spiritual condition. These bones were not just dead but very dry, symbolizing complete hopelessness and divine judgment. In our modern age, we often downplay sin, but the Bible clearly calls it a curse. Without Jesus, we are spiritually dead, like those dry bones.
God asks Ezekiel if these bones can live, a question that challenges our faith in God's power and willingness to revive. Ezekiel wisely responds that only God knows. God then commands Ezekiel to prophesy to the bones, and as he does, the bones come together, but there is still no life in them. This illustrates that while the Word of God is powerful, it needs the breath of the Holy Spirit to bring true life.
The vision teaches us that regeneration is a two-part process: the proclamation of God's Word and the work of the Holy Spirit. Without the Holy Spirit, we remain spiritually dead. The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, righteousness, and judgment, leading us to a life of obedience to God. Just as the dry bones were revived to form a great army, we too are filled with the Holy Spirit for a purpose—to witness and make disciples of Jesus.
In conclusion, God can bring life to any hopeless situation through His Word and His Spirit. Whether it's our marriages, relationships, or personal struggles, God specializes in reviving what seems dead. The valley of dry bones is a vision of hope, illustrating that with God, the impossible becomes possible. Let us commit to hearing and studying God's Word and seeking the indwelling of the Holy Spirit to experience new life.
### Key Takeaways
1. Hopeless Situations and God's Power: Israel felt utterly hopeless, believing their national identity and hope for revival were lost forever. This vision of dry bones illustrates that no situation is too hopeless for God. He specializes in reviving what seems dead, showing us that with Him, the impossible becomes possible. [10:13]
2. The Reality of Spiritual Death: The dry bones symbolize complete spiritual death and divine judgment. Without Jesus, we are spiritually dead, like those dry bones. This vision reminds us that sin is not just a fault or mistake but a curse that leads to spiritual death. [14:54]
3. The Power of God's Word and the Holy Spirit: Regeneration is a two-part process involving the proclamation of God's Word and the work of the Holy Spirit. While the Word of God is powerful, it needs the breath of the Holy Spirit to bring true life. Without the Holy Spirit, we remain spiritually dead. [23:12]
4. The Role of Preaching: Preaching the Word of God is essential for spiritual revival. Despite modern skepticism about the effectiveness of preaching, it remains a vital vehicle for salvation. When God's Word is faithfully preached, it brings revival, opposition, or both, but it always brings a lot of shaking. [26:04]
5. The Holy Spirit's Role in Conviction and Revival: The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, righteousness, and judgment, leading us to a life of obedience to God. Just as the dry bones were revived to form a great army, we too are filled with the Holy Spirit for a purpose—to witness and make disciples of Jesus. [40:03]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[07:11] - Recap of Previous Parts
[08:14] - Introduction to Ezekiel 37
[09:16] - Israel's Hopeless Situation
[10:13] - Vision of the Valley of Dry Bones
[10:59] - Ezekiel's Inspection of the Valley
[11:42] - Spiritual Condition of Israel
[12:30] - The Impossibility of Revival
[14:07] - The Curse of Unburied Bones
[14:54] - Sin as a Curse
[15:44] - Individual Spiritual Death
[16:24] - Life Through Jesus
[17:03] - Can These Bones Live?
[17:54] - The Hopelessness of Dry Bones
[18:39] - Resurrection in the Old Testament
[19:21] - Modern Hopeless Situations
[20:04] - Human Short-Sightedness
[20:52] - Zero Possibility for Revival
[21:34] - Ezekiel's Response to God
[22:24] - God's Sovereign Power
[23:12] - God's Command to Prophesy
[23:44] - The Power of God's Word
[24:28] - Preaching to Dry Bones
[25:12] - The Vital Power of Preaching
[26:04] - The Effectiveness of Preaching
[26:50] - The Word of God Brings Life
[27:36] - The Need for God's Word Today
[28:25] - The Impact of Preaching
[29:15] - The True Purpose of Preaching
[29:57] - Faithful Preaching Brings Results
[30:44] - Ezekiel's Obedience
[31:27] - The Power of God in the Death Valley
[32:20] - Proclamation and Regeneration
[33:07] - Outward Beauty vs. Spiritual Life
[33:51] - The Condition of Some Churches
[34:30] - The Need for the Holy Spirit
[35:16] - Prophesy to the Breath
[35:57] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
[36:40] - The Spirit Gives Life
[37:18] - Revival of Decayed Churches
[37:55] - The Converting Power of the Holy Spirit
[38:35] - The Need for the Holy Spirit in Ministry
[39:07] - The Holy Spirit's Role in Conviction
[40:03] - The Mission of the Holy Spirit
[41:09] - Filled with the Spirit for a Purpose
[41:41] - The Power of the Holy Spirit in Ministry
[42:20] - Conclusion and Questions
[42:56] - God's Will for Revival
[43:28] - The Vision of Hope
[44:06] - God's Promise of a New Heart
[44:57] - God Can Revive Any Situation
[45:40] - Invitation to Believe
[46:13] - The Power of God's Word and Spirit
[46:48] - Call to Action
[47:22] - Keep Praying
[47:58] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Ezekiel 37:1-14 (The Vision of the Valley of Dry Bones)
2. John 5:24-25 (Life through Jesus)
3. John 16:8 (The Holy Spirit's Role in Conviction)
### Observation Questions
1. What was the condition of the bones in the valley that Ezekiel saw, and what did they symbolize? ([10:13])
2. How did Ezekiel respond when God asked him if the dry bones could live? ([17:03])
3. What happened when Ezekiel prophesied to the bones as commanded by God? ([23:44])
4. What additional command did God give Ezekiel after the bones came together but had no life? ([35:16])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does the sermon emphasize that the dry bones were "very dry"? What does this detail signify about Israel's spiritual state? ([11:42])
2. How does the sermon explain the two-part process of regeneration involving God's Word and the Holy Spirit? ([35:57])
3. What is the significance of Ezekiel's obedience in preaching to the dry bones, and how does it relate to the power of God's Word? ([30:44])
4. How does the sermon describe the role of the Holy Spirit in bringing true life to spiritually dead situations? ([36:40])
### Application Questions
1. Have you ever felt like you were in a "valley of dry bones" in your own life? How did you respond to that situation? ([42:20])
2. The sermon mentions that sin is often downplayed in modern times. How do you perceive sin in your own life, and how does this perception affect your spiritual health? ([14:54])
3. In what ways can you commit to hearing and studying God's Word more faithfully? What specific steps can you take this week to make this a priority? ([27:36])
4. How can you seek the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in your daily life? Are there specific prayers or practices you can adopt to invite the Holy Spirit's presence? ([46:48])
5. Think of a situation in your life that seems hopeless. How can you apply the message of God's power to revive and bring life to that situation? ([43:28])
6. The sermon emphasizes the importance of preaching and sharing God's Word. How can you be more active in sharing your faith with others, even in seemingly hopeless situations? ([26:04])
7. Reflect on a time when you felt spiritually dead or disconnected. What role did God's Word and the Holy Spirit play in your revival, and how can you ensure you stay spiritually alive moving forward? ([35:57])
Devotional
Day 1: God's Power in Hopeless Situations
In Ezekiel 37, God takes Ezekiel into a vision of a valley filled with dry bones, symbolizing the hopeless and spiritually dead state of Israel. Israel felt utterly hopeless, believing their national identity and hope for revival were lost forever. This vision of dry bones illustrates that no situation is too hopeless for God. He specializes in reviving what seems dead, showing us that with Him, the impossible becomes possible. This message is a powerful reminder that God can bring life to any hopeless situation through His Word and His Spirit. Whether it's our marriages, relationships, or personal struggles, God specializes in reviving what seems dead. The valley of dry bones is a vision of hope, illustrating that with God, the impossible becomes possible. [10:13]
Ezekiel 37:1-3 (ESV): "The hand of the Lord was upon me, and he brought me out in the Spirit of the Lord and set me down in the middle of the valley; it was full of bones. And he led me around among them, and behold, there were very many on the surface of the valley, and behold, they were very dry. And he said to me, 'Son of man, can these bones live?' And I answered, 'O Lord God, you know.'"
Reflection: Think of a situation in your life that feels utterly hopeless. How can you invite God into this situation and trust Him to bring revival and new life?
Day 2: The Reality of Spiritual Death
The dry bones in Ezekiel's vision symbolize complete spiritual death and divine judgment. Without Jesus, we are spiritually dead, like those dry bones. This vision reminds us that sin is not just a fault or mistake but a curse that leads to spiritual death. In our modern age, we often downplay sin, but the Bible clearly calls it a curse. The hopelessness of the dry bones illustrates the severity of spiritual death and the need for divine intervention. This message calls us to recognize the gravity of sin and our need for Jesus to bring us from death to life. [14:54]
Ephesians 2:1-2 (ESV): "And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience."
Reflection: Reflect on areas of your life where you may be downplaying sin. How can you seek Jesus' forgiveness and ask for His help to overcome these areas?
Day 3: The Power of God's Word and the Holy Spirit
Regeneration is a two-part process involving the proclamation of God's Word and the work of the Holy Spirit. While the Word of God is powerful, it needs the breath of the Holy Spirit to bring true life. Without the Holy Spirit, we remain spiritually dead. The vision of the dry bones coming together but lacking life until the breath of the Spirit enters them illustrates this truth. The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, righteousness, and judgment, leading us to a life of obedience to God. Just as the dry bones were revived to form a great army, we too are filled with the Holy Spirit for a purpose—to witness and make disciples of Jesus. [23:12]
John 6:63 (ESV): "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life."
Reflection: How can you invite the Holy Spirit to breathe new life into your spiritual walk today? What steps can you take to be more open to the Spirit's work in your life?
Day 4: The Role of Preaching
Preaching the Word of God is essential for spiritual revival. Despite modern skepticism about the effectiveness of preaching, it remains a vital vehicle for salvation. When God's Word is faithfully preached, it brings revival, opposition, or both, but it always brings a lot of shaking. The vision of Ezekiel prophesying to the dry bones and seeing them come together illustrates the power of God's Word when proclaimed. This message encourages us to value and support the faithful preaching of God's Word, recognizing its vital role in bringing spiritual life and transformation. [26:04]
2 Timothy 4:2 (ESV): "Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching."
Reflection: How can you support and encourage the faithful preaching of God's Word in your church? What steps can you take to ensure you are regularly hearing and applying God's Word in your life?
Day 5: The Holy Spirit's Role in Conviction and Revival
The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, righteousness, and judgment, leading us to a life of obedience to God. Just as the dry bones were revived to form a great army, we too are filled with the Holy Spirit for a purpose—to witness and make disciples of Jesus. The vision of the dry bones coming to life through the breath of the Spirit illustrates the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. This message calls us to seek the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and to be open to His convicting and reviving work in our lives. [40:03]
John 16:8-11 (ESV): "And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need the Holy Spirit's conviction and revival? How can you actively seek the Holy Spirit's guidance and empowerment in your daily walk with God?
Quotes
### Quotes for outreach
1. "Have you ever felt hopeless? Have you ever felt in despair? Have you ever looked about your situation or about someone and you thought that your situation will not change or your situation will never change? Maybe you feel that your spouse, your children, a friend, a fellow church member, your boss, or anyone that you know, they will never change." [08:14] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Never ever underestimate the power of preaching. Never ever underestimate the vital power of the living Word of God. God in His wisdom has chosen preaching to be the vehicle to salvation. And the Apostle Peter affirms to us that the Word of God brings life to us. He says having been born again not of the corruptible seed but incorruptible through the Word of God." [26:50] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "You want to change? Hear and study the Word of God. You want to be revived? Hear and study the Word of God. You want to be spiritually resurrected? Hear and study the Word of God. You want to be healed spiritually? Hear and study the Word of God. This is basic, fundamental, elementary Salvation 101. It does not get more basics than this." [27:36] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Gandhi encouraged us to be the change but I prefer Jesus' message. Jesus said come to me and be changed. Do you have a hopeless situation? Do you feel that you are spiritually dead and there is no hope for you? Would you give your situation to Jesus right now? Would you believe that through His Word and through His Spirit you can be revived?" [45:40] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "God can breathe life through His Word and through His Spirit. Gandhi encouraged us to be the change but I prefer Jesus' message. Jesus said come to me and be changed. Do you have a hopeless situation? Do you feel that you are spiritually dead and there is no hope for you? Would you give your situation to Jesus right now?" [44:57] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for members
1. "But in our modern age, we don't think anymore that sin is a curse. We think that sin is a fault. Maybe sin is a poor choice. Maybe sin is a mistake. It's just a little flaw. But the Bible clearly calls sin a curse. And in his word, God said, Cursed is everyone who does not observe and obey all the commands that are written in God's book of the law. So the Bible is very clear. You obey, you will be blessed. You disobey, you will be cursed." [14:54] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "So the question here is not whether God can resurrect the dry bones or not, because God is all-powerful, he is omnipotent, and he can do whatever he wants to and there is nothing impossible for him. But the real question, the real idea of the question is not is God able to do this, is God willing to do this? So the question is, what is God going to do in this situation?" [22:24] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "See we are to preach the Word of God the results are in God's hands. Whether people listen or they do not listen whether people reject or accept whether people oppose or persecute we are called to preach the Word of God and God will take care of the rest. We should never be discouraged from preaching the Word of God." [32:20] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "And this picture really describes the condition of some churches. Some churches they look outwardly beautiful outwardly nice but in reality they are lifeless they are spiritually dead. Even Jesus said in the book of Revelation I know your works that you have a name that you are alive but you are dead. Outwardly the members look very nice very beautiful with their suits with their ties with their dresses with their beautiful clothes when they come to church they think they are rich they think they have everything they need but in reality they are spiritually dead." [33:51] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The converting power of the Holy Spirit. Oh, how much we need it in our individuals in our individual lives. The converting power of the Holy Spirit how much we need it in our effort to bring people to Jesus. See giving information from the Bible is not enough. Preaching and doing evangelistic series is not enough. Learning skills of persuasion is not enough. Knowing the Bible from cover to cover and be able to explain the Bible and the message in a very logical and rational way is not enough. We need the Holy Spirit to work along with us so we can see people coming to life." [38:35] (59 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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