Reviving Spiritual Vitality Through the Holy Spirit
Summary
In today's message, we explored the critical importance of being connected to the source of spiritual life, which is the Holy Spirit. We examined the state of complacency that can infiltrate our lives, leading us to a place where we may have the appearance of life but lack its power. This condition is not necessarily due to engaging in evil but rather stems from spiritual fatigue and a disconnection from the Holy Spirit.
We delved into the letter to the church in Sardis from the Book of Revelation, which serves as a stark reminder that a church, or an individual, can have a reputation for being alive yet be dead. This message is not just for the ancient church but for us today. We must wake up and strengthen what remains, tapping back into the life-giving power of the Holy Spirit.
I shared a personal testimony of a time when, despite outward success, I felt spiritually empty and disconnected. This experience taught me that even as a pastor, one can operate without the Spirit's guidance and still see success, but at the cost of personal spiritual death. It was a wake-up call to return to the source of life.
We also discussed the sevenfold aspect of the Holy Spirit, as described in Isaiah 11:1-3, and how each aspect—wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and the fear of the Lord—is essential for living a full and holy life. The Holy Spirit is not just a power but a person who walks with us, equipping us with gifts and enabling us to live out our Christian life.
Finally, we were encouraged to prophesy life over the dead areas in our lives, just as Ezekiel was commanded to prophesy over the dry bones. This act of faith activates the power of God to bring revival and transformation.
Key Takeaways:
1. Complacency in our spiritual lives can lead to a form of godliness without power. It's not enough to go through the motions; we must be connected to the Holy Spirit to experience true life and vitality. This connection is not automatic; it requires intentional pursuit and engagement with God through prayer and worship. [49:48]
2. The Holy Spirit is not a mere force but a person who provides wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and the fear of the Lord. These aspects are crucial for navigating life's challenges and growing in our relationship with God. We must actively seek the Spirit's guidance and allow Him to work through us. [32:39]
3. Spiritual dryness can affect anyone, even those in ministry. It's possible to be used by God to impact others while personally withering inside. Recognizing this disconnection is the first step toward revival. We must be vigilant in maintaining our spiritual health and seeking renewal. [55:26]
4. Prophesying life over dead situations is a powerful act of faith. Like Ezekiel in the valley of dry bones, we are called to speak God's word over the lifeless areas of our existence. This is not just wishful thinking but a declaration of faith in God's power to resurrect and restore. [01:01:34]
5. The Christian journey is not static; it's a continuous movement towards God's purposes. If we are not advancing in our faith and mission, we are regressing. We must be on guard against spiritual stagnation and always seek to grow and move forward in our walk with Christ. [42:53]
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Revelation 3:1-6 (ESV)
"And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: ‘The words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. “I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God. Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you. Yet you have a few names in Sardis, people who have not soiled their garments, and they will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’”
2. Isaiah 11:1-3 (ESV)
"There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit. And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. And his delight shall be in the fear of the Lord. He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide disputes by what his ears hear,"
3. Ezekiel 37:1-10 (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.” Then he said to me, “Prophesy over these bones, and say to them, O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. Thus says the Lord God to these bones: Behold, I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live. And I will lay sinews upon you, and will cause flesh to come upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and you shall live, and you shall know that I am the Lord.”
Observation Questions:
1. In Revelation 3:1-6, what does Jesus say about the church in Sardis' reputation versus their actual condition?
2. What does Jesus command the church in Sardis to do in order to change their condition?
3. How does Isaiah 11:1-3 describe the aspects of the Holy Spirit that rest upon the branch from Jesse's stump?
4. In Ezekiel 37:1-10, what is the prophet commanded to do to the dry bones, and what is the result?
Interpretation Questions:
1. What might be the implications of having a reputation for being alive but actually being dead, as mentioned in Revelation 3:1-6?
2. How can a community discern whether their works are "complete in the sight of God" as Jesus desires for the church in Sardis?
3. Considering the aspects of the Holy Spirit described in Isaiah 11:1-3, how do these attributes contribute to a believer's spiritual vitality and discernment?
4. What does the vision of the dry bones in Ezekiel 37 suggest about the power of God's word and the role of faith in bringing about transformation?
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own spiritual life: where might there be a discrepancy between how it appears and its true state? What steps can you take to address this?
2. Identify an area in your life that feels spiritually "dead" or inactive. What specific action will you take this week to seek the Holy Spirit's revitalization in that area?
3. Choose one aspect of the Holy Spirit from Isaiah 11:1-3 to focus on this week. What specific action will you take to cultivate it in your daily life?
4. Think of a situation in your life that seems as hopeless as the valley of dry bones. What is one way you can speak life into that situation this week, trusting in God's power to revive?
5. What is one practical way you can "wake up" and strengthen what remains in your faith community, as Jesus instructed the church in Sardis?
Devotional
Day 1: Embrace the Spirit's Vitality
The Christian life is not merely a set of rituals or a moral code; it is a vibrant journey powered by the Holy Spirit. Complacency can often creep into one's spiritual walk, leading to a form of godliness that lacks the transformative power of God. This state of spiritual autopilot is characterized by routine without the renewing energy that comes from a deep connection with the Holy Spirit. It is crucial to recognize the signs of complacency—going through the motions without passion or purpose—and to actively combat this by seeking a more profound relationship with God through prayer, worship, and the reading of Scripture. The pursuit of the Holy Spirit is not a passive endeavor; it requires a conscious and continuous effort to engage with God on a deeper level. [49:48]
"But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth." - John 4:23-24
Reflection: What are some signs of complacency you have noticed in your spiritual life, and what specific steps can you take this week to re-engage with the Holy Spirit?
Day 2: The Holy Spirit: Our Guide and Strength
The Holy Spirit is not an impersonal force but a divine person who desires to be intimately involved in every aspect of our lives. The Spirit offers wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and the fear of the Lord, which are indispensable for navigating the complexities of life and growing in holiness. To fully embrace these aspects, one must actively seek the Spirit's presence and guidance, allowing Him to shape thoughts, actions, and decisions. This relationship with the Holy Spirit is not just for extraordinary moments but for everyday life, providing the strength and direction needed to live out the Christian faith authentically and powerfully. [32:39]
"For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity." - Proverbs 2:6-7
Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper awareness of the Holy Spirit's presence in your daily life, and in what ways might you need His wisdom and strength today?
Day 3: Awakening from Spiritual Dryness
Spiritual dryness is a condition that can affect anyone, including those actively serving in ministry. It is a state where one can outwardly function in their role and even achieve success, yet inwardly feel disconnected and withered. Recognizing this disconnection is the first step toward spiritual revival. It is essential to remain vigilant about one's spiritual health, continually seeking renewal through prayer, reflection, and community. By acknowledging areas of dryness and taking steps to reconnect with the Holy Spirit, one can experience a reawakening of the soul and a renewed sense of purpose and passion in their walk with God. [55:26]
"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me." - Psalm 51:10-11
Reflection: Can you identify any areas of spiritual dryness in your life, and what practical actions will you take to seek renewal and reconnection with the Holy Spirit?
Day 4: Proclaiming Life Over Deadness
Speaking life into dead situations is a bold act of faith that reflects the believer's trust in God's power to bring about resurrection and restoration. Just as Ezekiel was commanded to prophesy over the dry bones, Christians are called to declare God's word and promises over the lifeless areas of their lives. This declaration is not mere optimism but a faith-filled response to God's ability to breathe life into what seems hopeless. By prophesying life, believers activate their faith, inviting God's transformative power to work miracles and bring revival to the most desolate parts of their existence. [01:01:34]
"And I will put my Spirit within you, and you shall live, and I will place you in your own land. Then you shall know that I am the Lord; I have spoken, and I will do it, declares the Lord." - Ezekiel 37:14
Reflection: What is one 'dry bone' area in your life that you need to start speaking life over, and what specific words of faith can you declare today?
Day 5: Advancing in Faith and Purpose
The Christian journey is a dynamic and forward-moving adventure, not a static existence. If one is not progressing in faith and mission, there is a risk of regressing into spiritual stagnation. Believers must guard against complacency and actively seek growth and advancement in their relationship with Christ. This pursuit involves embracing new challenges, deepening one's understanding of God's word, and stepping out in faith to fulfill God's purposes. The call to move forward is a call to a life of continuous transformation and a deeper experience of God's grace and power. [42:53]
"Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 3:13-14
Reflection: In what ways have you experienced spiritual stagnation, and what is one actionable step you can take to move forward in your faith journey this week?
Quotes
1) "Man, it's hard to pray in the morning. I get it. It's hard to pray in the afternoon. It's hard to read your Bible. When you worship, it feels empty because you're dead. You're not plugged into the source. I'm telling you, believer, you need revival in your life. You need God to come in and awaken the dead things in your life. Praise God, I know the God of revival. I know the one that gives life." [51:05]
2) "If you live by the flesh all the time, you're going to die. You've got to live by the Spirit. This is why the Spirit is given to the believer so we can live out this life. He is the one that gives us life. Look, the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead dwells in you. He gives you life. He gives you strength. He can make the dead things rise in your life." [53:59]
3) "You may feel dead today, but God can make you alive. Nothing is too far for Jesus to raise to life. Jesus is the one that raises all things to life through the power of the Holy Spirit. I'm telling you, if we're not careful, we can read this letter and not think it pertains to us." [46:01]
4) "The Holy Spirit is not a power. It's not a force. The Holy Spirit is a person. And so Jesus has said, I'm sending you this advocate. I'm sending you a counselor. I'm sending someone your way to help you live out this Christian life because it's going to be difficult." [40:36]
5) "The spirit of wisdom, the spirit of understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge, and the spirit of the fear of the Lord. The Holy Spirit gives us all those things according to our needs. And it's the gift of the Spirit, this aspect of the Spirit that we need to live a full and holy life." [34:01]
6) "Prophesy over these bones and say to them, oh, dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. I think as believers, we make prophecy weird. And you know why it's weird? Because people are weird. Prophecy is merely speaking the words of God. Now, they may be written words of God speaking over you or the word of God directly to you through the Spirit for you or someone else." [01:02:18]
7) "And the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood on their feet, an exceedingly great army. So from dead things to an army of God. This is what Jesus does to the believer's life. I was dead, now I'm alive. I was dry bones, but now I stand united with Jesus Christ in His army, in His kingdom, and I'm going to march, and I'm going to bring His kingdom to earth." [01:03:55]
8) "I had to do a deep dive inside my life and say, okay, God, what's dead that needs to be reborn? What is dead in my life that needs new life? And so I had to find it, and I had to build on it, on my knees, in the prayer closet. Like I said, there's no other way around it. You've got to get back in the presence of God." [58:49]
9) "The only way you call upon the name of the Lord is through the Holy Spirit. He is the one that prompts the believer at the time of conversion to say, Jesus, you are my Lord and my Savior. And he goes on to say, Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. So the Holy Spirit gives all these gifts." [39:12]
10) "You're doing all the good works. You're doing all the right things. But there's no life in you. There's no power in you. And there's no strength in you. And I find it interesting that in this letter to Sardis, Jesus doesn't talk about persecution that they're going through. They don't have any problems except for they're dying." [30:17]
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