Understanding the True Nature of Revival

 

Summary

In the book of Acts, chapter 2, verses 12 and 13, we find a profound moment in the early church's history, where the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost led to reactions of amazement, doubt, and even mockery. This passage serves as a lens through which we can examine the phenomenon of revival—a spiritual awakening that has periodically swept through the church, reviving believers and drawing the attention of the world to the mighty hand of God. Revival is not merely an emotional or psychological event; it is a divine visitation that revitalizes the church and calls the world to salvation.

Throughout history, revivals have been accompanied by various phenomena, both physical and mental. These include people falling to the ground under conviction, speaking in tongues, and experiencing visions or trances. While these phenomena can be perplexing, they are not the essence of revival but rather incidental occurrences that may accompany the powerful movement of the Spirit. It is crucial to discern the true work of the Spirit from mere emotionalism or psychological manipulation.

False explanations for these phenomena, such as brainwashing, mass hysteria, or even the work of the devil, fail to account for the genuine spiritual transformation and the widespread conversion of souls that characterize true revival. Instead, we must recognize that these events are manifestations of God's Spirit, as prophesied by Joel and witnessed in the early church. The Spirit's outpouring affects the whole person—body, soul, and spirit—and can lead to extraordinary expressions of faith and devotion.

As we seek revival, our focus should not be on the phenomena themselves but on the glory of God and the outpouring of His Spirit. We must remain vigilant against counterfeit manifestations and keep our eyes fixed on the true work of God. In doing so, we open ourselves to the possibility of experiencing a genuine move of the Spirit that transforms lives and communities.

Key Takeaways:

- Revival is a divine visitation that revitalizes the church and draws the world to salvation. It is not merely an emotional or psychological event but a powerful movement of God's Spirit that calls attention to His mighty hand. [01:21]

- The phenomena accompanying revivals, such as speaking in tongues or falling under conviction, are not the essence of revival but incidental occurrences. They serve to draw attention to the work of God but should not be the focus of our pursuit. [06:43]

- False explanations like brainwashing or mass hysteria fail to account for the genuine spiritual transformation and widespread conversion that characterize true revival. These explanations overlook the divine origin and purpose of revival. [23:26]

- The outpouring of the Spirit affects the whole person—body, soul, and spirit. This holistic impact can lead to extraordinary expressions of faith, such as prophecy or visions, which are manifestations of God's presence and power. [40:11]

- Our focus in seeking revival should be on the glory of God and the outpouring of His Spirit, not on the phenomena themselves. We must remain vigilant against counterfeit manifestations and keep our eyes fixed on the true work of God. [50:19]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:07] - Introduction to Acts 2:12-13
- [00:27] - Understanding Revival
- [01:03] - Purpose of Revival
- [02:15] - Effects of Revival
- [03:10] - Reactions to Revival
- [04:30] - Phenomena in Revival
- [05:53] - Emotional Elements in Revival
- [06:26] - Additional Phenomena
- [08:44] - Physical and Mental Phenomena
- [11:08] - Gifts of Speech and Prophecy
- [13:32] - Knowledge and Discrimination
- [15:23] - Explaining the Phenomena
- [20:17] - Brainwashing Theory
- [23:26] - Mass Hysteria Theory
- [29:49] - Psychic Explanation
- [32:12] - Work of the Devil Theory
- [35:41] - True Explanation of Revival
- [37:58] - Scriptural Insights on Phenomena
- [42:42] - Conclusion and Caution Against Quenching the Spirit

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Acts 2:12-13
- Joel 2:28-29
- 1 Corinthians 12:7-11

---

Observation Questions:

1. In Acts 2:12-13, what were the different reactions of the people to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost? How do these reactions reflect the varied responses to revival mentioned in the sermon? [03:10]

2. According to the sermon, what are some of the physical and mental phenomena that have historically accompanied revivals? How are these phenomena described in the context of the early church? [08:44]

3. What false explanations for revival phenomena are discussed in the sermon, and how are they refuted? [23:26]

4. How does the sermon describe the holistic impact of the Spirit's outpouring on individuals? What are some examples given of extraordinary expressions of faith? [40:11]

---

Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the prophecy in Joel 2:28-29 relate to the events described in Acts 2:12-13? What does this connection suggest about the nature of revival? [36:30]

2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of discerning true spiritual work from emotionalism or psychological manipulation. What criteria are suggested for making this distinction? [48:22]

3. How does the sermon address the concern of counterfeit manifestations during revivals? What guidance is provided for maintaining focus on the true work of God? [50:19]

4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the outpouring of the Spirit can lead to extraordinary expressions of faith, such as prophecy or visions? How should these be understood in the context of revival? [40:11]

---

Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you experienced or witnessed a spiritual awakening. How did it impact your faith and understanding of God's work in your life? How can you remain open to such experiences in the future? [01:21]

2. The sermon warns against focusing on the phenomena of revival rather than the glory of God. How can you ensure that your spiritual pursuits remain centered on God rather than on extraordinary experiences? [06:43]

3. Consider the false explanations for revival phenomena discussed in the sermon. How can you engage with skeptics or those who misunderstand revival in a way that is both respectful and informative? [23:26]

4. The sermon highlights the holistic impact of the Spirit's outpouring. How can you prepare yourself—body, soul, and spirit—to be receptive to a move of the Spirit in your life? [40:11]

5. How can you discern between genuine spiritual experiences and those that might be emotionally or psychologically driven? What practices can help you develop this discernment? [48:22]

6. The sermon encourages vigilance against counterfeit manifestations. What steps can you take to ensure that your spiritual community remains focused on the true work of God? [50:19]

7. Identify one area in your life or community where you desire to see revival. What specific actions can you take to pray for and facilitate a genuine move of the Spirit in that area? [50:19]

Devotional

Day 1: Revival as Divine Visitation
Revival is a divine visitation that revitalizes the church and draws the world to salvation. It is not merely an emotional or psychological event but a powerful movement of God's Spirit that calls attention to His mighty hand. Revival is a profound spiritual awakening that transcends human understanding and explanation. It is a time when God chooses to pour out His Spirit in a way that transforms lives, communities, and even nations. This divine visitation is characterized by a renewed passion for God, a deep conviction of sin, and a compelling call to repentance and faith. The essence of revival is not found in the emotional or psychological responses it may evoke but in the genuine spiritual transformation it brings about. [01:21]

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: In what areas of your life do you need a fresh outpouring of God's Spirit to bring about transformation and renewal? How can you open yourself to His divine visitation today?


Day 2: Phenomena as Incidental Occurrences
The phenomena accompanying revivals, such as speaking in tongues or falling under conviction, are not the essence of revival but incidental occurrences. They serve to draw attention to the work of God but should not be the focus of our pursuit. These phenomena, while often dramatic and attention-grabbing, are secondary to the true purpose of revival, which is the glorification of God and the transformation of lives. It is important to discern the difference between the genuine work of the Spirit and mere emotionalism or psychological manipulation. By keeping our focus on God and His glory, we can avoid being distracted by the incidental occurrences and remain open to the true work of the Spirit. [06:43]

1 Corinthians 14:12 (ESV): "So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church."

Reflection: How can you ensure that your focus remains on God's glory and the true work of the Spirit, rather than being distracted by the phenomena that may accompany revival?


Day 3: Discerning True Revival
False explanations like brainwashing or mass hysteria fail to account for the genuine spiritual transformation and widespread conversion that characterize true revival. These explanations overlook the divine origin and purpose of revival. True revival is marked by a deep and lasting change in individuals and communities, a change that cannot be explained by human means alone. It is a work of God that brings about repentance, faith, and a renewed commitment to His purposes. By recognizing the divine origin of revival, we can better understand its true nature and purpose, and avoid being misled by false explanations. [23:26]

1 Thessalonians 1:5 (ESV): "Because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake."

Reflection: What are some ways you can discern the true work of the Spirit in your life and in your community, and avoid being misled by false explanations?


Day 4: Holistic Impact of the Spirit
The outpouring of the Spirit affects the whole person—body, soul, and spirit. This holistic impact can lead to extraordinary expressions of faith, such as prophecy or visions, which are manifestations of God's presence and power. When the Spirit moves, it touches every aspect of our being, bringing about a comprehensive transformation that affects our thoughts, emotions, and actions. This holistic impact is a testament to the power and presence of God, and it can lead to extraordinary expressions of faith and devotion. By embracing the full work of the Spirit, we can experience the depth and breadth of His transformative power in our lives. [40:11]

1 Corinthians 2:4-5 (ESV): "And my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God."

Reflection: In what ways have you experienced the holistic impact of the Spirit in your life, and how can you open yourself to even greater expressions of His power and presence?


Day 5: Focus on God's Glory
Our focus in seeking revival should be on the glory of God and the outpouring of His Spirit, not on the phenomena themselves. We must remain vigilant against counterfeit manifestations and keep our eyes fixed on the true work of God. By prioritizing God's glory and the genuine work of the Spirit, we can avoid being led astray by counterfeit manifestations and remain open to the true move of God. This focus requires discernment, vigilance, and a deep commitment to seeking God's presence and power above all else. By keeping our eyes fixed on Him, we can experience the fullness of His Spirit and the transformative power of true revival. [50:19]

Colossians 3:2-3 (ESV): "Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God."

Reflection: How can you keep your focus on God's glory and the true work of the Spirit in your life, and avoid being distracted by counterfeit manifestations?

Quotes

Revival is a divine visitation that revitalizes the church and draws the world to salvation. It is not merely an emotional or psychological event but a powerful movement of God's Spirit that calls attention to His mighty hand. [00:01:21]

The phenomena accompanying revivals, such as speaking in tongues or falling under conviction, are not the essence of revival but incidental occurrences. They serve to draw attention to the work of God but should not be the focus of our pursuit. [00:06:43]

False explanations like brainwashing or mass hysteria fail to account for the genuine spiritual transformation and widespread conversion that characterize true revival. These explanations overlook the divine origin and purpose of revival. [00:23:26]

The outpouring of the Spirit affects the whole person—body, soul, and spirit. This holistic impact can lead to extraordinary expressions of faith, such as prophecy or visions, which are manifestations of God's presence and power. [00:40:11]

Our focus in seeking revival should be on the glory of God and the outpouring of His Spirit, not on the phenomena themselves. We must remain vigilant against counterfeit manifestations and keep our eyes fixed on the true work of God. [00:50:19]

There are people who disapprove of the whole notion of Revival. There are people like that in the Christian church as well as people who are outside the Christian church. So it seems to me that it is very important that we should deal with this question of the phenomena. [00:05:17]

The suggestion with regard to brainwashing, to give it its general term, completely fails in the matter of Revival because it completely fails to explain the beginning of a Revival. Now take for instance what happened in Northern Ireland. There it happened in the case of one man to start with. [00:20:17]

The Holy Spirit affects the whole person. Other influences do; any powerful stimulus affects the whole person. Have you listened on your wireless to the broadcasts of football matches and so have you been to such places? Have you seen people under the excitement shouting until they lose their voices? [00:43:42]

The phenomena are not essential to Revival. They're not vital to Revival. They are not religious in and of themselves. I believe that in their origin they're essentially of the spirit of God, but we must always allow for the fact that because of the very frailty of human nature and of our physical frames. [00:48:19]

We mustn't seek phenomena and strange experiences. What we must seek is the manifestation of God's glory and his power and his might. What we must seek is Reviving. What we must seek is an outpouring of the spirit of God upon us. [00:50:19]

The phenomena should not be sought; they should not be encouraged; they should not be boasted of. The phenomena, if I may use a modern term, are epiphenomena, incidental, occasional, concomitant, and not a vital essential part. [00:46:36]

Let us be careful lest we quench the spirit and let us keep our eyes fixed upon the glory of God and the outpouring of his holy spirit. [00:51:45]

Chatbot

  • I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from May 24, 2017. Do you have any questions about it?

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