Unity in the Spirit: The Call for Revival
Summary
In Ephesians 4:4-6, Paul emphasizes the unity of the Christian Church, rooted in the unity of the Holy Trinity. This unity is not merely organizational but is a profound, organic, and spiritual unity that mirrors the unity within the Godhead. The Apostle Paul urges believers to walk in a manner worthy of their calling, maintaining the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. This unity is not something that can be manufactured by human effort but is a work of the Holy Spirit, who is the source of all spiritual gifts and graces. The Holy Spirit's work, both ordinary and extraordinary, always promotes unity within the Church.
The ordinary work of the Spirit involves preparing believers for the body of Christ, imparting life, and producing the fruit of the Spirit, which naturally leads to harmony. However, there is also an extraordinary work of the Spirit, often referred to as revival. Revival is a special outpouring of the Spirit, akin to what happened on the day of Pentecost, where the Church is lifted to a new level of experience and understanding, and many are brought to a saving knowledge of Christ.
Revival is not something that can be scheduled or manufactured; it is a sovereign work of God. Throughout history, revivals have occurred unexpectedly and have been marked by a profound sense of God's presence, clarity of understanding, and a boldness in witness. These revivals have transcended national and cultural barriers, demonstrating the supernatural and divine character of the Church. The history of revivals shows that they are God's way of keeping His work alive, and they are the Church's greatest hope in times of spiritual decline.
The Church today must recognize its impotence and rely on the power of the Spirit. Believers are called to pray earnestly for revival, seeking a fresh outpouring of the Spirit that will bring about a renewed sense of God's presence, unity, and power in the Church. This is the urgent need of the hour, and it is the responsibility of every Christian to pray for this mighty work of God.
Key Takeaways:
- The unity of the Church is rooted in the unity of the Holy Trinity and is a spiritual, organic unity that cannot be manufactured by human effort. It is the work of the Holy Spirit, who imparts life and produces the fruit of the Spirit, leading to harmony and peace. [02:09]
- The extraordinary work of the Spirit, known as revival, is a sovereign act of God that lifts the Church to a new level of experience and understanding. It is marked by a profound sense of God's presence and a boldness in witness, transcending national and cultural barriers. [12:18]
- Revival is not something that can be scheduled or manufactured; it is a sovereign work of God that occurs unexpectedly. It demonstrates the supernatural and divine character of the Church and is God's way of keeping His work alive. [31:12]
- The history of revivals shows that they are God's way of reviving His Church in times of spiritual decline. They are marked by a profound sense of God's presence, clarity of understanding, and a boldness in witness, leading to a renewed sense of unity and power in the Church. [19:12]
- The Church today must recognize its impotence and rely on the power of the Spirit. Believers are called to pray earnestly for revival, seeking a fresh outpouring of the Spirit that will bring about a renewed sense of God's presence, unity, and power in the Church. [44:11]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - Introduction to Ephesians 4:4-6
- [00:45] - Unity in the Church
- [01:52] - The Doctrine of the Church
- [03:00] - Unity in the Trinity
- [03:18] - The Work of the Holy Spirit
- [04:47] - Ordinary and Extraordinary Work of the Spirit
- [09:20] - The Concept of Revival
- [12:18] - Defining Revival
- [14:29] - Misunderstandings About Revival
- [17:05] - Scriptural Basis for Revival
- [19:12] - Historical Examples of Revival
- [23:00] - Characteristics of Revival
- [31:00] - The Unexpected Nature of Revival
- [41:33] - The Call to Pray for Revival
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Ephesians 4:4-6
- Acts 2:1-4
- 2 Corinthians 4:7
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#### Observation Questions
1. According to Ephesians 4:4-6, what are the elements that Paul identifies as foundational to the unity of the Church?
2. How does the sermon describe the ordinary work of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers? [04:27]
3. What historical examples of revival were mentioned in the sermon, and what common characteristics did they share? [19:12]
4. How does the sermon describe the unexpected nature of revival? [31:12]
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#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the unity of the Church reflect the unity of the Holy Trinity, as discussed in the sermon? [03:00]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the extraordinary work of the Holy Spirit, such as revival, differs from His ordinary work? [09:20]
3. What does the sermon imply about the role of human effort in achieving spiritual unity and revival? [32:08]
4. How does the sermon interpret the significance of the historical pattern of revivals in the Church? [19:12]
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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced a sense of unity within your church community. What contributed to that unity, and how can you help foster it now?
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of praying for revival. How can you incorporate this into your personal prayer life? [44:11]
3. Consider the ordinary work of the Holy Spirit in your life. How can you be more aware of and responsive to His guidance daily? [04:27]
4. The sermon mentions the unexpected nature of revival. How can you prepare your heart and mind to be open to unexpected movements of the Spirit? [31:12]
5. Identify one area in your church or community where you see a need for revival. What steps can you take to address this need through prayer or action?
6. The sermon discusses the supernatural character of the Church during revivals. How can you contribute to making your church a place where God's presence is evident? [22:13]
7. Think about a specific spiritual gift you have. How can you use it to promote unity and serve others in your church community? [06:10]
Devotional
Day 1: Unity Rooted in the Trinity
The unity of the Church is deeply rooted in the unity of the Holy Trinity. This unity is not a mere organizational structure but a profound, organic, and spiritual connection that reflects the unity within the Godhead. The Apostle Paul, in Ephesians 4:4-6, calls believers to walk in a manner worthy of their calling, maintaining the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. This unity is not something that can be manufactured by human effort; it is a work of the Holy Spirit, who imparts life and produces the fruit of the Spirit, leading to harmony and peace. The Holy Spirit's work is essential in fostering this unity, as it is the source of all spiritual gifts and graces. [02:09]
"There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." (Ephesians 4:4-6, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you actively seek to maintain the unity of the Spirit in your church community today?
Day 2: Revival as a Sovereign Act of God
Revival is an extraordinary work of the Spirit, a sovereign act of God that lifts the Church to a new level of experience and understanding. It is marked by a profound sense of God's presence and a boldness in witness, transcending national and cultural barriers. Revival cannot be scheduled or manufactured; it occurs unexpectedly and demonstrates the supernatural and divine character of the Church. Throughout history, revivals have shown that they are God's way of keeping His work alive, bringing about a renewed sense of unity and power in the Church. [12:18]
"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: How can you prepare your heart to be open to an unexpected move of God in your life and community?
Day 3: The Unexpected Nature of Revival
Revival is not something that can be scheduled or manufactured; it is a sovereign work of God that occurs unexpectedly. It demonstrates the supernatural and divine character of the Church and is God's way of keeping His work alive. The history of revivals shows that they are marked by a profound sense of God's presence, clarity of understanding, and a boldness in witness, leading to a renewed sense of unity and power in the Church. These revivals have transcended national and cultural barriers, showing that the Church is a supernatural entity. [31:12]
"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." (Psalm 85:6-7, ESV)
Reflection: What steps can you take to cultivate a sense of expectancy for God's unexpected work in your life and church?
Day 4: Historical Examples of Revival
The history of revivals shows that they are God's way of reviving His Church in times of spiritual decline. These revivals are marked by a profound sense of God's presence, clarity of understanding, and a boldness in witness, leading to a renewed sense of unity and power in the Church. They demonstrate the supernatural and divine character of the Church, transcending national and cultural barriers. Revivals have been a source of hope and renewal for the Church, showing that God is actively at work in His people. [19:12]
"Look among the nations, and see; wonder and be astounded. For I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe if told." (Habakkuk 1:5, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you experienced a personal revival or renewal. How did it change your relationship with God and others?
Day 5: The Call to Pray for Revival
The Church today must recognize its impotence and rely on the power of the Spirit. Believers are called to pray earnestly for revival, seeking a fresh outpouring of the Spirit that will bring about a renewed sense of God's presence, unity, and power in the Church. This is the urgent need of the hour, and it is the responsibility of every Christian to pray for this mighty work of God. By seeking God's face and asking for His Spirit to move, believers can be part of a transformative work that impacts their communities and the world. [44:11]
"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." (2 Chronicles 7:14, ESV)
Reflection: How can you incorporate regular prayer for revival into your daily routine, and who can you invite to join you in this prayer?
Quotes
The Apostle Paul urges believers to walk in a manner worthy of their calling, maintaining the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. This unity is not something that can be manufactured by human effort but is a work of the Holy Spirit, who is the source of all spiritual gifts and graces. [00:02:02]
The unity that belongs to the church is a unity that derives from the unity that is in the Blessed Holy Trinity: the three persons in one, one God in three persons. Well now, we are looking at the moment at this first statement concerning the unity which is in the fourth verse. [00:02:48]
The work of the Holy Spirit can be divided into ordinary and extraordinary, into that which is usual and that which is special, and it is a very important distinction to draw. Now, last Sunday morning we were dealing particularly with the ordinary work of the Spirit. [00:04:43]
Revival is a special outpouring of the Spirit, akin to what happened on the day of Pentecost, where the Church is lifted to a new level of experience and understanding, and many are brought to a saving knowledge of Christ. Revival is not something that can be scheduled or manufactured. [00:09:36]
The history of the church has been a history of ups and downs throughout these long-running centuries. Indeed, there is a sense in which it can be said almost that the history of the church is the history of revivals and of the waning of Revival and the coming back of Revival. [00:19:20]
There is nothing surely that so proves the supernatural and the divine character of the church and that she is the work of the Holy Spirit so much as a Revival. I hope to work that out in a few moments with you, but let me make my point and principle clear. [00:22:06]
The remarkable thing about every Revival is that it seems to be exactly like every other Revival. It doesn't matter when it takes place; it doesn't matter whether the Revival is in the first century or whether it's in the 16th Century or the 17th or the 18th or the 19th or the 20th. [00:24:47]
The history of all revivals is almost identical. Now, that is truly an astonishing thing. Now, you can't say that about the history of men. There are differences in the reactions and the behavior of men in general from age to age, from country to country. [00:24:50]
The first task, the first duty of Christian people and of the Christian church today is to pray and plead for a repetition of this Pentecost, the Holy Ghost Revival, God again coming in authority and might and power into the midst of his people. [00:44:07]
The Holy Spirit is in the church; all you've got to do is to surrender yourself to his influence and his power, and then he will fill you and all who do the same, and so the church will be filled with the spirit. [00:16:39]
The unity of the Church is rooted in the unity of the Holy Trinity and is a spiritual, organic unity that cannot be manufactured by human effort. It is the work of the Holy Spirit, who imparts life and produces the fruit of the Spirit, leading to harmony and peace. [00:03:36]
The Church today must recognize its impotence and rely on the power of the Spirit. Believers are called to pray earnestly for revival, seeking a fresh outpouring of the Spirit that will bring about a renewed sense of God's presence, unity, and power in the Church. [00:44:11]
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