We take a break from Galatians and talk about revival.
WHAT IS REVIVAL?
Revival is the sovereign activity of God whereby he renews his people individually and corporately in vigor, affecting both sincerity of belief and quality of behavior.
WHAT IS THE NATURE OF REVIVAL?
Scripture indicates that a number of characteristics precede revival, including repentance, humility and obedience.
Characteristics which precede revival
- God’s people long for renewal of their lives Ps 80:18 See also Ps 74:22; 80:1-17,19; 85:6
- God’s people must repent 2Ch 7:14 See also 1Ki 8:46-50 pp 2Ch 6:26-27; Isa 64:1-7; Hos 5:15; Ac 3:19
- God’s people experience a new awareness of sin 2Ki 22:11 See also Ps 32:3-5
- God’s people need to be humble Isa 57:15 See also Ps 149:4; Isa 66:2; Mic 6:6-8
- God’s people are revived through God’s initiative Isa 59:16 See also Jer 24:7; 33:6-9; Tit 3:5
Characteristic results of revival
- People experience inward change Heb 8:10-12 See also Jer 31:33-34; Eze 11:19; Ac 2:42-47
- People live obedient lives Eze 11:20 See also Eph 4:1-3; 1Th 1:7-8
- People are zealous for God’s work Ezr 5:1-2 See also Hag 1:12-15
- People are generous in giving Ex 36:5 See also 1Ch 29:6-9; 2Ch 31:3-8; Ac 11:28-30
- People delight in worshipping God Ezr 3:11 See also Isa 12:1-6
- People are joyful Ac 13:49-52 See also Isa 35:1-10; Ac 8:5-8
- God receives praise Ps 40:3 See also 2Sa 22:50 pp Ps 18:49; Ps 51:15; 59:16; 61:8
The Revival of Israel
- Under Hezekiah 2Ki 18:4-6; 2Ch 29:3-5; 30:1; 31:4,9-10,20-21
- Under Josiah 2Ki 23:1-4 pp 2Ch 34:29-33; 2Ch 35:1-3
Revival in the New Testament
- Crowds turn to the Lord Mk 1:5; Jn 3:26; 4:39; Ac 2:41,47; 4:4; 11:21
- The Holy Spirit is active in the revival of believers Ac 4:31 See also Ac 13:9; 2Co 4:16; Eph 5:18
- The response of believers in revival Ro 12:1-2 See also Eph 4:23-24; Php 3:13-14; Col 3:9-14
