A Revival of Holiness
A revival of holiness is necessary for the consecration of the whole being to the service of Christ, where the whole life is devoted to His will and service.
The preacher emphasizes the concept of 'sunergos,' meaning a companion in work or a fellow laborer, highlighting the intimate relationship between Timothy and God as a supernatural synergy. This term is used in the New Testament to describe those who labor together in furthering the cause of Christ, emphasizing an affectionate partnership and teamwork within the body of Christ. Being a 'sunergos' involves submitting to God, working with fellow believers, and serving others selflessly, ultimately building up the body of Christ and functioning as a united team.
Text
The revival we need is a revival of holiness, in which the consecration of the whole being is to the service of Christ, and that for the whole life shall be counted possible. And for this there will be needed a new style of preaching in which the promises of God to dwell in His people, and to sanctify them for Himself, will take a place which they do not now have.
When our Lord Jesus gave the promise of the Holy Spirit, He spoke of the New Covenant blessing that would be experienced - God dwelling in His people. "If a man love Me, he will keep my words; and My Father will love him." So Paul also writes: "That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith . . . that you might be filled with all the fullness of God." With the Reformation, the great truth of justification by faith was restored to its place. But the other great truth of sanctification has never yet taken its place in the preaching and practice of the Church which God's Word claims for it.
It is for this that we need a revival, that the Holy Spirit may so take possession of us that the Father and the Son can live in us, and that the fellowship with Them, and devotion to Their will and service shall be our chief joy. This will be in very deed a holiness revival.
Sermon Outline
- The Need for a Revival of Holiness
- A New Style of Preaching
- The Reality of God's Presence
- The Role of the Holy Spirit
- Taking possession of us
- Enabling fellowship with the Father and the Son
- Devotion to Their will and service
Key Quotes
“If a man love Me, he will keep my words; and My Father will love him.” — Andrew Murray
“That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith . . . that you might be filled with all the fullness of God.” — Andrew Murray
Application Points
- We must consecrate our whole being to the service of Christ for the whole life.
- We need a new style of preaching that emphasizes God's promises to dwell in His people and sanctify them for Himself.
- The Holy Spirit must take possession of us to enable fellowship with the Father and the Son and devotion to Their will and service.