What Is Revival
David Legge teaches that true revival is a profound reaching high to God, characterized by a contrite and humble spirit seeking a deeper knowledge and presence of God beyond mere descriptions or external manifestations.
This sermon emphasizes the essence of revival, focusing on the need for individuals to reach high to the High and Lofty One while also bowing low in brokenness and humility. The speaker highlights the importance of personal revival preceding widespread revival, emphasizing the significance of being broken before God, confessing sins, and being continuously filled with the Holy Spirit. The message underscores the necessity of desiring God above all else and staying connected to the life of Jesus for true revival.
Sermon Outline
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I. Understanding Revival
- Distinguish between descriptions and definition of revival
- Revival is not just external manifestations but a spiritual reality
- Illustration of God’s indescribable nature to explain revival
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II. Biblical Definition of Revival
- Isaiah 57:15 as the key text defining revival
- Revival involves God dwelling with the contrite and humble
- Revival revives the spirit of the humble and contrite heart
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III. The Twofold Nature of Revival
- A reaching high to God motivated by dissatisfaction with status quo
- Breaking up the fallow ground in our hearts (Hosea 10:12)
- A desire for a higher knowledge and experience of God
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IV. The Presence of God in Revival
- Revival brings a special, supernatural presence of God
- Desire for God must be paramount over other revival outcomes
- Isaiah’s prayer for God to rend the heavens and come down
Key Quotes
“The authenticity of our desire for revival is relative to our desire for God.” — David Legge
“Revival in a nutshell is twofold: it is a reaching high to the High and Lofty One.” — David Legge
“When revival comes, God comes.” — David Legge
Application Points
- Examine your heart and be willing to break up the fallow ground to prepare for revival.
- Cultivate a deep, authentic desire for God above all other revival outcomes.
- Seek a higher knowledge and experience of God through prayer and humility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core definition of revival according to David Legge?
Revival is God dwelling with a contrite and humble spirit to revive the spirit and heart of believers, focusing on a deep desire for God's presence.
How does revival begin according to the sermon?
Revival often begins with dissatisfaction with the current spiritual state, leading to a reaching high for a deeper experience with God.
Is revival only about external changes like more church attendance?
No, revival is primarily about a spiritual renewal and a greater knowledge of God, not just external or numerical changes.
What role does prayer play in revival?
Prayer is foundational, as revival often starts when God's people earnestly seek Him and put prayer in its rightful place.
Why is a desire for God essential in revival?
Because revival's authenticity is measured by our desire for God above all else, not just for revival's secondary benefits.