A Revival of Holiness
God's concept of revival involves sweeping out unclean and unsanctified chambers of the heart, creating a clean heart and renewing a steadfast spirit.
David Wilkerson emphasizes that God is not surprised by the moral decay in the world, such as drug abuse and abortion, and His response to such turmoil is to raise individuals like Nehemiah who are committed to prayer, fasting, and a holy walk with Him. Nehemiah's dedication led to a revival of holiness in Israel, where he purified the people and the temple, demonstrating that true revival begins with personal sanctification and a broken heart for the state of the nation. Wilkerson calls believers to examine their hearts and remove any uncleanliness, urging them to be agents of change in a world in need of God's victory.
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God is never caught off guard by anything that happens in our world. He isn't surprised by the awful drug plague or the blood-bath of abortion. So what is his response in times of turmoil and depravity? What does he propose as an antidote to apostasy and growing demonic power?
God's answer is the same as it always has been -- to bring forth the victory of God in a renewed way. In Nehemiah's day, the walls of Jerusalem were in ruins, the city a literal pile of stones, and the church was totally backslidden. The wicked powers surrounding Israel persecuted them severely, mocking every work they tried to undertake.
How did God respond in such a time of ruin? Did he send a well-trained militia to help them? Did he send a palace guard to smite their prominent enemies? No, God raised up one man -- Nehemiah -- who spent his time praying, fasting and mourning, because he was broken over Israel's condition. He also continually dug into God's Word, grasping prophecy and moving in the Spirit. He remained separate from all the wickedness surrounding him and maintained a holy walk with the Lord. And, in turn, everyone who heard him preach was purified in soul.
Soon a revival of holiness swept the land. "The priests and Levites purified themselves, and purified the people, the gates, and the wall" (Nehemiah 12:30). The house of God also was purged, with everything of the flesh cast out. Nehemiah told the temple workers, "Take out everything that has to do with idolatry or sensuality!"
Nehemiah had the spiritual authority to bring back godly fear to the temple because he had been on his knees, weeping, broken, seeking God's heart. And because of this, he was able to confess the sins of a whole nation: "Please let Your ear be attentive and Your eyes open, that You may hear the prayer of Your servant ... for the children of Israel" (Nehemiah 1:6).
Beloved, this is God's concept of revival! Every chamber of your heart that is unclean and unsanctified must be swept out -- no dark places left. "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me" (Psalm 51:10).
Purpose in your heart to be the person of God who brings about change in the world around you.
Sermon Outline
- I. God's Response to Turmoil and Depravity
- A. Bringing forth the victory of God in a renewed way
- B. Through prayer, fasting, and mourning
- C. By digging into God's Word and moving in the Spirit
- II. Nehemiah's Example
- A. He remained separate from wickedness and maintained a holy walk
- B. He purified the people, gates, and wall through his preaching
- C. He brought about a revival of holiness in the land
- III. The Importance of Spiritual Authority
- A. Obtained through prayer, fasting, and seeking God's heart
- B. Necessary for confessing the sins of a nation and bringing about change
Key Quotes
“God is never caught off guard by anything that happens in our world.” — David Wilkerson
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me” — David Wilkerson
“Purpose in your heart to be the person of God who brings about change in the world around you.” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- Prayer, fasting, and mourning can bring about spiritual authority and a renewed way of living.
- Purifying the heart and soul is essential for bringing about change in the world around us.
- Being the person of God who brings about change requires a deep commitment to prayer, fasting, and seeking God's heart.