Evidence of Revival
The evidence of true revival includes a great desire to hear and obey God's Word, true repentance, a spirit of joy and celebration, and absolute separation from the world.
David Wilkerson emphasizes that true revival is evidenced by a deep desire to hear and obey God's Word, as demonstrated by the people in Nehemiah's time who eagerly listened to Ezra read the law. He highlights that true repentance follows this desire, leading to worship and a heartfelt response to God's message. Wilkerson notes that revival brings joy and celebration among believers who understand and embrace the Word of God. Additionally, he points out that genuine revival requires a separation from worldly influences, as believers strive to reflect the image of Christ. Ultimately, he encourages the church to embrace this call for revival and transformation.
Text
There is much talk of revival these days, with varying opinions of what it should look like. The first evidence of true revival is a great desire to hear and obey the Word of God. In Nehemiah's day, the people expressed to Ezra, a priest and scribe, their desire to have the book of the law of Moses read to them. "And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people ... and when he opened it, all the people stood up" (Nehemiah 8:5).
The cry of their hearts was, "Bring us the true Word of the Lord!" Ezra stood on a raised, wooden pulpit and read God's Word for six hours while the multitude stood at attention and listened. Today many Christians get bored in church and want to hear short sermons. On the other hand, there are those who are famished for the Word and long to hear sermons inspired by the Holy Spirit.
Another evidence of revival is true repentance. The people in Nehemiah's day first rejoiced and praised the Lord at the reading of the Word. Then they bowed low and worshiped: "And Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God. Then all the people answered, 'Amen, Amen!' while lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground" (8:6). The people, trembling at God's Word, took it to heart and repented.
When revival comes, there is an incredible spirit of joy and celebration. "And all the people went their way to eat and drink ... and rejoice greatly, because they understood the words that were declared to them" (8:12). Wherever the love of God's Word has been restored and repentance has resulted, there will always come forth a wave of true joy and celebration.
The final evidence of revival is absolute separation from the world. "And those of Israelite lineage separated themselves from all foreigners" (9:2). Wherever there is biblical restoration, there will be an ever-growing awareness of the Lord's call to separate from all that is worldly and sensuous.
God is raising up a remnant made up of those who want revival that conforms believers to the image of Jesus Christ. What an exciting time to be alive in the Body of Christ!
Sermon Outline
- I. The First Evidence of True Revival
- A. A great desire to hear and obey the Word of God
- B. Illustrated in Nehemiah's day with the people's request to hear the book of the law of Moses
- II. True Repentance
- A. The people first rejoiced and praised the Lord at the reading of the Word
- B. Then they bowed low and worshiped, trembling at God's Word
- III. A Spirit of Joy and Celebration
- A. The people understood the words declared to them and rejoiced greatly
- B. This joy and celebration result from the love of God's Word being restored
- IV. Absolute Separation from the World
- A. Illustrated in Nehemiah's day with the Israelites separating themselves from foreigners
- B. A necessary result of biblical restoration
Key Quotes
“And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people ... and when he opened it, all the people stood up” — David Wilkerson
“And all the people went their way to eat and drink ... and rejoice greatly, because they understood the words that were declared to them” — David Wilkerson
“And those of Israelite lineage separated themselves from all foreigners” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- As believers, we should desire to hear and obey God's Word, and seek to understand its teachings.
- True repentance is a necessary response to the reading of God's Word, and should lead to a change in our lives.
- Biblical restoration and a spirit of joy and celebration are essential components of revival, and should result in an ever-growing awareness of the Lord's call to separate from all that is worldly and sensuous.