Reviving the Heart
David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of coming to God with a contrite heart for true spiritual growth and healing.
David Wilkerson emphasizes that coming to Christ solely for personal gain or relief from problems can hinder spiritual growth and maturity. He reminds us that while God is always ready to help those in distress, true transformation requires coming to Him out of reverence and a desire for a relationship, not just for relief. Wilkerson encourages believers to approach God with a repentant heart, assuring them that He will provide refreshment and guidance. He highlights the importance of humility and contrition in our walk with God, as these qualities open the door to spiritual revival. Ultimately, a genuine relationship with God leads to true maturity in faith.
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Did you first come to the Lord only because you wanted something from Him? Did you turn to God in order to kick a drug habit, to have your marriage restored, to be delivered from financial trouble?
The truth is, Christ will work miracles for you. He will do the impossible in your life. But if you come to Him only to get something from Him -- only to be delivered from your problems -- you will never grow an inch in maturity. On the contrary, you will only grow hard.
Think back to the time of your conversion. Did it happen after some locust had eaten everything away? Was your health debilitated? Was one of your children in trouble? Did you end up in devastation, with death and ruin hovering over you?
Please do not misunderstand me. Of course, God loves to save people who end up in ruin. When all is lost, He is always near and faithful to deliver. But, beloved, you cannot come to Jesus just to get relief. You must come to Him because He is God and because He deserves your life, your worship, your obedience.
Right now you may be saying, "Yes, I admit I've been neglecting God's Word and I'm still bound by a besetting sin. Am I too far gone to receive the Lord's healing touch?"
No, not at all! If you will begin to call on the Lord today, in the midst of your need, He will bring you times of refreshing. Whenever you bring a truly repentant heart to Him, He will act as your mediator and intercessor, not as your judge.
Do you want to grow into maturity in Christ? Do you want the Lord to keep reproving you in love and guiding you toward godliness? Then call on Him today. Nothing will keep you on His intended path for you more than a broken and contrite heart!
"For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones" (Isaiah 57:15).
Sermon Outline
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I
- The motivation for coming to Christ
- The dangers of seeking God for personal gain
- The importance of spiritual maturity
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II
- God's willingness to save in times of trouble
- The necessity of coming to God for His own sake
- Understanding God's love and grace
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III
- The role of repentance in receiving healing
- The importance of a contrite heart
- God's promise to revive the humble
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IV
- The process of spiritual growth
- The significance of obedience and worship
- Seeking guidance from God
Key Quotes
“You must come to Him because He is God and because He deserves your life, your worship, your obedience.” — David Wilkerson
“Nothing will keep you on His intended path for you more than a broken and contrite heart!” — David Wilkerson
“For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit.” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- Reflect on your motivations for seeking God and ensure they align with His will.
- Embrace a posture of humility and repentance to experience God's revival in your heart.
- Commit to seeking God's guidance daily to grow in your faith and maturity.