(Sermon Quote) The Agony Of God's Heart (Clip)
David Wilkerson passionately calls believers to reclaim the deep anguish and heartfelt sorrow that fuels genuine revival and passionate ministry.
This sermon delves into the concept of anguish in ministry, highlighting its absence in the current era characterized by comfort. Anguish is described as extreme pain and distress, a deeply felt inner pain caused by surrounding conditions. The speaker laments the prevalence of religious rhetoric and short-lived awakenings, emphasizing the need for true passion to be born out of anguish rather than fleeting emotions.
Full Transcript
Whatever happened to anguish in the ministry? It's a word you don't hear in this pampered age. You don't hear it. Anguish means extreme pain and distress.
The emotion so stirred that it becomes painful, acute, deeply felt inner pain because of conditions about you, in you or around you. Anguish, deep pain, deep sorrow, agony of God's heart. We've held on to our religious rhetoric and our revival talk, but we've become so passive.
Our so-called awakenings are stirrings, last but a short time. And when the short-lived revivings and awakenings come from the hand of God, they are so short-lived. And in those times, we promised God we'll never return to our passivity.
But it's not long, it's just weeks or months and we're back. And this time we slip further back into passivity than when we started. I speak from experience.
Then we say, this time, oh God, you've touched me for life. I'll never be the same. And it's like fireworks, a loud bang and a lot of noise and then it dies.
All true passion is born out of anguish.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Definition and rarity of anguish in modern ministry
- Anguish as deep, painful inner sorrow
- The loss of genuine emotional pain in the church
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II
- Short-lived nature of modern revivals
- Promises made during awakenings quickly forgotten
- The cycle of passivity and fleeting passion
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III
- Personal testimony of slipping back into passivity
- The contrast between momentary excitement and lasting change
- The necessity of anguish for true passion
Key Quotes
“Whatever happened to anguish in the ministry? It's a word you don't hear in this pampered age.” — David Wilkerson
“All true passion is born out of anguish.” — David Wilkerson
“Our so-called awakenings are stirrings, last but a short time.” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- Seek to cultivate genuine anguish over sin and spiritual decline to fuel lasting passion.
- Avoid relying on fleeting emotional experiences and commit to sustained spiritual fervor.
- Recognize the danger of passivity and intentionally pursue revival in your personal and communal faith.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does David Wilkerson mean by 'anguish' in ministry?
He refers to a deep, painful inner sorrow and distress that moves a believer to passionate ministry and genuine revival.
Why does Wilkerson say revivals are short-lived?
Because often the initial passion fades quickly and believers return to passivity, losing the lasting impact of God's work.
How can believers avoid slipping back into passivity?
By cultivating ongoing heartfelt anguish and commitment rather than relying on momentary emotional experiences.
Is passion in ministry important according to this sermon?
Yes, Wilkerson emphasizes that true passion is born out of deep anguish and is essential for effective ministry.