Humble Yourselves
Richard Owen Roberts passionately calls the church to humble themselves before God as the essential prerequisite for true revival marked by the manifest presence of Christ and the powerful outpouring of His Word.
This sermon emphasizes the importance of humility before God, highlighting the consequences of pride and the need for repentance. It delves into the stories of King David, King Saul, and other biblical figures to illustrate the destructive nature of pride and the necessity of seeking the Lord's will above all else. The message stresses the significance of acknowledging sin, humbling oneself before God, and seeking His forgiveness and guidance.
Sermon Outline
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I. The Nature of Revival
- Revival defined as God’s manifest presence among His people
- Distinction between essential, manifest, and cultivated presence of God
- Revival produces deep repentance and transformation
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II. The Role of the Word in Revival
- The Word runs like a mighty flood during revival
- Obedience to the Word is crucial, not just intellectual interest
- Paul’s prayer for the Word to run rapidly as a model
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III. The Call to Humility
- 2 Chronicles 7:14 emphasizes humbling oneself as the first step
- Pride in the church and leadership hinders revival
- Examples of spiritual pride and its consequences
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IV. The Urgency of Prayer and Repentance
- Prayer without humility is ineffective
- Need for genuine repentance among leaders and laity
- God’s promise to heal the land upon humble seeking
Key Quotes
“A revival is an extraordinary work of the Spirit of God producing extraordinary results.” — Richard Owen Roberts
“If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sins and will heal their land.” — Richard Owen Roberts
“You can't have serious interest in prayer when you're full of yourself. Prayer is a farce.” — Richard Owen Roberts
Application Points
- Examine your heart for pride and seek genuine humility before God as the foundation for revival.
- Commit to obeying the Word of God promptly rather than merely reflecting on it.
- Engage in earnest prayer and repentance individually and corporately to invite God's healing and blessing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the key prerequisite for revival according to the sermon?
Humility is the essential prerequisite; God promises to hear and heal when His people humble themselves and seek Him.
How does the sermon define revival?
Revival is defined as the extraordinary work of the Spirit of God manifesting His presence among His people, resulting in deep repentance and transformation.
Why is prayer ineffective without humility?
Because pride blocks genuine repentance and dependence on God, making prayer a mere formality rather than a heartfelt plea.
What role does the Word of God play in revival?
The Word runs like a mighty flood during revival, sweeping multitudes into obedience and transformation.
What warnings does the sermon give about church leadership?
It warns against leaders who baptize unconverted people and build churches for personal glory rather than Christ, emphasizing accountability before God.