Wilt thou not revive us again
William MacDonald emphasizes the urgent need for spiritual revival through self-examination, confession, and a renewed passion for God’s Word and fellowship.
In this devotional sermon, William MacDonald explores the critical need for spiritual revival in the life of the believer and the church. He highlights the subtle dangers of backsliding and the importance of self-examination, confession, and prayer. Drawing on Scripture, MacDonald encourages believers to seek God’s face earnestly and embrace His promise of renewal through humility and repentance.
Text
“Wilt thou not revive us again that thy people may rejoice in thee.” (Psa. 85:6)
A backslidden condition is often like cancer; we don’t know we have it. We can grow spiritually cold so gradually that we don’t realize how carnal we have actually become. Sometimes it takes a tragedy, a crisis or the voice of some prophet of God to awaken us to our desperate need. Only then can we claim God’s promise, “I will pour water on him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground” (Isa. 44:3).
I am in need of revival when I have lost my enthusiastic zest for the Word of God, when my prayer life has lapsed into a dull routine (or lapsed altogether), when I have left my first love. I need a fresh touch from God when I am more interested in TV programs than in the meeting of the local fellowship, when I am punctual for work but late for meetings, when I am regular at my job but spasmodic at the assembly. I need reviving when I am willing to do for dollars what I am unwilling to do for the Savior, when I spend more money on self- indulgence than I do on the work of the Lord.
We need revival when we harbor grudges, resentments, bitter feelings. When we are guilty of gossiping and backbiting. When we are unwilling to confess wrongs we have committed or to forgive others when they confess their faults to us. We need reviving when we fight like cats at home, then appear in the assembly as if all were sweetness and light. We need to be revived when we have become conformed to the world in our talk, our walk, our whole life-style. How great is our need when we are guilty of the sins of Sodom—pride, fullness of bread and prosperous ease (Ez. 16:49)!
As soon as we realize our coldness and barrenness, we can claim the promise of 2 Chronicles 7:14, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”
Confession is the road to revival!
O Holy Ghost, revival comes from Thee;
Send a revival—start the work in me.
Thy Word declares Thou wilt supply our need.
For blessings now, O Lord, I humbly plead.
J. Edwin Orr
Sermon Outline
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I
- Recognizing the symptoms of spiritual backsliding
- The gradual loss of zeal for God’s Word and prayer
- Signs of spiritual coldness in daily life
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II
- The need for revival in personal and communal life
- Confession as the pathway to renewal
- God’s promises for those who humble themselves
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III
- Practical examples of spiritual decline
- The contrast between worldly priorities and devotion to God
- The role of the Holy Spirit in revival
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IV
- Encouragement to seek God’s face earnestly
- The power of prayer and repentance
- A call to personal and corporate revival
Key Quotes
“A backslidden condition is often like cancer; we don’t know we have it.” — William MacDonald
“Confession is the road to revival!” — William MacDonald
“We need revival when we harbor grudges, resentments, bitter feelings.” — William MacDonald
Application Points
- Regularly examine your spiritual condition to identify areas of backsliding.
- Confess your sins honestly and seek God’s forgiveness to experience revival.
- Prioritize time with God in prayer and Scripture to maintain spiritual zeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is spiritual revival according to the sermon?
Spiritual revival is a renewed passion for God, marked by confession, repentance, and a fresh enthusiasm for His Word and fellowship.
How can one recognize backsliding?
Backsliding can be recognized by a gradual loss of interest in prayer, Scripture, fellowship, and a growing conformity to worldly attitudes.
What role does confession play in revival?
Confession is essential as it humbles the believer, opens the way for God’s forgiveness, and initiates spiritual renewal.
Which Bible verse is central to the message of revival in this sermon?
2 Chronicles 7:14 is central, highlighting God’s promise to heal and forgive when His people humble themselves and seek Him.
Why is the Holy Spirit important in revival?
The Holy Spirit is the source and initiator of revival, bringing life, renewal, and power to the believer’s heart.