REVIVAL
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Habakkuk 3:2
"LORD, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, LORD. Repeat them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy."
Supporting Texts: 2 Chronicles 7:14, Acts 2:1-4, Psalm 85:6, Joel 2:28-29, Isaiah 57:15
INTRODUCTION
Revival is a spiritual awakening, a fresh outpouring of God’s presence that transforms lives, churches, and entire communities. Throughout history, whenever people turned away from God and grew spiritually cold, He raised up revival to bring them back to Himself.
Imagine a person who once burned with passion for God—praying fervently, evangelising boldly, and walking in holiness. But over time, that fire began to fade. Prayer became mechanical, worship became routine, and sin became excusable. This is the story of many believers today. Spiritual dryness has crept into their lives, leaving them weak, powerless, and disconnected from God.
But the good news is that God is still in the business of revival! When we cry out to Him, He answers with fresh fire. Revival is not just a church programme or a series of meetings—it is a divine encounter that reignites our love for God, restores our passion, and fills us with power.
As we explore the topic of revival, let us open our hearts to the Lord and ask Him to revive us again!
1. REVIVAL BEGINS WITH REPENTANCE
No genuine revival can take place without repentance. Before God pours out His Spirit, there must be a turning away from sin and a return to righteousness.
2 Chronicles 7:14 – "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, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
Revival is not for the world alone—it is for God’s people. When the Church repents, revival follows.
Many times, people pray for revival but refuse to turn away from their sins. Revival cannot thrive in an unrepentant heart.
Sin is like a thick cloud that blocks the fire of revival. If we desire revival, we must be willing to confess our sins and forsake them.
Biblical Example:
In the days of Jonah, the city of Nineveh was on the brink of destruction because of its wickedness. But when the people repented in sackcloth and ashes, God showed them mercy and spared them (Jonah 3:5-10). Repentance prepares the way for revival!
2. REVIVAL IGNITES A PASSION FOR PRAYER
Whenever God sends revival, prayer becomes the foundation. Every great move of God in history started with men and women who committed themselves to prayer.
Acts 1:14 – "They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers."
Before Pentecost, the disciples spent days in prayer, waiting on God. Their prayer was not casual; it was desperate and persistent.
Revival does not come to those who pray occasionally; it comes to those who tarry in the place of prayer.
When the Church prays, heaven responds with power!
Biblical Example:
Before the great Azusa Street Revival in 1906, a man named William Seymour spent hours in prayer daily. He and his small prayer group prayed for months, seeking a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Eventually, God answered, and revival broke out, changing the course of Christianity.
Are we willing to return to prayer and cry out for revival?
3. REVIVAL BRINGS A FRESH OUTPOURING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
One of the key signs of revival is a mighty move of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 2:1-4 – "When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting... All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them."
The Holy Spirit empowers believers to walk in holiness, boldness, and supernatural power.
Without the Holy Spirit, revival is just an emotional experience with no lasting change.
Revival breaks bondages, addictions, and spiritual oppression, setting people free to serve God.
Biblical Example:
When the Holy Spirit came upon the early Church at Pentecost, ordinary men became bold evangelists, miracles increased, and thousands were saved (Acts 2:41). That same outpouring is available today!
4. REVIVAL PRODUCES A HUNGER FOR GOD’S WORD
Another sign of revival is a renewed desire for the Word of God.
Psalm 119:25 – "Revive me according to Your word."
Many Christians today neglect the Bible, but revival stirs up a fresh hunger for Scripture.
The Bible becomes alive, speaking directly to hearts and transforming lives.
When people encounter true revival, they desire to know more about God, His ways, and His will.
Biblical Example:
During King Josiah’s reign, the Book of the Law was discovered in the temple. When Josiah read it, he tore his robes in repentance and led a national revival (2 Kings 22:8-13).
Is your heart longing for the deep truths of God’s Word?
5. REVIVAL LEADS TO SOUL-WINNING AND TRANSFORMATION
Revival is not just for personal renewal—it spreads and impacts communities.
Joel 2:28-29 – "I will pour out my Spirit on all people."
When revival comes, sinners are drawn to Christ, and society is transformed.
Revival is not meant to stay within the church walls—it is God’s tool for global evangelism.
Biblical Example:
During the Welsh Revival (1904-1905), pubs closed, crime rates dropped, and thousands surrendered their lives to Jesus. Revival changes not only individuals but entire nations.
CONCLUSION:
The Church today desperately needs a fresh move of God. The signs of spiritual dryness are everywhere—prayerlessness, compromise, lukewarm faith. But God is ready to pour out His Spirit again!
Are we hungry for revival? Then we must seek God with all our hearts.
Are we willing to repent and turn away from everything that hinders revival?
Are we ready to be vessels for God’s power and glory?
Revival starts with you and me! Let us cry out and prepare for a mighty move of God!
PRAYER POINTS
1. Lord, revive my heart and set me on fire for You again!
2. Father, let a mighty revival break out in my church and community!
3. Holy Spirit, fill me afresh and use me as an instrument of revival!
4. Lord, remove every lukewarmness and give me a fresh hunger for Your Word!
5. Father, let this generation witness a great outpouring of Your Spirit!
