THE HOLY SPIRIT AND REVIVAL
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Acts 2:1-4
Key Verse: “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” (Acts 2:1-4)
Supporting Texts: Joel 2:28-29, Zechariah 4:6, Habakkuk 3:2, John 16:7-8, Acts 4:31
INTRODUCTION:
Revival is not merely a series of emotional gatherings, stirring songs, or fiery preaching; it is the supernatural quickening of the church by the power of the Holy Spirit. Revival is when God breathes new life into His people, restoring spiritual hunger, renewing holiness, and empowering believers for extraordinary exploits. It is God’s way of awakening His people from spiritual slumber into spiritual fire.
Throughout history, genuine revivals have always been marked by the undeniable presence and activity of the Holy Spirit. Where the Spirit of God is absent, human effort is limited, but when the Spirit comes in His power, transformation is inevitable. The presence of the Holy Spirit turns dry bones into a mighty army, weak prayers into fire-filled petitions, and lukewarm believers into bold witnesses for Christ.
In our time, the greatest need of the church and the world is not more strategies, not more human wisdom, but more of the Holy Spirit. Only the Holy Spirit can break the chains of sin, heal broken hearts, restore lost passion, and usher in a season of revival that impacts nations.
1. THE HOLY SPIRIT IS THE SOURCE OF REVIVAL
Revival begins with God, not with man. The Holy Spirit is the divine source who breathes fresh life into the church and brings about spiritual awakening.
a) Revival comes through the outpouring of the Spirit (Joel 2:28-29)
Revival is not man-made but God-sent. Joel prophesied that God would pour out His Spirit upon all flesh, bringing prophecy, visions, and spiritual renewal.
b) The Spirit brings conviction of sin (John 16:8)
Without the Spirit, revival meetings are empty. He convicts hearts, leading people to repentance, cleansing, and transformation.
c) The Spirit rekindles the fire of holiness (Hebrews 12:14)
The Spirit restores lost purity, ignites a passion for righteousness, and leads believers back to a life of holiness.
d) The Spirit empowers for revival impact (Zechariah 4:6)
Revival is never by human strength but by the Spirit of God. He makes impossible things possible.
Biblical Example: On the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4), when the Holy Spirit descended, revival broke forth. Thousands were saved, miracles were performed, and the early church was birthed in power.
2. THE HOLY SPIRIT IGNITES PRAYER AND HUNGER FOR GOD
Prayer is the fuel of revival, but the Holy Spirit is the fire that ignites it.
a) The Spirit gives the spirit of supplication (Zechariah 12:10)
He stirs deep hunger and burden for prayer in the hearts of believers.
b) The Spirit helps in our weaknesses (Romans 8:26)
Even when we don’t know what to pray, the Spirit intercedes with groanings too deep for words.
c) The Spirit restores lost hunger for God (Matthew 5:6)
When people are filled with the Spirit, a fresh appetite for God’s presence and Word is birthed.
d) The Spirit unites the church in prayer (Acts 4:31)
When the believers prayed, the place was shaken, and they were filled with the Holy Spirit, leading to bold evangelism.
Biblical Example: In Acts 1:14, the disciples tarried in the upper room in prayer, but it was the Spirit’s arrival at Pentecost that answered their prayers with revival fire.
3. THE HOLY SPIRIT EMPOWERS THE CHURCH FOR SIGNS AND WONDERS
Every revival is marked by supernatural manifestations that confirm God’s presence.
a) The Spirit empowers for bold witnessing (Acts 1:8)
Without the Spirit, evangelism is powerless, but with Him, the gospel spreads with fire.
b) The Spirit brings miraculous healings and deliverances (Acts 5:12-16)
In revival, the sick are healed, demons are cast out, and God’s power is evident.
c) The Spirit demonstrates God’s kingdom (1 Corinthians 4:20)
True revival is not just in words but in power, changing lives through God’s Spirit.
d) The Spirit magnifies Christ (John 16:14)
Every revival points people to Jesus, not to a preacher, because the Spirit always glorifies Christ.
Biblical Example: In Samaria (Acts 8:5-8), when Philip preached with the power of the Holy Spirit, demons cried out, healings took place, and there was great joy in the city.
CONCLUSION:
Revival is impossible without the Holy Spirit. He is the fire that burns, the wind that blows, and the river that refreshes. When He moves, entire communities are shaken, sinners are drawn to Christ, and believers are filled with power for exploits.
Our cry must be the cry of Habakkuk: “O Lord, revive thy work in the midst of the years” (Habakkuk 3:2). If we long for revival in our homes, churches, and nations, then we must welcome the Holy Spirit, yield to His leading, and allow Him to fill us afresh.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, pour out Your Spirit afresh upon my life and ignite revival in me.
2. Holy Spirit, rekindle every fire of prayer that has died in me.
3. Lord, let the wind of revival blow in my family and my church.
4. Holy Spirit, convict every sinner around me and draw them to Christ.
5. Father, let signs and wonders accompany Your Word in my life.
6. Holy Spirit, restore my hunger for righteousness and holiness.
7. Lord, revive Your work in our land and let nations turn back to You.
8. Holy Spirit, fill me with boldness to witness Christ without fear.
9. Lord, let Your power break every yoke of lukewarmness in the church.
10. Holy Spirit, use me as an instrument of revival in this generation.
