THE COST OF REVIVAL
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: 2 Chronicles 7:14
Key Verse: “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.” — 2 Chronicles 7:14
Supporting Texts: Luke 9:23; Romans 12:1; Acts 4:31-33; Philippians 3:7-8; 1 Kings 18:30-39
INTRODUCTION
Revival is glorious in manifestation, but it is costly in preparation. Many desire the fire of revival, yet few are willing to pay the price required to sustain it. Throughout Scripture, every genuine move of God came at a personal and collective cost.
God does not pour new wine into unprepared vessels. Revival demands brokenness, surrender, discipline, and sacrifice. It requires letting go of comfort, pride, sin, and self-will. The blessings of revival are free in grace, but the process requires obedience and commitment.
If we desire heaven to move in our time, we must understand that revival carries responsibility. The question is not whether God is willing to send revival, but whether we are willing to bear its cost.
1. THE COST OF HUMILITY
Revival begins with the death of pride and self-exaltation.
a) Humbling ourselves before God (James 4:10)
God lifts those who choose lowliness over self-importance.
b) Acknowledging spiritual need (Revelation 3:17-19)
Spiritual complacency must be confronted honestly.
c) Submitting to God’s authority (1 Peter 5:6)
Humility places us under divine covering and direction.
d) Embracing brokenness (Psalm 51:17)
A broken and contrite heart attracts God’s presence.
Biblical Example:
King Josiah humbled himself when the Law was discovered (2 Kings 22:11-13), and his humility opened the door for nationwide reform and renewal (2 Kings 23:1-3).
2. THE COST OF REPENTANCE AND HOLINESS
Revival demands turning away from sin completely.
a) Genuine repentance (Acts 3:19)
Conversion requires decisive turning.
b) Separation from compromise (2 Corinthians 6:17)
Holiness requires distinction from worldly influences.
c) Crucifying the flesh (Galatians 5:24)
Revival cannot coexist with unchecked carnality.
d) Daily sanctification (Hebrews 12:14)
Holiness is essential to seeing the Lord.
Biblical Example:
When the people of Nineveh repented in sackcloth and ashes (Jonah 3:5-10), God withheld judgment, proving that repentance carries transformative power.
3. THE COST OF SACRIFICE AND CONSECRATION
Revival requires personal surrender and dedication.
a) Presenting yourself as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1)
True worship involves total commitment.
b) Denying self (Luke 9:23)
Following Christ requires daily self-denial.
c) Letting go of worldly gain (Philippians 3:7-8)
Paul counted all things loss for Christ’s sake.
d) Investing time in God’s presence (Psalm 63:1)
Early and earnest seeking sustains intimacy.
Biblical Example:
Elijah repaired the broken altar before calling down fire (1 Kings 18:30-38), demonstrating that sacrifice precedes manifestation.
4. THE COST OF PERSEVERANCE AND COMMITMENT
Revival must be guarded and sustained intentionally.
a) Continual prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
Persistent communion keeps revival alive.
b) Bold witness despite opposition (Acts 4:31-33)
Revival invites resistance but demands courage.
c) Enduring hardship (2 Timothy 2:3)
Spiritual advancement often involves trials.
d) Faithful stewardship (1 Corinthians 4:2)
Revival requires trustworthy servants.
Biblical Example:
The early church faced persecution after Pentecost (Acts 8:1-4), yet they continued preaching everywhere, proving that perseverance sustains revival impact.
CONCLUSION
Revival is costly, but its rewards are eternal. It demands humility, repentance, sacrifice, and perseverance. Those who desire revival must be willing to surrender comfort for consecration and pride for brokenness.
The fire of revival does not fall on casual seekers; it rests upon committed vessels. If you are willing to pay the cost, heaven is ready to release the glory. Decide today that no price is too high for the presence of God.
May you embrace the cost and experience the glory.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, grant me the grace to humble myself before You in Jesus name.
2. Lord, help me repent genuinely from every hidden sin in Jesus name.
3. Father, empower me to walk in holiness daily in Jesus name.
4. Lord, give me strength to deny myself and follow You in Jesus name.
5. Father, make me a living sacrifice acceptable unto You in Jesus name.
6. Lord, help me persevere through every opposition in Jesus name.
7. Father, remove pride and self-will from my life in Jesus name.
8. Lord, grant me unwavering commitment to Your presence in Jesus name.
9. Father, help me pay the price for sustained revival in Jesus name.
10. Lord, let the glory that follows obedience manifest in my life in Jesus name.
