PURIFICATION OF THE PEOPLE
Exodus 34:11-14 2 Chron. 7:14
INTRO:
Stubbornness
In the summer of 1986, two ships collided in the Black Sea off the coast of Russia. Hundreds of passengers died as they were hurled into the icy waters below. News of the disaster was further darkened when an investigation revealed the cause of the accident. It wasn’t a technology problem like radar malfunction—or even thick fog. The cause was human stubbornness. Each captain was aware of the other ship’s presence nearby. Both could have steered clear, but according to news reports, neither captain wanted to give way to the other. Each was too proud to yield first. By the time they came to their senses, it was too late.
Closer Walk, December, 1991
In our study of Revival once we realize who God is and who we are before Him our response should be that of HUMILITY!
“if My people who are called by My name, shall humble themselves”
If we are going to have revival there needs to be a humbling of the people of God!
Definition: a modest estimation of one’s self.
What does this humility look like?
I. EXPEL THE ENEMY v. 11
A. If I am truly humble, I will recognize my condition before God and allow Him to cleanse my heart no matter what!
B. So I said: Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, And I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, The LORD of hosts.” Isa. 6:5
C. Here God tells Moses: “Obey what I command you today ... I will drive out ...”
We read in Numbers 13:33 the disobedience of that command.
That generation perished in the desert.
D. Do we keep revival from happening in our midst because of disobedience?
Pride will keep us from responding to the conviction of the Holy Spirit. (To convict simply means to convince)
And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: John 16:8
E. God will continue to convict us to lead us into the Promise Land that He has for us!
II. ELIMINATE THE ENTICEMENT v. 12
A. If I am humble before God, I will be do away with the issues that I know are temptations. Who are we making treaties with today?
B. God knew that if they made a treaty with the people they would conquer, they would soon take on their value system.
Once in the system, it would become a snare - a trap.
C. Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 1 John 2:15
D. I have said this before: One of my fathers favorite verses when I was growing up: Abstain from every form of evil. 2 Thess. 5:22
E. LeRoy Eims, Be The Leader You Were Meant To Be :
Rattlesnakes are fairly common where I live. I encounter one almost every summer. It is a frightening experience to see a rattlesnake coiled, looking at you, ready to strike. He’s lightning-quick and accurate. I have a simple two point program for handling rattlesnakes: shun and avoid. It’s simple as that. You don’t need much insight to figure out what to do with something as dangerous as a diamondback rattler. You don’t mess around.
F. That which is in our control, we need to eliminate.
Old saying: You can’t keep the bird from flying over your head, but you can keep it from making a nest.
III. ERADICATE THE EMBLEM v. 13-14
A. If I am humble before God, I will get rid of all things in my life that have replaced God!
God is very clear here: break down - destroy
B. We need for the sake of revival in our hearts to get rid off all the things that take the place of God.
C. Remember that humility is I will recognize my condition before God and allow Him to cleanse my heart no matter what!
D. God demands first place in our hearts:
Deut 4:24 For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.
Matt. 6:24 “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other.”
CONCLUSION:
ILLUS: Chickens Coming To Roost.
John Smith was a loyal carpenter, working for a very successful building contractor who called him into his office one day and said, “John, I’m putting you in charge of the next house we build. I want you to order all the materials and oversee the whole job from the ground up.”
John accepted the assignment with great enthusiasm and excitement. For ten days before ground was broken at the building site, John studied the blueprints. He checked every measurement, every specification. Suddenly he had a thought. “If I am really in charge,” he said to himself, “why couldn’t I cut a few corners, use less expensive materials and put t he extra money in my pocket? Who would know the difference? Once the house is painted it will look just great.”
So john set about his scheme. He ordered second-grade lumber, but reports indicated that it was top-grade. He ordered inexpensive concrete for the foundation, put in cheap wiring, and cut every corner he could, yet he reported the purchase of much better materials. When the home was completed and fully painted, he asked the contractor to come and see it.
“John,” said the contractor, “what a magnificent job you have done! You have been such a good and faithful carpenter all these years that I have decided to show my gratitude by giving you this house you have built, as a gift!”
In Numbers 32:23 But if you do not do so, then take note, you have sinned against the LORD; and be sure your sin will find you out.
What kind of life are you building for yourself? Is it one that is humble, honest presentation before God? Are you cutting corners or are you allowing God to come in and cleanse from sin?
