Revival In Samaria Series

REVIVAL IN SAMARIA

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Acts 8:5-8

Key Verse: “And there was great joy in that city.” (Acts 8:8)

Supporting Texts: Matthew 4:23-24; Mark 16:15-18; Acts 1:8; Romans 15:13; Psalm 85:6

INTRODUCTION:

Revival is a divine visitation that awakens spiritual hunger, renews faith, and releases the power of God among His people. It begins when the message of Christ is preached under the anointing of the Holy Spirit, producing repentance, salvation, healing, and joy.

In Acts 8, we see how Philip, one of the deacons, went down to Samaria and proclaimed Christ with boldness. The result was a mighty outpouring of divine power, unclean spirits fled, the sick were healed, and there was great joy in the city. This revival was not orchestrated by human strength but by the move of the Spirit through the Word.

Every genuine revival still follows this pattern. When Jesus is lifted up, the Holy Spirit confirms the message with signs, wonders, and changed lives. The same God who moved in Samaria desires to bring revival to our families, communities, and churches today.

1. THE MESSAGE OF CHRIST BRINGS REVIVAL

True revival begins when Christ is preached, for He is the centre of all transformation and deliverance.

a) The Gospel is the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16): The preaching of Christ releases divine power that changes hearts and brings men into the Kingdom.

b) Revival follows the exaltation of Jesus (John 12:32): When Christ is lifted up, His presence draws men to repentance and renewal.

c) The Word of God carries life and light (John 6:63): Philip’s message was not mere talk but Spirit-breathed truth that awakened the city.

d) Preaching Christ brings conviction of sin (Acts 2:37): Revival begins when hearts are pierced and turned toward righteousness.

Biblical Example: The revival in Nineveh under Jonah’s preaching (Jonah 3:5-10) shows how a simple message of repentance can turn a whole city back to God.

2. THE POWER OF GOD ACCOMPANIES TRUE REVIVAL

Every true revival is marked by a visible manifestation of God’s power through deliverance, healing, and miracles.

a) God confirms His Word with signs following (Mark 16:20): The miraculous always accompanies the faithful preaching of the Gospel.

b) Deliverance breaks the power of darkness (Acts 8:7): Evil spirits fled from the people of Samaria as the name of Jesus was proclaimed.

c) Healing testifies to the living Christ (Matthew 4:24): The healing of the sick became evidence that Jesus is alive and working through His servants.

d) The power of God silences opposition (1 John 4:4): Every demonic manipulation bows at the presence of the Holy Spirit during revival.

Biblical Example: In Acts 19:11-12, God worked special miracles through Paul in Ephesus, demonstrating that revival power subdues the works of darkness and exalts Christ.

3. REVIVAL BRINGS JOY AND RESTORATION

The presence of God in revival replaces sorrow with joy, despair with hope, and bondage with freedom.

a) Revival restores spiritual vitality (Psalm 85:6): When God revives His people, hearts are renewed, and joy is restored.

b) Deliverance brings rejoicing (Luke 10:17): The disciples rejoiced when they saw the power of Jesus triumph over evil spirits.

c) Salvation brings heavenly joy (Luke 15:7): Every soul won in revival adds joy both on earth and in heaven.

d) Revival transforms communities (Isaiah 61:3): The beauty of God’s glory replaces the ashes of sin and sorrow, filling lives with rejoicing.

Biblical Example: After the healing of the lame man at the Beautiful Gate (Acts 3:1-10), great joy filled Jerusalem; the same joy that flooded Samaria during Philip’s ministry.

4. REVIVAL FLOWS THROUGH AVAILABLE VESSELS

God uses ordinary men and women who are filled with the Spirit and willing to obey His call.

a) Availability precedes usefulness (Isaiah 6:8): God looks for those who will say, “Here am I, send me.” Philip’s obedience opened the door to Samaria’s revival.

b) The Holy Spirit empowers for impact (Acts 1:8): Without the Spirit, our efforts are empty; with Him, even one person can shake a city.

c) Revival requires courage and faith (Joshua 1:9): Philip left his comfort zone to minister in a place once despised by Jews, faith moves us beyond fear.

d) God confirms obedient service (2 Chronicles 16:9): When we yield to God’s purpose, His power backs our efforts.

Biblical Example: The woman at the well (John 4:28-30) became an instrument of revival in Samaria when she boldly testified about Christ, proving that God uses any vessel willing to speak.

CONCLUSION:

The revival in Samaria stands as a powerful reminder that when the Gospel is preached in truth and power, God moves mightily to save, heal, and restore. Joy is the natural result of divine visitation, and every city, family, and church can experience this same outpouring today.

Let us become willing vessels, filled with the Holy Spirit, preaching Christ in boldness and faith. When we lift up Jesus, miracles follow, strongholds break, and great joy fills the land. The same God who moved in Samaria is ready to move again, if we will yield to His power.