Revive Us, Oh Lord

REVIVE US, OH LORD

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Habakkuk 3:2

Supporting Texts: Psalm 85:6, 2 Chronicles 7:14, Acts 2:1-4, Joel 2:28-29, Isaiah 57:15

INTRODUCTION

Revival is a divine visitation that brings spiritual awakening, renewal, and transformation. It is a time when God’s presence manifests in a powerful way, restoring spiritual passion and zeal in His people. In Habakkuk 3:2, the prophet cried out, “O Lord, revive Your work in the midst of the years! In the midst of the years make it known; in wrath remember mercy.” This shows that revival is not automatic but must be sought with desperation and sincerity.

Throughout history, whenever people turned back to God with all their hearts, He responded with revival. True revival is more than just an emotional experience; it is a radical transformation that impacts individuals, families, churches, and even nations. It brings repentance, renewal, and a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

In this sermon, we will delve into the need for revival, the signs of spiritual dryness, and how we can position ourselves to experience a divine outpouring of God’s power.

1. WHY WE NEED REVIVAL

a) Spiritual decline and complacency (Revelation 3:15-16)

Many believers have become lukewarm, lacking zeal for God.

b) The loss of prayer and hunger for God (Luke 18:1)

A prayerless Christian is a powerless Christian. Revival restores a deep passion for prayer.

c) The increase of sin and worldliness (2 Timothy 3:1-5)

When sin becomes normal in the church, revival is needed to bring holiness back.

d) A lack of power and spiritual authority (Acts 1:8)

Without the Holy Spirit’s empowerment, believers cannot be effective witnesses.

e) Biblical Example: The Valley of Dry Bones (Ezekiel 37:1-10)

The dry bones represented spiritual deadness, but when God’s breath came, they became a mighty army.

2. SIGNS OF SPIRITUAL DRYNESS

a) Prayerlessness and lack of desire for God’s Word (Psalm 63:1)

A thirsty soul longs for God, but dryness leads to neglecting spiritual disciplines.

b) Loss of first love for Christ (Revelation 2:4-5)

When our passion for God grows cold, we need revival.

c) Compromise and tolerance of sin (1 John 2:15-17)

A spiritually dry person becomes comfortable with sin and worldliness.

d) Lack of supernatural manifestations (Mark 16:17-18)

A revived church walks in signs, wonders, and the gifts of the Spirit.

e) Biblical Example: Samson’s Loss of Power (Judges 16:20-22)

Samson did not realise that the Spirit of the Lord had departed from him until he became powerless.

3. HOW TO POSITION FOR REVIVAL

a) Genuine repentance and turning back to God (2 Chronicles 7:14)

Revival begins when we humble ourselves, pray, seek God, and turn from wickedness.

b) Persistent prayer for revival (Habakkuk 3:2, Acts 4:31)

Revival is birthed through deep intercession and travailing prayer.

c) Hunger and thirst for righteousness (Matthew 5:6)

Those who hunger for God will be filled with His presence.

d) Returning to the Word of God (Psalm 119:25, 50)

The Word of God revives our spirit and brings renewal.

e) Biblical Example: The Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4)

The disciples positioned themselves in unity and prayer, and God sent the Holy Spirit in power.

4. SIGNS OF A GENUINE REVIVAL

a) Deep conviction of sin and repentance (Acts 2:37-38)

True revival brings transformation and a hatred for sin.

b) Fresh passion for prayer and worship (Acts 4:31)

Revival stirs the hearts of believers to seek God fervently.

c) Outpouring of the Holy Spirit with supernatural power (Joel 2:28-29)

Signs and wonders follow a revived people.

d) Unity and love among believers (Acts 2:42-47)

When revival comes, divisions and strife disappear, and the church becomes one body.

e) Biblical Example: The Revival in Nineveh (Jonah 3:5-10)

When the people of Nineveh repented, God spared them from destruction.

CONCLUSION

Revival is not a one-time event but a continuous experience of God’s presence and power. Every believer and church must constantly seek spiritual renewal to remain vibrant and effective. The times we live in demand a fresh outpouring of God’s Spirit, and He is willing to revive us if we call upon Him.

Let us not remain spiritually dry or complacent. Instead, let us cry out like Habakkuk, "O Lord, revive Your work in the midst of the years!" May the Lord set our hearts on fire for Him, renew our strength, and fill us afresh with His Holy Spirit.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Lord, revive my heart and renew my spiritual fire.

2. Father, forgive me for any complacency and restore my first love for You.

3. O Lord, send a fresh outpouring of Your Holy Spirit upon me.

4. Let every dryness in my spiritual life be replaced with fresh passion.

5. Lord, revive Your church and awaken us to fulfil Your purpose.