The Need For Revival Series

THE NEED FOR REVIVAL

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Habakkuk 3:2

Key Verse: “O LORD, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid: O LORD, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy.” — Habakkuk 3:2

Supporting Texts: Psalm 85:6; 2 Chronicles 7:14; Hosea 6:1-2; Isaiah 57:15; Acts 3:19

INTRODUCTION

Revival is not a religious event; it is a spiritual awakening. It is a divine stirring that restores life where there has been dryness, passion where there has been apathy, and holiness where compromise has crept in. Throughout history, whenever God’s people drifted from intimacy with Him, revival became necessary.

Spiritual decline often begins subtly, prayer becomes irregular, worship becomes mechanical, conviction weakens, and sin becomes tolerated. Over time, what was once vibrant becomes routine. Without revival, spiritual stagnation can lead to moral decay and loss of divine presence.

The cry of Habakkuk was not for material prosperity but for spiritual renewal: “Revive thy work.” This remains the urgent need of every generation. Personal lives, families, churches, and nations require fresh encounters with God. Revival restores what religion alone cannot sustain.

1. REVIVAL IS NEEDED WHEN SPIRITUAL FIRE GROWS COLD

A declining spiritual temperature signals the need for renewal.

a) Loss of first love (Revelation 2:4-5)

When devotion to Christ becomes secondary, repentance and revival are required.

b) Prayerlessness (Luke 18:1)

When prayer becomes neglected, spiritual strength diminishes.

c) Compromise with sin (Romans 12:2)

Conforming to worldly standards weakens spiritual authority.

d) Spiritual dryness (Psalm 63:1)

A thirsty soul reveals the need for refreshing.

Biblical Example:

The church at Ephesus was commended for works but rebuked for losing its first love (Revelation 2:4). They were instructed to remember, repent, and return; three steps toward revival.

2. REVIVAL BEGINS WITH HUMILITY AND REPENTANCE

Revival does not start in crowds; it begins in hearts.

a) Humble yourselves (2 Chronicles 7:14)

Pride blocks revival, but humility invites God’s intervention.

b) Confess and turn from sin (Acts 3:19)

Repentance brings “times of refreshing” from the Lord.

c) Seek God’s face (Jeremiah 29:13)

Wholehearted pursuit of God leads to spiritual renewal.

d) Surrender completely (Romans 12:1)

Offering oneself as a living sacrifice creates room for transformation.

Biblical Example:

When Nineveh heard Jonah’s warning (Jonah 3:5-10), the people humbled themselves, fasted, and repented. God responded with mercy and restoration.

3. REVIVAL RESTORES SPIRITUAL POWER AND PURPOSE

True revival produces visible transformation and renewed mission.

a) Renewed passion for holiness (Isaiah 6:5-8)

Isaiah’s encounter with God led to cleansing and commissioning.

b) Empowerment by the Spirit (Acts 2:1-4)

The early church’s revival brought boldness and miraculous impact.

c) Unity among believers (Psalm 133:1-3)

Revival strengthens fellowship and harmony.

d) Evangelistic impact (Acts 2:41)

Revived believers influence their communities powerfully.

Biblical Example:

On the Day of Pentecost, the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-4), and thousands were converted. Revival transformed fearful followers into bold witnesses.

4. REVIVAL MUST BE SUSTAINED

Revival is not a one-time event; it must be maintained through discipline and obedience.

a) Continual prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

A praying church remains spiritually alive.

b) Obedience to God’s Word (James 1:22)

Revival continues when believers practice what they learn.

c) Dependence on the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:16)

Walking in the Spirit prevents relapse into carnality.

d) Guarding spiritual fervor (Romans 12:11)

Maintain zeal and passion in serving the Lord.

Biblical Example:

After spiritual renewal under King Josiah (2 Kings 23:25), the nation experienced a return to covenant obedience, showing that revival must be followed by sustained commitment.

CONCLUSION

The need for revival is urgent and personal. It is not enough to attend church or perform religious duties. God desires hearts that burn with passion, lives that reflect holiness, and communities transformed by His presence.

If spiritual fire has grown dim, cry out as Habakkuk did: “Revive thy work.” Begin with humility, repentance, and wholehearted pursuit of God. Revival is available to those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.

May God breathe fresh life into your spirit, awaken your passion, and restore your first love. The season of renewal begins now.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, revive my spiritual life in Jesus name.

2. Lord, restore my first love and passion for You in Jesus name.

3. Father, forgive every act of compromise and disobedience in Jesus name.

4. Lord, ignite fresh fire in my prayer life in Jesus name.

5. Father, cleanse my heart and renew a right spirit within me in Jesus name.

6. Lord, pour out Your Spirit afresh upon my life in Jesus name.

7. Father, remove every spiritual dryness and apathy in Jesus name.

8. Lord, unite Your church in holiness and purpose in Jesus name.

9. Father, empower me to be a vessel of revival in Jesus name.

10. Lord, let revival spread from my life to my family and community in Jesus name.