The Power of the Word of God
Nehemiah 8
Signs that the church needs revival
1. Prayer ceases to be a vital part of the believer’s life.
2. The quest for Bible truth ceases and one grows content with knowledge already acquired.
3. Bible knowledge acquired is treated as external fact and not applied and practiced.
4. Earnest thought about eternal things ceases to be regular.
The Word of God has the power to produce:
1. Unity (vs. 1,2)
2. Hunger (vs. 2,3)
One of the first evidences of revival is a great desire to hear and obey the word of the lord.
John 6:66-68 - 66 From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. 67 “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve. 68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life
3. Worship (vs. 4-6)
4. Clarity (vs. 7,8)
Understanding
God’s Word must be understood before it can enter the heart and release its life-changing power.
Personal Instruction
What they are doing, I believe, and some scholars feel is the case, is that they were breaking into small groups where people could ask questions and have them answered. They would listen to the reading of Ezra from the high pulpit and then they would gather in small groups and the Levites would spread out among the great congregation and give an explanation of the passage. Then people would ask questions about it and discuss it. It seemed an excellent way to instruct them so they clearly understood what the Word of God meant. It is not only important to know what the Scripture says, it is even more important to know what it means! – Ray Steadman
5. Conviction (vs. 9)
Hebrews 4:12,13
6. Celebration (vs. 10-12)
Psalm 107:17-22 - Some became fools through their rebellious ways and suffered affliction because of their iniquities. 18 They loathed all food and drew near the gates of death. 19 Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. 20 He sent forth his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave. 21 Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men. 22 Let them sacrifice thank offerings and tell of his works with songs of joy.
7. An Eternal Perspective (vs. 13-18)
Leviticus 23:40-43 - On the first day you are to take choice fruit from the trees, and palm fronds, leafy branches and poplars, and rejoice before the LORD your God for seven days. 41 Celebrate this as a festival to the LORD for seven days each year. This is to be a lasting ordinance for the generations to come; celebrate it in the seventh month. 42 Live in booths for seven days: All native-born Israelites are to live in booths 43 so your descendants will know that I had the Israelites live in booths when I brought them out of Egypt. I am the LORD your God.
Why would God put the entire nation into tiny huts for seven days? Because He knows the terrible danger His children are in when blessed. He knows how easily we are swept away and forget Him, becoming blinded by ease and comfort. He knows how prone we are to pamper ourselves and become ensnared by the things of the earth. – David Wilkerson
2 Peter 3:9-12
