Sermon Central
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The Four Enemies Of Revival
Contributed by Paul Davis on May 3, 2021 (message contributor)
Summary: This verse to Israel, but it speaks to every generation. Those who meet the conditions detailed in this verse will experience the promises mentioned in this verse.
The Four Enemies Of Revival
Spottsville Missionary Baptist Church
05/02/2021
If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
This is a well-known passage that is often used by preachers to talk about the subject of revival. It is a revival verse. This word was spoken to King Solomon at the dedication of the temple. He is told by God that disobedience and rebellion will result in judgment upon the nation of Israel. This verse is God’s promise that those who turn from their sins; call on Him and walk in His ways will experience a revival of the presence and blessing of the Lord.
This verse to Israel, but it speaks to every generation. Those who meet the conditions detailed in this verse will experience the promises mentioned in this verse.
Folks, we need revival! As Missionary Baptists we love our meetings; but we need more than a meeting, we need the fire from heaven!
We need something that we cannot produce by our own efforts. Revival must be a supernatural event. It comes only by the sovereign decree of the Lord.
We can have a meeting, but we cannot have a revival unless the Lord gives it. While we cannot produce a revival, we can meet the requirements set forth in these verses, and that will make revival much more likely.
The writer speaks of the possibility and the problems associated with revival. While telling what we can have, he also tells us about what can prevent revival. I would to point out The Enemies of Revival today.
There are four problems mentioned in this verse that can sabotage and prevent revival from taking place.
We need to listen closely to what the Bible has to say about this matter and do whatever we need to do to see that these enemies of revival do not hinder us from getting what we need from the Lord.
Let’s look into this passage together and talk about The Enemies Of Revival.
This verse is directed to God’s people. He says, “If My people, which are called by My name”
This is not a verse to lost people.
Lost people do not need revival, they need to be saved! If you are not saved, you need to come to Jesus Christ, confess your sins and call on Him for your soul’s salvation.
If you do know the Lord today, then God has something to say to you from this verse. He will help us, if we will allow Him to. Here are the enemies of revival.
I. PRIDE IS THE ENEMY OF REVIVAL
A. “Will humble themselves” This phrase deals with the area of our pride. The word translated “pride” in the Old Testament means “to rise or to swell up.” It refers to the rising of the waves of the sea. It speaks of men thinking more of themselves and their abilities than they do of God. Pride says, “I do not need God, I can make my own way. I know best. I call the shots in my life.”
Friends, we are eaten up with pride in our modern churches! We have adopted the Laodicean mentality,
Rev. 3:17 Because you say, 'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing' and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked.
We have learned how to function without the help of the Lord and it has destroyed the power of the church! When we compare ourselves to the world, we are looking pretty good; but when we lay the modern church alongside the early church; It is easy to see that we are in sad shape!
42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. 46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
God hates pride!
Pro. 6:16-19 16 These six things the LORD hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: 17 A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, 18 A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, 19 A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren.
