Humility and Revival

Pastor Keith Hassell

Foundation Scripture: 2 Chronicles 7:14

I. “Many are called but few are chosen” (Matthew 22:14)

A. The door of revival is not opened by talent, charisma, or persistence. The door of revival is opened by an attitude called humility.

II. Who will ascend God’s holy mountain? (Psalm 24:3-4)

A. Who may ascend God’s holy mountain? He who has clean hands, a pure heart, has not lifted up his soul to an idol, nor sworn deceitfully.

B. Shouldn’t we just pray and believe God for revival? Absolutely not! We can’t just instantly shake ourselves from apathy, backsliding, and sin and casually waltz into prayer and demand that God give us revival!

C. “If My people…will humble themselves” means, “If My people will sober up out of their drunken condition and realize what they have done, the diseased condition they are in, and the choices they must now make”

D. Luke 15:17 The prodigal son “came to his senses”

III. Characteristics of true humility (2 Chronicles 7:14)

A. Realization of need

1. We must experience the full agony of what we have lost and what our true condition is before God.

2. There is no relief except one…REVIVAL!

B. Attitude of faith and expectation

1. Hebrews 11:6 We must believe that God is able to give us revival

2. Hebrews 11:6 We must believe that God will reward us with revival if we diligently seek Him

a Faith not only prays for revival but plans for revival

C. Unity and cooperation

1. Believers must repent of exclusivity and competition

2. Believers must recognize the value of every member

3. Believers must esteem other as better than themselves (Philippians 2:3)

4. Believers must work to establish God’s kingdom and not their own

a Ask yourself this question: “How is the kingdom of God either established or hindered by my attitude or choices?

b The kingdom of God is the “bigger picture”

c What is more important? The bug splattered on the windshield of your freshly washed car or what is happening on the road in front of you?

D. Determination to act

1. Romans 12:1 We are to present our bodies as a living sacrifice. This does not speak of what we have. It speaks of who we are. God wants us. This is our reasonable act of worship.

2. The revival person arrives says, “God I am ready.”

a If there is no plan to change, then God will not deem our prayer for revival to be serious.

b If there is no embracing of the cost of revival, then God will not deem our prayer for revival to be serious

1) An individual must consider what it means for God to take over the Lordship of his or her life

2) A marriage partnership must consider the cost revival will require of their marriage and family

3) A church must consider the changes revival will bring and the responsibility of maintaining it when it is given

c If there is no place for revival to flow, then God will not deem our prayer for revival to be serious.

1) If we ask for a river, then we must consider where that river is going to flow (City? County? Region? State? Nations?)

E. Response of urgency

1. When we tell God that revival is our gradual goal, then we deny the urgency of our condition and grieve the Spirit who calls for immediate action

IV. The Reward of Humility: GRACE!

A. James 4:6-10“But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: ‘God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’ Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.”

B. 1 Peter 5:5-6 “Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for ‘God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’ Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”