Memory Verse: These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. (Acts 17:11) NKJV
DAILY BIBLE READING
Sun. 17/8/2014
Mobilised For Service To God
Rom. 12:3-13
God equips each believer within a congregation with gifts so as to be able to minister to the body of Christ. There are many in our congregations who are there idle without the motivation to do something for God. There is another group within the Church who desire to be put in positions just for the honour they will get but not because they want to serve. These are not in the Church to fulfil God’s purpose. His various gifts are given so that we can serve within the body of Christ. Devil finds work for the idle hand. For revival to last within the Church, members must be mobilised to serve God in the various capacities to which He has equipped them. There should not be an idle hand in the Church of God. What are you doing for God?
Point of Emphasis: Do not lag in diligence, be fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.
Prayer Point: God, count me worthy to be a diligent labourer in Your vineyard.
INTRODUCTION
It is one thing for revival to commence, it is another thing to sustain the revival. The
revival that started well should continue for a very long period. To sustain revival
is the focus of this week’s lesson. There are some spiritual exercise that must be constant among us. If the fire of revival will keep burning.
NOTES ON THE TEXT
REKINDLE THE FIRE OF PRAYER CONTINUALLY – COL. 4:2-3; MATT. 18:18-20
Unceasing prayer is a key to sustaining revival – Lk. 18:1. Great awakening or revivals always come through prayer. John Knox once said “there’s no revival without prayer…” since revival comes through prayer, prayer should also be used to sustain the revival.
The kinds of prayers we needed:
(i) Individual secrets prayer – Matt. 6:6 during your personal quiet time.
(ii) Family prayer in each home – Acts 10:2,30.
(iii) Group or corporate prayers – Matt. 18:18-20; Acts 4:23-31.
(iv) Leaders earnestly praying for the Church – Eph. 3:14-21.
We need to intensify our prayer with such intensity that will show the Lord that we really want our revival to continue.
HOLD ON TO THE WORD OF GOD – ACTS 17:10-15; JAM. 1:21-25
The word of God plays important roles in revival. Jesus Christ, in describing the importance of the word of God said “Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God”(Matt. 4:4). He also enjoined us to “search the Scripture… they… testify of Me” (Jn. 5:39). In our first passage, Acts 17:10-15, the Berean brethren received the word of God with all readiness, they also searched the Scriptures daily. The revival that happened among them attracted many prominent Greek women and men.
In the book of James read, we are enjoined to be obedient to the word of God. We are to hear the word of God and be the doers of the word. Believe the word and live the word. For the fire of revival to keep burning in your heart and in the Church.
HOLINESS MUST BE OUR WATCHWORD – MATT. 5:6,8; 1 PET. 1:15-16
Sin pollutes and defiles but in revival, the blood of Jesus washes the stains away and quickens man’s heart. We must continue in that purity of heart. It is possible to live a holy life. If it is not possible to live a holy life, God would not have commanded it God said “you shall be holy, for I the Lord your God, am holy”(Lev. 19:2). To be holy means to be separated for God. To maintain holiness, always think about Jesus, study about Jesus, pray always and follow His example by and by, you will become more like Him (2 Cor. 3:18). Jesus said “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Matt. 5:8). Hebrews 12:14 says, “Pursue peace with all people and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord”. Brethren, for revival to continue, let us live a holy life.
THE GREAT COMMISSION IS COMPULSORY – MATT. 28:18-20
At the end of Jesus’ ministry here on earth and just before He ascended to the Father, He called His disciples to Him and said “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you and lo, I am with you always even to the end of the age” (Matt. 28:18-20).
This Commission means, we must go out continually to win souls for Christ. We must assimilate the souls won, we must teach them continually. If truly we are revived, we must be doing all these.
CONCLUSION
The impact of revival should not just be for one week or month. It must last for years. This is possible if we follow the Biblical injunctions in this week’s lesson.
QUESTIONS
Name the kinds of prayers we need to keep our revival continue?
Why is the word of God important in a revival?
What made many of the Berean brethren to become believers?
Why should a believer make holiness his watchword?
What does the Great Commission means to you (Matthew 28:18-20)?
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