The Path to Spiritual Renewal & the Revival of the Church
FOCUS TEXT: Nehemiah 8
Sunday we explored Nehemiah 8 as a part of our “{RE}BUILD, The Story of Nehemiah” series. Over the previous 8 weeks we saw God call, prepare, and send Nehemiah to accomplish two primary tasks: 1) {RE}BUILD the broken down wall around Jerusalem so that the worship of God might be reestablished; and, 2) help {RE}BUILD the people of God who were experiencing great trouble and shame after years of exile and oppression. These tasks were accomplished by the end of chapter 6 making the way for the worship of God to resume. But before it could, the hearts of the people had to be renewed.
The Church today needs the sort of spiritual renewal that God’s people sought in Nehemiah’s day. Chapter 8 reveals a path to spiritual renewal and the revival of the Church. From our focus text we discover 5 truths that lead to spiritual renewal and revival.
Spiritual renewal requires God’s people seek Him together. Ten times the text says: “all the people,” indicating that revival requires the entire body take responsibility for seeking the face of God together; not the leaders—the people! Revival begins as a grass roots, renewal seeking movement that the whole body embraces.
Spiritual renewal requires God’s people become impassioned for His Word. Verses 1-5 reveal a people on fire for the Word of God; they longed for, revered, consumed, and grappled with the Law of the Lord together. Revival always involves the elevation of Scripture among the people of God.
Spiritual renewal requires God’s people become responsive to His Word. Verse 6 shows a people moved by the Word to respond. Response to the Word often includes impassioned worship, increased prayer, bold witness, and greater ownership for the life and work of the Church.
Spiritual renewal requires God’s people become obedient to His Word. Verses 7-12 show a people broken hearted in response to the Word. They then began to put it into practice. They demonstrated a renewed pattern—God’s revelation leads to obedient response. Revival is sparked when people commit to quick obedience.
Spiritual renewal requires God’s people be motivated by His saving work. Verses 13-18 reveal a return to remembering God’s rescue of His people from slavery in Egypt. For us this is applied through remembering God’s saving work through the death and resurrection of Jesus. As we fix our eyes on Jesus He will perfect our faith!
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
How is God preparing and pruning us to seek His face along side the rest of the body?
What hinders us from together seeking the Lord with all our hearts?
How would you measure your passion for the Word? Responsiveness? Obedience?
What needs to change in order for your heart to be rightly motivated?
PRAYER RESPONSE
Take time to prayerfully evaluate and examine your passions. Weigh them against your love for Jesus and His Word. Ask God to stir a wholehearted desire to know Him and walk with Him in His Word.