THE FIRE OF PERSONAL REVIVAL

SERMON TITLE: THE FIRE OF PERSONAL REVIVAL

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Psalm 85:6
Supporting Texts: Habakkuk 3:2, 2 Chronicles 7:14, Acts 2:1-4

INTRODUCTION:
Personal revival is the ignition of a deep, renewed passion for God within an individual. It’s when the fire of God burns afresh in a person’s heart, rekindling their first love for God, restoring their zeal for His work, and renewing their commitment to live in holiness and righteousness. Revival begins within and spreads outward, and it is a vital need for every believer who desires to walk closely with God and live out their faith effectively. Today, we will explore what it means to experience personal revival and how we can keep the fire of God burning in our hearts.

1. WHAT IS PERSONAL REVIVAL?

a) Revival of the heart: Personal revival is a spiritual awakening where one's heart is reignited with the love and fire for God.

b) Renewal of passion: It involves a fresh outpouring of zeal for prayer, worship, and the study of God's Word.

c) Conviction and repentance: Revival brings conviction of sin, leading to genuine repentance and a desire for holiness.

d) Restoration of spiritual hunger: A revived person experiences a deep hunger for more of God, seeking His presence and power.

e) Biblical Example: In Psalm 85:6, the psalmist cried out for revival, recognising that it is God who revives and restores joy and passion.

2. WHY DO WE NEED PERSONAL REVIVAL?

a) To reignite our first love: Over time, our passion for God can fade due to distractions, trials, or spiritual lethargy (Revelation 2:4).

b) To restore spiritual fervour: Revival restores the fire for spiritual disciplines such as prayer, fasting, and evangelism.

c) To overcome spiritual dryness: Personal revival refreshes and revives us when we feel dry or distant from God.

d) To equip us for God’s purpose: A revived heart is empowered to fulfil the call of God with boldness and effectiveness.

e) Biblical Example: King David experienced personal revival after confessing his sin and praying for a clean heart and a renewed spirit (Psalm 51:10-12).

3. KEYS TO IGNITING THE FIRE OF PERSONAL REVIVAL

a) Repentance and humility: Genuine revival begins with repentance from sin and a humble heart that seeks God’s mercy (2 Chronicles 7:14).

b) Hunger for God: A deep hunger and thirst for more of God draws His presence and sparks revival (Matthew 5:6).

c) Persistent prayer: Revival is birthed and sustained through consistent, heartfelt prayer (Acts 1:14).

d) Immersion in the Word of God: The fire of revival is sustained when we regularly feed on the Word, allowing it to transform us (Jeremiah 20:9).

e) Biblical Example: The early church experienced personal and corporate revival as they devoted themselves to prayer and the Word (Acts 2:1-4).

4. THE SIGNS OF PERSONAL REVIVAL

a) A renewed love for God: You experience a fresh, passionate love for God and His presence.

b) Deep conviction of sin: Revival brings a sensitivity to sin and a desire to live a life of holiness.

c) Increased desire for prayer and the Word: Revival ignites a strong yearning to spend time in prayer and to study the Bible.

d) Boldness in witnessing: When revived, there is a newfound boldness to share the gospel and reach out to the lost.

e) Biblical Example: Peter, who once denied Jesus, was revived by the Holy Spirit and boldly preached to thousands on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:14-41).

5. HOW TO SUSTAIN THE FIRE OF PERSONAL REVIVAL

a) Continual prayer: Maintain a life of constant prayer and communion with God (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

b) Regular fellowship: Stay connected with other believers for encouragement and spiritual growth (Hebrews 10:25).

c) Feed on the Word: Keep studying and meditating on God’s Word to fuel your spiritual fire (Joshua 1:8).

d) Avoid spiritual complacency: Do not allow distractions, sin, or worldliness to quench the fire of revival in your heart.

e) Biblical Example: The church in Acts sustained their revival by devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer (Acts 2:42).

CONCLUSION:
Personal revival is an individual’s return to their first love and passion for God. It is essential for spiritual vitality and effectiveness in the kingdom of God. The fire of personal revival not only transforms us but also impacts those around us. As we seek God, repent of our sins, and pursue His presence, may the fire of revival be ignited in our hearts. Let us continually fan this flame through prayer, the Word, and a steadfast commitment to God.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, ignite the fire of revival in my heart.

2. Father, forgive me for any sin that has quenched Your fire in my life.

3. Lord, restore my first love and passion for You.

4. Father, create in me a hunger and thirst for more of You.

5. Lord, empower me to live a life of holiness and righteousness.

6. Father, renew my strength and zeal for prayer and the study of Your Word.

7. Lord, use me to bring revival to others around me.

8. Father, help me to remain steadfast and avoid spiritual complacency.

9. Lord, let the fire of revival in me never burn out.

10. Father, fill me afresh with Your Spirit to walk in power and boldness.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:

1. I declare that the fire of revival is ignited in your heart today.

2. Every spiritual lethargy in your life is broken right now in Jesus’ name.

3. You will walk in renewed passion and love for God.

4. I declare that you will experience a deep hunger and thirst for more of God.

5. The fire of revival will burn brightly in your life, transforming you and those around you.

6. Every sin and distraction that quenches the Spirit's fire is removed from your life.

7. You will be a vessel of revival in your family, church, and community.

8. Your prayer life will be reignited with new fervour and power.

9. You will grow in spiritual maturity and effectiveness for the kingdom of God.

10. I declare that the fire of personal revival in you will never go out in Jesus' name.