DIVINE AWAKENING

Title: DIVINE AWAKENING

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Ephesians 5:14
"Therefore He says: 'Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light.'"

Supporting Texts: Romans 13:11, Isaiah 60:1, Matthew 25:1-13, Revelation 3:2-3, Psalm 85:6

INTRODUCTION:
Divine awakening is a spiritual call to rise from slumber and respond to God’s purpose for our lives. It is an invitation to step into the fullness of what God has ordained for us. As believers, we are called to awaken spiritually from any form of complacency or spiritual lethargy. The Bible encourages us to wake up, arise, and let the light of Christ shine in our lives. This sermon explores the significance, power, and steps toward experiencing divine awakening in our lives.

1. THE NEED FOR DIVINE AWAKENING

a) Spiritual Slumber:
Spiritual slumber refers to a state of indifference or neglect in one's walk with God, where believers become passive or complacent in their faith (Romans 13:11).

b) Complacency in the Church:
Many Christians become complacent in their faith journey, failing to seek God’s purpose and often becoming distracted by the cares of life (Revelation 3:2-3).

c) The Danger of Spiritual Sleep:
Spiritual sleep leads to missed opportunities, disobedience to God’s call, and lack of spiritual growth (Matthew 25:1-13).

d) The Call to Awaken:
God calls us to awaken from spiritual slumber and live according to His will, bringing light into dark areas of our lives and society (Isaiah 60:1).

e) Biblical Example: The story of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32), who experienced a spiritual awakening when he "came to his senses" and returned to the father.

2. THE PURPOSE OF DIVINE AWAKENING

a) To Experience God’s Presence:
Divine awakening enables us to experience the fullness of God’s presence and His power to transform our lives (Psalm 85:6).

b) To Fulfill God’s Purpose:
Awakening is essential for fulfilling God’s plan and calling for our lives. We are called to be active participants in advancing God’s kingdom (Ephesians 2:10).

c) To Bring Light into Darkness:
As we awake spiritually, we are called to be the light of the world, spreading the gospel and pointing others to Christ (Matthew 5:14).

d) To Revive the Church:
Divine awakening is not just an individual experience but a corporate revival. It revitalizes the church and empowers believers to fulfill the Great Commission (Isaiah 60:1-2).

e) Biblical Example: The revival in the book of Nehemiah (Nehemiah 2:17-18), where the people were awakened to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem and restore their spiritual fervor.

3. THE SIGNS OF DIVINE AWAKENING

a) A Deep Desire for God:
One of the first signs of spiritual awakening is a hunger and thirst for more of God, a desire to seek Him with all our hearts (Psalm 42:1-2).

b) Increased Prayer and Worship:
A renewed focus on prayer, worship, and fellowship with God marks a time of awakening. Our hearts are stirred to draw closer to Him (Acts 2:42).

c) A Renewed Mindset:
Divine awakening brings a change in how we view life, shifting from worldly pursuits to kingdom-centered perspectives (Romans 12:2).

d) A Passion for Souls:
Awakening stirs a passion for the lost, leading us to actively share the gospel and win souls for Christ (Matthew 28:19-20).

e) Biblical Example: The revival in the time of King Josiah, when the people awakened to God’s Word and repented, leading to national revival (2 Kings 22:10-13).

4. HOW TO EXPERIENCE DIVINE AWAKENING

a) Repentance and Consecration:
Repentance is the first step to awakening. Turning away from sin and consecrating ourselves to God brings renewal and fresh fire (2 Chronicles 7:14).

b) Seeking God’s Presence:
Regular, intentional time in God’s presence through prayer, worship, and studying His Word draws us into deeper intimacy with Him (James 4:8).

c) Prayer for Revival:
Praying for personal revival and asking God to awaken the church is essential in seeing divine awakening in our lives and communities (Habakkuk 3:2).

d) Surrender to the Holy Spirit:
Yielding to the Holy Spirit’s promptings and guidance enables us to live awakened and sensitive to God’s will (Acts 1:8).

e) Biblical Example: The story of the church in Acts, who experienced a mighty outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2, leading to a great awakening and growth of the church.

5. THE IMPACT OF DIVINE AWAKENING

a) Personal Transformation:
Divine awakening results in personal transformation, where believers experience a renewed zeal for God and a life that reflects His glory (2 Corinthians 5:17).

b) Impact on Family and Community:
When individuals are awakened, their families, workplaces, and communities are impacted by their newfound passion for Christ (Joshua 24:15).

c) Revival in the Church:
A church that is spiritually awake becomes a powerful force for the kingdom of God, reaching out to the lost and serving others in love (Acts 2:44-47).

d) Revival in Nations:
Divine awakening can lead to national revival, where entire nations turn to God, bringing transformation in politics, culture, and society (2 Chronicles 7:14).

e) Biblical Example: The awakening in Nineveh after Jonah’s preaching, where the whole city repented, resulting in God's mercy and restoration (Jonah 3:5-10).

CONCLUSION:
Divine awakening is a powerful call from God to arise and shine in His light. It is a call to spiritual vitality, to fulfill His purpose, and to bring His glory into every area of our lives. As we respond to God’s invitation to awaken, we will experience personal transformation, see revival in our communities, and witness the expansion of God's kingdom on earth.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, awaken my spirit to seek You with all my heart.

2. Father, remove every form of complacency and apathy from my life.

3. I pray for a fresh outpouring of Your Holy Spirit to awaken my soul.

4. Lord, revive my passion for prayer, worship, and service to You.

5. Awaken me, O God, to fulfill Your purpose in my life.

6. I ask for a divine awakening in my church, that we may be a light to the world.

7. Father, stir my heart for the lost, and give me a passion for souls.

8. Lord, let Your light shine in me, that I may reflect Your glory.

9. I pray for a national revival, where my country will return to You.

10. Father, awaken me to the greatness of Your plans for my life.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. You will experience a divine awakening that will propel you into your God-given destiny.

2. Every area of spiritual sleep in your life will be revived by the power of the Holy Spirit.

3. The light of Christ will shine in your life, dispelling every darkness.

4. Your spiritual life will be marked by new levels of passion, devotion, and fruitfulness.

5. Your family, community, and church will experience the power of divine awakening.

6. The glory of God will rest upon you, and you will fulfill His purpose for your life.

7. You will be a catalyst for revival in your city and nation.

8. God is awakening a new level of anointing and favour in your life.

9. Your life will become a testimony of God’s transformative power.

10. The Spirit of God will lead you into a fresh season of divine awakening and purpose.