Biblical Revival

Sunday Service

Nehemiah 8

In this chapter, we learn what it looks like to be people of the Book and through Ezra the scribe’s faithful ministry of the Word to God’s people we can discern FOUR REQUIREMENTS for biblical revival.

1. REVERE THE WORD (vv. 1-6)
Have a high regard for the Word of God (Nehemiah 7:73). Immediately after rebidding of the wall around Jerusalem, many thousands gathered in front of the Water Gate and summoned Ezra to bring the Word so that they could be refreshed.

2. RECEIVE THE WORD (vv. 7-8)
This included explaining the Scriptures to the people so that they may understand and apply it. This is known today as ‘expository preaching’. The group of people were so large that they had to be divided up into smaller groups so that they would be better equipped to apply the messages they had heard from Scripture.

3. REJOICE IN THE WORD (vv. 9-12)
The people took the messages from Ezra and his preaching very seriously. They confessed their sin in brokeness and contriteness over their sin, but this time of year was meant to be joyous, so Ezra encouraged them to go forth to celebrate the time of the Feasts. In spite of their sin, God was gracious to bring them back to their land and their city.

4. RESPOND TO THE WORD (vv. 13-18)
By reading of the Word, the people realized that they should be celebrating the Feast of Booths, which was commanded to them through Moses. It was instituted to remind them of the time that their ancestors had wandered in the wilderness for 40 years. In response to the Word, the people responded by repenting, which meant re-instituting the celebration of the Feast of the Booths.

From this message, we see that the key to the consecration and spiritual revival of the people is the exposition of God’s Word. Thank God for providing you a church that is committed to faithfully explain and apply His Word so you and others can experience spiritual revival. Ask Him to cause you to revere His Word more and to be more receptive and responsive to it.