Ploughman And The Reaper
David Guzik passionately teaches that revival is a biblical and historical phenomenon marked by God's judgment and restoration, culminating in abundant spiritual blessing and rapid fruitfulness.
This sermon emphasizes the importance of revival, focusing on the need for personal, church, and global revival. It highlights the historical impact of revivalists like Dr. J. Edwin Orr and the call for a deep, quality revival that brings forth lasting fruit. The speaker urges humility, dedication to God's work, and readiness for a powerful outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
Sermon Outline
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I. Introduction to Revival
- Personal and pastoral interest in revival
- Historical and biblical foundation of revival
- Influence of Dr. J. Edwin Orr on understanding revival
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II. The Prophetic Word of Amos
- Judgment pronounced on Israel for disobedience
- God’s wrath begins at the house of God
- Promise of restoration and hope amid judgment
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III. The Meaning of Amos 9:13
- Explanation of the plowman overtaking the reaper
- Symbolism of abundant blessing and rapid fruitfulness
- Historical examples of quick spiritual harvests
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IV. Historical Revival Examples
- 1857-1860 North American revival and prayer movements
- Role of united prayer and denominational cooperation
- Impact on cities like New York and Boston
Key Quotes
“I am a Bible teacher with a great love and a great passion, a great interest in Revival.” — David Guzik
“When the plowman shall overtake the reaper... the harvest is so rich, it's so abundant.” — David Guzik
“Judgment begins at the house of God. And really, is that not the first work of revival?” — David Guzik
Application Points
- Seek personal and corporate revival through persistent prayer and dependence on the Holy Spirit.
- Recognize that God’s judgment on the church is a call to repentance and a precursor to blessing.
- Be encouraged that God can bring rapid and abundant spiritual fruitfulness when His people turn back to Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the plowman overtaking the reaper in Amos 9:13?
It symbolizes a season of extraordinary blessing where spiritual fruitfulness is so abundant that the usual agricultural order is reversed, indicating rapid and overwhelming revival.
Who was Dr. J. Edwin Orr and why is he important to this sermon?
Dr. J. Edwin Orr was a renowned scholar and historian of revival whose life and writings deeply influenced David Guzik’s understanding and passion for revival.
Why does revival often begin with judgment according to the sermon?
Revival begins with God’s cleansing judgment on His people to purify and restore them, as judgment is necessary to awaken the church to repentance and renewal.
How did historical revivals like the one in 1857-1860 begin?
They often began with united prayer, spiritual hunger, and key leaders calling the church back to dependence on the Holy Spirit, leading to widespread awakening.
What practical lesson can we learn from the historical revivals mentioned?
Persistent prayer and seeking God’s Spirit corporately can lead to powerful and rapid spiritual renewal in communities and churches.