Pulpit Curriculum- Revival Is Possible
Derek A. Ward
November 10, 2024

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Pulpit Curriculum: Revival Is Possible

November 10th – November 16th, 2024


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Sermon Summary

In this sermon “Revival is Possible”, the fifth in the series to the Seven Churches, the Pastor examines Jesus’s letter to the church in Sardis from Revelation 3:1-6, shining a light on the problematic disconnect between their reputation and spiritual reality. The message emphasizes three main points: the pressing need to confront their true spiritual condition, respond with urgency and obedience, and embrace God’s promise of renewal. Jesus identified the church as having a reputation for being alive while being spiritually dead, calling them to wake up, strengthen what remains, remember what they received, and repent. The Preacher points out that revival begins with honest self-assessment and requires immediate action, while offering hope through God’s promises of renewal to those who overcome. In conclusion, practical steps for spiritual renewal and revival are offered up for consideration.

Verse of the Week

Revelation 3:3
3“Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you.”

Going Deeper

This section of the Pulpit Curriculum is meant to support Bible reflection, and encourage readers to come away with a high view of Scripture.

Review: Revelation 3:1-6

1) Jesus said: “I know your works; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead.” (Revelation 3:1)

a) In what ways does this statement parallel His warning to the scribes and pharisees in Matthew 23: 27-28?

b) What external works do you regard as genuinely progressive, alive or vibrant in your own church community?

2) The church at Sardis was not only chastised but they were given clear instructions, including to ‘Wake Up!’

a) How might a call to remember teachings they had received and heard, to demonstrate obedience and repentance, wake them up?

b) Cite and discuss briefly one other instance where a similar charge was made in Scripture.

3) There were a few people in Sardis who were called worthy. Revelation 3:4

a) How does this situation connect with Jesus’s teaching in Matthew 7:13-14 ?

b) In what ways are the bearing and actions of ‘worthy’ believers expected to demonstrate a difference between the few and the wider community?

Bonus Question

The “book of life” (Revelation 3: 5) is mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments. Read the following verses and summarize what each reveals about the book of life.

What is your conclusion concerning the Book of Life?

Assess Your Life

The following questions are meant to encourage personal reflection and identify areas for spiritual growth in your relationship with God. Ask yourself the questions, respond honestly, write down your responses, and then prayerfully seek God’s conviction and guidance to move forward to repentance and restoration. In discussions with your friends and family, or in your Small Group, be open to sharing your responses with others in a spirit of accountability and transparency.


What is my spiritual reputation to others?

What are my spiritual priorities?

Am I able to identify spiritual complacency in my life?

Use the list of scriptures below for help. If you do identify some area(s) of weakness, make a list to use later as prayer points.

Application

One key objective of this Pulpit Curriculum is taking God’s truth as exposed in the sermon and helping people apply that truth in practical and intentional ways to plot a course toward obedience and transformation. This section is intended to achieve that objective.


1) Where in my life can I apply the teachings of this sermon to ‘Wake Up!’ in my areas of spiritual weakness?

Embracing Jesus’ promises of restoration is the first step to getting one’s spiritual life on track.
2) Create a short “I WILL” list of spiritual priorities for the coming week based on the sermon. NB: Your “I WILL” list is your promise to work on the areas of your life that you identified as spiritually complacent.

3) How can I be deliberate in obeying the word of God even when it is difficult for me.

4) After examining my life based on the command to repentfrom Jesus in Revelation 3:3, what areas of my life do you need to repent of?

5) Reflect on the areas of sin in my life and actively ask Jesus to change me and lead me to the path of righteousness in Him.

I will ask

to hold me accountable in this.


Sermon Main Points

1) Confront the Reality of your Spiritual Condition (Revelation 3: 1)

2) Respond with Urgency and Obedience (Revelation 3: 2-3)

3) Embrace God’s Promise of Renewal (Revelation 3: 4-6)

Quotes

“Revival always begins with awareness — an acknowledgment that we can’t afford to sleepwalk through our faith.” —Derek A. Ward

“Repentance is not simply feeling sorrow for past mistakes but making a decisive, immediate turn toward God.” —Derek A. Ward

“Revival is not a passive waiting but an active response to Jesus’s call, embracing His commands with obedience and urgency.” —Derek A. Ward

“Even if we feel our faith is weak, there is hope to strengthen and revive it.” —Derek A. Ward


Sermon Reflection

What stood out for me in this sermon?

What can I do to remember this?


5 Day Study Plan

Use the Inductive Bible Study method to study these scriptures this week and remember to share with someone else.

Follow these steps

1. Observe the text.
(What do you see in the text? Look for answers to questions like: Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?)

2. Interpret the text.
(What did God and the human author of the text want the original people reading this text to understand/do? Why?)

3. Apply the text.
(How do I need to change in my thinking, my affections, my attitudes, and/or my actions?)


Day 1 - Matthew 25: 1-13

Emphasizes the importance of spiritual readiness and staying watchful

What I learned / How I will Respond?

Day 2 - 2 Timothy 1: 6-14

Timothy is encouraged to be bold in his faith, not be ashamed of the Gospel, and to rely on God’s power rather than fear

What I learned / How I will Respond?

Day 3 - James 1: 22-25

Encouragement to be a doer of God’s word rather than just a hearer

What I learned / How I will Respond?

Day 4 - 1 Thessalonians 5: 1-11

Sound advice on the importance of being alert and equipped while awaiting Christ’s return, encouraging one another in faith and love

What I learned / How I will Respond?

Day 5 - Philippians 2: 12-16

Embracing the need to work out one’s salvation reverently, shining as beacons against the darkness of the world.

What I learned / How I will Respond?


For best results, this content should be read and prepared privately and then discussed in your small group or with family / friends. We were not created to do life alone - get connected with a small group and grow together.