The Need for Genuine Revival

Rededication: Returning to God's Word
Revival never begins with emotion or enthusiasm—it begins with rededication to God’s Word. In 2 Kings 22, the kingdom of Judah was in spiritual decline. The temple had been neglected and was in disrepair, but more importantly, the Book of the Law had been lost. When Hilkiah the priest rediscovered it, and it was read before King Josiah, the response was immediate and profound. Josiah tore his clothes in grief, realizing that the people had transgressed God’s commandments for many years. The Word of God had been ignored, and Josiah knew that this dishonor would bring judgment. True revival always begins with rediscovering the Word of God and realigning our hearts with it. As Psalm 119:161 reminds us, God's people "tremble at [His] word." The Bible is our absolute authority, our moral compass, and our foundation for faith and practice. Without it, revival is impossible. Amos 7:7–9 compares God’s Word to a plumb line by which everything must be measured. When people once again honor the Scriptures, as Josiah did, spiritual restoration becomes possible.

Repentance: Turning from Sin with Conviction
Josiah's next response was to lead the people in national repentance. In 2 Kings 23:1–3, he gathered all the people and read to them the Book of the Covenant. Together, they made a covenant before the Lord to walk in His ways and keep His commandments with all their heart and soul. Revival that stops at rededication is incomplete. God's people must not only recognize their errors but also change their course. The biblical concept of repentance means “a change of mind” that leads to a change in action. The apostle Paul highlights this in 2 Corinthians 7:9–10, when he distinguishes between worldly sorrow and godly sorrow. Josiah and his people felt genuine grief over their sins—and they acted on it. This conviction echoes the reaction of those on Pentecost in Acts 2:37–38. When confronted with their sin, they were cut to the heart and asked, “What shall we do?” The answer was clear: repent. When God's people are confronted by Scripture and find themselves in the wrong, it is not God who must change—it is us. Psalm 119:89 declares, “Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven.” Repentance is not optional. It is essential to revival.

Reformation: Putting Holiness into Practice
Following rededication and repentance, genuine revival results in visible reformation. Josiah's reforms were radical and sweeping. In 2 Kings 23:4–7, he purged the temple of every object of idolatry. In verses 8–20, he expanded the cleansing to the surrounding regions, tearing down altars, destroying idols, and erasing every trace of pagan worship. Verse 24 even records the removal of those practicing occultism. Josiah was not interested in superficial change; he sought complete holiness. He led the people to destroy everything that offended God. That’s what revival looks like—not merely singing more songs or attending more services, but casting out sin and pursuing holiness. Luke 3:7–14 shows John the Baptist preaching a similar message of repentance and reformation: those who claim to repent must produce fruits worthy of repentance. A heart set on God will seek purity, not compromise. The revival under Josiah was so powerful because it changed how people lived. True revival always produces godly living, not just temporary excitement.

Conclusion: Revival Is Still Needed Today
The church at Ephesus in Revelation 2:4–5 was told by Jesus that they had “left their first love.” His prescription was simple but powerful: “Remember... repent... and do the first works.” That’s exactly what happened under Josiah’s leadership. Revival came when God’s Word was rediscovered, sin was confronted, and holiness was pursued. That formula hasn’t changed. We too must examine our hearts and practices in the light of God's Word. If we have drifted from obedience, let us remember the fire we once had, repent sincerely, and reform our lives. Revival is not a one-time event—it is an ongoing need for the people of God in every generation.

(Sermon Outline)

The Need for Genuine Revival

Introduction:

A history of God’s people reveals that their love for Him is high for a while and then it slacks off.  They will repent, seek the Lord, and then experience a revival.

The passage for this lesson describes one of the greatest revivals recorded.  Israel had drifted far away from God and was worshipping pagan idols.  They were living in spiritual darkness and needed genuine revival.  This revival was led by a king named Josiah.

Text:  II Kings 22-23

Body:

I.  Revival Involves Rededication (II Kings 22:8-13)

·  The temple had been neglected and was greatly in need of repair.  (II Kings 22:4-6)  Also, the Word of God had been neglected for a long time and was eventually lost due to lack of use.  After the book of the Law was discovered and read, Josiah realized that they had not obeyed God’s Word and that God was angry with them.  So he rededicated himself to keeping the commands of God.

·  Any genuine revival of God’s people must begin with a rededication to following the Word of God.  The Bible is the final authority for God’s people and must be honored as such.  (Psalm 119:161)  (Isaiah 66:2)  “trembles at My Word”

·  God’s Word is the standard against which all that we believe and practice must be compared.  (Amos 7:7-9)

·  God’s Word is the source book for everything we need for this life.  (II Timothy 3:16-17) 

II.  Revival Involves Repentance (II Kings 23:1-3)

·  The king and the people made a covenant before the Lord with all their heart and soul.

·  Repentance is an ugly word for many today, both inside and outside the church.  The Greek word means “to change one’s mind.”  Josiah realized they had done something wrong and they felt sorrow and grief because of it.  (II Corinthians 7:9-10)  These Israelites “changed their mind” and decided to follow the ways of God.

·  Repentance involves being ‘convicted’ of sin as those on Pentecost were.  (Acts 2:37-38)

·  When we compare our lives with God’s Word and find a discrepancy, we need to change our minds because God is not going to change His Word!  (Psalm 119:89) 

III.  Revival Involves Reformation (II Kings 23:4-20,24)

·  After the people repented, many changes took place.  (II Kings 23:4-7)  They cleaned out the temple and surrounding area because it had become a place of pagan idol worship.  They removed everything that wasn’t supposed to be there.  (II Kings 23:8-20)  They destroyed all the pagan altars and places of worship.  (II Kings 23:224)  Those who practiced the occult were put away.

·  From this example, when there is genuine revival, there is a clear move toward holiness and godly living.  A reformation will take place.  (Luke 3:3,7-14)

Conclusion:

There was a church in the 1st Century that needed a revival.  Ephesus  (Revelation 2:4-5)  Remember, repent, and do! 

Bobby Stafford  

January 12, 2014