Revival Sermons
Revival can be found in the Bible in both the Old and New Testaments, and Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones’ sermons draw inspiration from both. In the revival sermons below, Dr. Lloyd-Jones shines the light of the scriptures on the topic of revival, exploring historical revivals, the role of the Church in revival, and our reliance on the movement of the Holy Spirit to see revival take hold.
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Revival Sermon: Diagnosing the Need
#RV01 — Mark 9:28-29
Are you burdened by the condition of this world? Are you concerned with the present problems of this age? Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones introduces a sermon series on revival by discussing some common misconceptions about apologetics and evangelism in today’s age. By using the illustration seen in Mark 9:28-29, he acknowledges that there are indeed different times, which require different means of actions. The church and its members often rush to fix a problem before properly diagnosing the issue. Just as Jesus did in Mark, we need to be reminded that we must have understanding in our approach. So, as you are confronted by the way certain people live, be mindful that each case is different. In speaking about apologetics, Dr. Lloyd-Jones discusses a common error of the church trying to make the faith relevant in today’s culture. Some say that newer Bible translations or better church advertising would cause revival. However, are those targeting the root of the modern problem? Revival comes only by the power from God. As we feel burdened or pressed of the condition of this world, we need to be in constant prayer for power and guidance for the Lord.
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Revival Sermon: The Power and the Possibilities
#RV02 — Genesis 26:17-18
What are the needs of the Church today? Have the needs of the Church changed since early Christianity? Does the Church face the same issues as it did since it first began? These are some of the questions Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones answers as he dives into Genesis 26:17-18. As Isaac dug again the wells of his father Abraham, the Church must also dig again the wells that have been filled by modern Philistines through rediscovering the history of the Church. “There is nothing so foolish as to ignore the past.” It is wise to study the pattern of Revival as they have taken place, so as to expose the one main issue that hinders the growth of the Church, as Dr. Lloyd-Jones makes clear, “My dear friends, there is only one explanation of the state of the church today: it is the work of the Philistines.” He explains that the Church doesn’t seem to see this, and instead puts the blame on false ideas such as the modern day or “new knowledge”. We must recognize that man’s problem is still the same, God is the same, and the solution of the problem is the same; Jesus Christ.
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Revival Sermon: The Modern Philistine
#RV03 — Genesis 26:17-18
The condition of the Church today suggests that her need is as urgent as it has ever been. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones expands on the great and urgent need for revival and reawakening, and to influence this, he says we must follow Isaac, who dug again the wells of his father Abraham. “The essence of wisdom for the Church at a time like this is to look back into her own history.” When she does this, what will she find? She will find that no revival has ever been known in history which denied the fundamentals of the Christian faith or neglected such vital truths. These truths are constantly being buried by “the rubbish of the Philistines”. In depth, Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains from Genesis 26:17-18 the vital truths and doctrines denied by the Philistines; the sovereignty of God, the authority of the Bible, the doctrine of sin and the wrath of God. Revival cannot happen without the proclamation of these truths. It is our arrogance, our pride, and our tendency to glorify ourselves rather than God which stands between us and His mighty blessings of revival.
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Revival Sermon: The Holy Spirit in Revival
#RV04 — Genesis 26:17-18
What is a revival? In this sermon Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones seeks to answer this question by looking at Genesis 26:17-18. Put simply, a revival is a work of the Holy Spirit wherein He moves amongst God’s people and unbelievers. The Holy Spirit is the one who works in God’s people to equip them and gift them for the work of spreading the Gospel and building up the Church. It is the Holy Spirit who gives the Church apostles, preachers, and prophets. It is also the Holy Spirit who moves in the world to convict fallen sinners of their wicked ways and of their need of repentance. But one of the Church’s greatest dangers is to quench the work of the Holy Spirit by denying His work. Dr. Lloyd-Jones argues that one of the biggest problems with the Church today is false teaching about the nature of the Holy Spirit’s work and ministry amongst the people of God. If the Church is to be faithful and equipped to serve God, Christians must return to a doctrine of the Holy Spirit that recognizes His working and power in the world. This sermon has a message for both believers and unbeliever in that it calls all to recognize the grace of God in giving His Spirit to the world.
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Revival Sermon: Defective Orthodoxy
#RV05 — Genesis 26:17-18
Is revival possible without the teaching and preaching of doctrinal truths? Can there be a revival in the presence of defective orthodoxy? Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones denies any possibility of revival without the presence of right doctrine. Listen as he expounds upon the hindrances and obstacles of revival, the failure expected without respect of doctrines such as the Holy Spirit, justification by faith alone, regeneration, the Church, and the sovereignty of God. “These doctrines are bare essentials, and without them I see that we have no right at all to pray for or expect the influence and the demonstration of the Holy Spirit of God.” But we must remember that one can be orthodox, but dead, if they believe doctrine is an end to itself. Dr. Lloyd-Jones also points out the increase of entertainment, programs, and advertisements among the Church that should not be there. He even addresses the over-emphasis put on singing that is permeating many churches today. The Church must also beware of being right in doctrine and orthodoxy, but wrong in the Spirit. As you listen to this sermon on Genesis 26:17-18, you will learn about the behaviors and actions that must be thrown out in order to avoid this.
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Revival Sermon: Dead Orthodoxy
#RV06 — Genesis 26:17-18
The Church has an important duty to fulfill before she can truly benefit the Kingdom of God. She must deal with the hindrances that keep away the truths of the Gospel. Listen as Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones presents these dangerous obstacles and asks us to consider the lack of balance within the Church in this sermon on Genesis 26:17-18. It is a necessity to consider dead orthodoxy along with defective orthodoxy. He is convinced that out of all dangers threatening revival, this is the greatest danger confronting the individual with an evangelical outlook, as well as the Church. In the midst of dead orthodoxy, people are driven to contentment and to practice religion merely for safety and security. Are we just content because we have the right beliefs? Do we come to God’s house just to listen to a sermon? Dr. Lloyd-Jones references 1 Thessalonians 5:19 which tells us not to quench the Holy Spirit. He explains the different ways we can avoid this by recognizing a fear of enthusiasm, confusion, false excitement, emotionalism, and pseudo-intellectualism. He clarifies the difference between emotionalism and emotion. We are so afraid of the false that we quench the true emotion. “We’ve forgotten how to weep my friends,” with joy and with sadness.
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Revival Sermon: To Know Him
#RV07 — Genesis 26:17-18
To what extent do you know God? Do you seek to know Him and His love that surpasses all knowledge? Christians should pray Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 3:16-19 for themselves and for the Church. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains how we are like the Laodicean church, thinking we are rich when we are poor. We are blind to our true spiritual state. But, “we must have a true concern for the glory of God.” Preliminary to revival is a thirst for God. In this exposition of Genesis 26:17-18, Dr. Lloyd-Jones reveals the Church’s need for vital living water, much like the need of water Isaac had from the wells of Abraham. She must be careful of serious hindrances to that flow of water such as dead orthodoxy, failure to seek God, to know God, and to apply the truth. We must also examine ourselves in light of Scripture. There is a right and a wrong way of self-examination and our orthodoxy determines which way we will go. The Christian should never be depressed or miserable, but some Christians are because of a wrong self-examination. When we truly know Christ, our sins will drive us to Him, not further from Him. Dr. Lloyd-Jones concludes that this comes with our desperate need for prayer, for a man who is burdened is a man who prays.
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Revival Sermon: What is Revival?
#RV08 — Joshua 4:21-24
It’s disheartening how easily our human minds forget important events, even the most important events or happenings in history. With human nature comes human forgetfulness. But Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones doesn’t allow that fact to excuse us from reconsidering revivals of the past so that the Church may discover how to seek the Lord and pray for revival to happen again. He explains the greatest need among the body of Christ today, and that is that the thoughts and prayers of Christians should go toward revival. The problem today is that men are so busy, they do not even think of it. Our absorption with ourselves, our own generation, and our own activities dangerously occupy us and cause us to forget this great need. In this sermon on Joshua 4:21-24, Dr. Lloyd-Jones presents the definition of revival and states the difference between it and an evangelistic campaign. Revival happens to the Church; an evangelistic campaign is done by the Church and happens to those outside it. When it happens to the Church, it is almost like a repetition of the day of Pentecost. People become aware of spiritual things as they never were before. Men and women realize the glory and holiness of God. They feel a terrible sense of sin and guilt and their conviction drives them to repentance.
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Revival Sermon: Variations Between Revivals
#RV09 — Joshua 4:21-24
What are the characteristics of a revival? How do they start and what are the results? Listen as Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones unpacks the powerful ways revival has affected the Church and why the Church must plead and pray for revival today. Reading from Joshua 4:21-24, he relates revivals to the stones that were questioned by the children of the Israelites. The stones were a memorial there to remind the people and all the nations that the hand of the Lord is mighty. God has done great things and is still doing great things. A revival causes the people to be humbled by the glory and majesty of the Lord. It always results in praise and worship to God. Men and women who are converted during a revival become members of a church and abide in the faith. They become concerned for the lives of others who do not know God. Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that there are many ways a revival starts, after first recognizing that it is an act of God, not a production of man. It may start suddenly or gradually, or it may start in a small group or a great crowd. There are many ways it can start and there are variations in the ways it can end. But the reason for revival never changes. It is so that the people will know the mighty hand of the Lord.
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Revival Sermon: The Power of the Living God
#RV10 — Joshua 4:21-24
Why does the Church need revival? Is it merely for the experiences it brings? Or perhaps for evangelistic purposes? It seems that the reason for revivals has been forgotten by many today, and the desire for them to happen has gone with it. In his examination of Joshua 4:21-24, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones points out the “meaning of these stones” in regards to revival. Like the stones that were placed by the Lord along the Jordan to serve as a reminder of His mighty hand, so revivals are an act of God placed among His people to display His glory, that all peoples and nations may know Him. Dr. Lloyd-Jones reveals the supreme need of the Church today, and that is a reminder that the living God is present and active among them. He explains that revival does this. It also encourages the Church to pray for their preachers, delivers them from self-reliance, and causes them to rely on the Holy Spirit. In conclusion, Dr. Lloyd-Jones teaches that God allows revival in order to lead His people into the “land of blessing”. Men and women affected by it overflow with praise, adoration, and full enjoyment in knowing the living God. We must remember to pray and plead with God for revival so that He may be truly glorified.
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Revival Sermon: The Phenomena of Revival
#RV11 — Acts 2:12-13
Great awakenings by God are often accompanied by great physical and mental phenomena. During revivals, men and women are described as being “struck” – falling to the ground and fainting. Supernatural knowledge about the future is given to ordinary people. What are we to make of these revival testimonies about prophesy and physical phenomena? Should we dismiss such things as hysteria or brain washing? Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones pushes back against the Western tendency to describe these kinds of things in naturalistic terms. While acknowledging there can be mixture of false phenomena with the true, he cautions Christians not to merely dismiss these physical phenomena based upon a dry intellectualism. Such reasoning could result in Christians quenching the Holy Spirit. Instead D. Lloyd-Jones reminds us that these kinds of phenomena are always accompanied by a response from bystanders. It is either a response of doubt, amazement, or mockery. This was the experience of the early Christians in Acts 2:12-13. It has held true throughout the history of revivals as well. The Christian response, says Dr. Lloyd-Jones, must test such things. Nevertheless the whole person can be impacted by a great movement from the sovereign Spirit. Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones seeks a balanced approach in this controversial topic.
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Revival Sermon: Towards Revival
#RV12 — Exodus 33:1-11
Revival begins when one realizes that they may gain the whole world and lose their soul. Every good thing of this earth is nothing if God is not with us. In this sermon on Exodus 33:1-11, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones examines the steps toward revival. How does revival come? What sparks it? Whether revival is individual and personal, or corporate, Dr. Lloyd-Jones argues that it begins the same way. First, one faces the facts and becomes deeply aware of sin and idolatry. Second, one repents. As he presents the story of Israel’s revival upon the building of a golden calf, he highlights a number of issues involved: the need for separation, a mediator, realizing we are poor and wretched, and God’s displeasure upon the Church. Why is the Church so ineffective? Why is it going from bad to worse? The need is not met with better events, campaigns, or programs; the presence of God must be in the midst. God will not longer be with them. This is the thing that so horrified the people of Israel and it must haunt Christians today. Revival begins as men and women realize nothing is so serious as being without the presence of God.
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Revival Sermon: Preparatory Stages in Revival
#RV13 — Exodus 33:12-17
Revival is conceived through the prayers of one who is burdened. Continuing the examination of where revival comes from, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains that there are intermediate steps which are common before a revival begins. This begins with prayer. In this sermon on Exodus 33:12-17, he explains three stages of prayer. This prayer toward revival begins with a longing for separation. As God used the intercession of Moses on behalf of rebellious Israel, it is explained that revival is initiated with the prayers of just one person. This one person feels a great burden for the people of God and wants to do something about it. He prays for holiness and separation from the ways of the world. There is a concern to be holy. This leads to an incredible assurance of God. Prayer turns from dread to delight as God promises His presence among the people. The praying church and individual then grow in expectancy, looking for and expecting change which the Holy Spirit can bring. This change is not managed by people but by the sovereign Spirit of God. Are you burdened for the Church in this world? Listen to this sermon as Dr. Lloyd-Jones encourages us: revival begins with the prayers of one.
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Revival Sermon: Prayer for Revival
#RV14 — Exodus 33:12-17
The church today is too regular, doing what other religions can do. Other religions can teach a man to be moral and just. Other religions can create a sense of community and friendship. Other religions can do good things in the community. Christians tend to be content with these small things; content with the unexceptional and ordinary condition of the Church. We must pray for revival. In this sermon on Exodus 33:12-17, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones looks at the prayer of Moses, as Moses prays for more. God had returned to Israel and Moses is grateful for this, but he wants more. Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that praying for revival is praying for something extra, something more. Revival is not ordinary. It is a special, unusual, and exceptional move of God. The Christian praying for revival is no longer satisfied with the ordinary condition of the Church. He prays for God’s glory to be shown. He cries for the “depths” that God may be known. True revival cannot be manipulated. The moment we believe this can be organized, we are in great danger. Listen in as Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that church needs the power of God. The Holy Spirit must fall upon us, and we must be revived.
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Revival Sermon: Why We Should Pray for Revival
#RV15 — Exodus 33:12-17
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones speaks about the vital matter of revival among God’s people and how it must be brought to the Lord in prayer. Dr. Lloyd-Jones points out the powerful example we see in the way Moses prayed to God in Exodus 33:12-17. Moses’ motives were clear when he approached the Lord; a concern for the glory of God and His honor, his concern for the children of Israel, and his agony of their sin. All God’s servants pray, and should pra,y with these motives. There is no hope for revival until we forget ourselves and begin to be concerned with the Church. How often do we pray for the Church? Our main concern should be God and His glory. We must stop thinking of the Church as a gathering of institutions and organizations, and get back to thinking we are the people of God. Dr. Lloyd-Jones also shares with us the way in which Moses boldly prayed. He prayed with confidence, no hesitation in sight, and assured of God’s nearness. He was direct and orderly in what He was asking the Lord to do, reasoning and pleading, and reminding Him of His promises. So we must be like a child speaking to his Father, pleading with Him because of His own Name’s sake.
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Revival Sermon: The Power of Pentecost
#RV16 — Exodus 33:17
We can be encouraged by God’s response to Moses’ prayer in Exodus 33:17 by knowing that He gives an answer. He has mercy upon Moses and His people, and sends His blessing. Dr. Lloyd-Jones assures us that the Lord has mercy upon His people, the Church today, and sends His blessing. He claims that revival, above everything else, is what is needed today and therefore we must pray for it. For the world has always been the same, and man in sin does not change. Every revival, in a sense, has been a repetition of the day of Pentecost. There are certain occurrences that happen in revival today that happened at Pentecost. The Church becomes aware of the Spirit and His presence. They are given great assurance when given the Truth and are filled with great joy and a sense of praise. That is how the Church is meant to be. It is the same power today that is given in the proclamation of the Truth. Another occurrence that can be related to Pentecost today is the response of the people in joining the Church. Many continue steadfastly in activities of the Church; membership, communion, worship, and prayer. Dr. Lloyd-Jones encourages us to leave time to pray for revival among God’s people today.
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Revival Sermon: The Glory of God
#RV17 — Exodus 33:18-23
Do you long to see the glory of God as Moses did when he approached the Lord and interceded for the Israelites in Exodus 33:18-23? It is essential that we know his increasing boldness, longing for more in the presence of our God. Sadly, there are many today who cannot truly say they have a longing to know God deeper. For many either never knew Him in the first place, or have the feeling that they have “arrived” and look down upon others who haven’t. The Church today must long for a personal and direct knowledge of God. Dr. Lloyd-Jones points out how often we see the Psalmist express this exact longing when he calls upon the Lord. And his satisfaction is found solely in the Lord. Our own prayers should be motivated by a concern for the manifestation of the glory of God. Dr. Lloyd-Jones also points out an example found in the New Testament, in the life of Paul. We see that Paul was never satisfied in his personal relationship with Christ, but longed to know Him more. The more he knew about Christ, the more he loved Him and desired to spend his life for the Gospel. Should we strive for anything less?
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Revival Sermon: Sovereignty of God in Revival
#RV18 — Exodus 33:18-23
How are we to understand times of revival? Revivals are exceptional and unusual. They are rare moments in which God’s glory passes by in an especially sensible way. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones points out that Moses experienced a moment like this on the top of Mt. Sinai where he was able to know the character of God in Exodus 33:18-23. There may be times in our lives when we are drawn towards the spectacular—this is innate in us as human beings. Dr. Lloyd-Jones challenges us not to seek the spectacle that comes with revival, but rather to seek to know the character of God. Dr. Lloyd-Jones gives a helpful overview of the various names of God in order to show how they inform us of who God is. For instance, when God calls Himself “I AM,” He declares Himself as the self-existent, everlasting One. God establishes a covenant with His people, and it is based completely upon who He is. He is the righteous Redeemer who loves His own. By His grace and in His sovereignty, God chooses when revival comes, where it comes, and to whom it comes. Listen as Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains God’s sovereignty in revival.
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Revival Sermon: Glory Concealed
#RV19 — Exodus 33:18-23
In his exposition of Exodus 33:18-23, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones reminds us of what our ultimate motivation should be for revival as Christians. It should never be for the sake of a large number of converts, or for our own fame and glory, but for the glory of God. Moses asked the Lord to reveal His glory to him and in response, God revealed Himself in His own way. As Moses is hid within the cleft of the rock, we see God both reveal and conceal, bless and protect. These four things He is always doing when He reveals Himself to His people. In Christianity, God reveals His glory in the face of Jesus Christ. Therefore, a Christian is someone who grasps the fact that God has revealed His glory in the face of Jesus Christ and all those who are called by God have beheld His glory. Though when Christ came to earth He was concealed in the flesh, He did not leave any of His glory behind. He was not any less God. Believers can be encouraged and filled with great hope in remembering that like Moses, they are in the cleft of the rock, which is in Christ Jesus!
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Revival Sermon: Praying for the Power
#RV20 — Isaiah 62:6-7
In his book, the prophet Isaiah demonstrates deep concern for the City of God. In this sermon on Exodus 33:18-23, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones stresses that today Christians should be just as concerned for the Church and God’s people. Do we realize what the Church is? She is the bride of Christ, the City of God, and His dwelling place. He suggests that if we don’t have the same concern Isaiah had, perhaps it is because we don’t possess the right conception of the Church. And if we don’t, we cannot love it the way Christ does. But what we see in the life of Isaiah is a burdened heart; a heart broken over the state of the remnant of God’s people. He prays to the Lord and pleads with the people to remember His goodness and mercy. When the Church seems to be only a remnant, weak and small, we must remember that she is a holy people; the place where God dwells. Dr. Lloyd-Jones points out a few areas we must act upon our concern for the Church such as doctrine, prayer, and evangelism. He reminds us to pray for revival and encourage others to do the same. In doing so, we are to remind God of His own promises and what He has said about Zion, the City of David, and His Church.
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About Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981) was a Welsh evangelical minister who preached and taught in the Reformed tradition. His principal ministry was at Westminster Chapel, in central London, from 1939-1968, where he delivered multi-year expositions on books of the bible such as Romans, Ephesians and the Gospel of John. In addition to the MLJ Trust’s collection of 1,600 of these sermons in audio format, most of these great sermon series are available in book form (including a 14 volume collection of the Romans sermons), as are other series such as "Spiritual Depression", "Studies in the Sermon on the Mount" and "Great Biblical Doctrines". He is considered by many evangelical leaders today to be an authority on biblical truth and the sufficiency of Scripture.