Exodus — Chapter 33

What should the church do when it is compromised and apathetic? Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones argues effectively that the answer is revival. In this sermon on the backslidden church from Exodus 33:1–23 titled “Revival of a Backslidden Church,” Dr. Lloyd-Jones gives four essential steps to revival: 1) the church must identify with the state of the people; 2) it must separate to meet with God; 3) it must be urgent in prayer; and 4) it must want more of God. First, Moses saw the state of the people and reacted by standing in the gap and preached truth to the people, even if people did not react favorably. Today’s church must do the same. Second, he moved the camp out from the people, and those who are spiritually alive, says Dr. Lloyd-Jones, must do the same. He notes the examples in church history such as the Wesley brothers, George Whitefield’s “Holy Club,” and others. Next, Dr. Lloyd-Jones argues, “Orthodoxy alone will not win the battle” but Christians must urgently pray with faithful expectation. They must pray with “holy boldness.” Lastly, Dr. Lloyd-Jones urges the Christian not to settle, but to desire more of God. Moses desired more of God than he was given (lest Moses die), but the result was still a powerful manifestation of God.

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 them. In this sermon on Exodus 33:1–11 titled “Revival Sermon: Toward Revival,” 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 they 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 must 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.

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 that are common before a revival begins. This begins with prayer. In this sermon on Exodus 33:12–17 titled “Revival Sermon: Preparatory Stages of Revival,” 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 that only the Holy Spirit can bring. This change is not managed by people but by the sovereign Spirit of God. If the listener is burdened for the church in this world, Dr. Lloyd-Jones encourages that revival begins with the prayers of one.

The church today focuses too much on doing what other religions can do. Other religions can teach a person 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. They must pray for revival. In this sermon on prayer for revival from Exodus 33:12–17 titled “Revival Sermon: Prayer for Revival,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones looks at the prayer of Moses where he 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. They pray for God’s glory to be shown, and cries from the “depths” that God may be known. True revival cannot be manipulated. The moment one believes this can be organized, they are in great danger. Listen in as Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that church needs the power of God. The Holy Spirit must fall upon His people, and they must be revived.

In this sermon on Exodus 33:12–17 titled “Why We Should Pray for Revival,” 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 in the way Moses prayed to God in Exodus 33:12–17. Moses’s 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 pray, with these motives. There is no hope for revival until Christians forget themselves and begin to be concerned with the church. How often do Christians pray for the church? Their main concern should be God and His glory. They must stop thinking of the church as a gathering of institutions and organizations, and get back to thinking they are the people of God. Dr. Lloyd-Jones also shares the way in which Moses boldly prayed. He prayed with confidence, no hesitation in sight, and was 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. The Christian must be like a child speaking to their Father, pleading with Him because of His own name’s sake.

The Christian can be encouraged by God’s response to Moses’s prayer in Exodus 33:17 and knowing that He gives an answer. He has mercy upon Moses and His people, and sends His blessing. In this sermon on Exodus 33:17 titled “Revival Sermon: The Power of Pentecost,” Dr. Lloyd-Jones assures the listener 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 Christians must pray for it. For the world has always been the same, and people in sin do 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 leaving time to pray for revival among God’s people today.

Christians 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 Christians know his increasing boldness, and plead with God to “show me your glory”. Sadly, there are many today who cannot truly say they have a longing to know God more deeply. Many either never knew Him in the first place, or have the feeling that they have “arrived,” and look down upon others who have not. The church today must long for personal and direct knowledge of God. In this sermon on Exodus 33:18–23 titled “Revival Sermon: The Glory of God,” Dr. Lloyd-Jones points out how often the Psalmist expresses this exact longing when he calls upon the Lord. His satisfaction is found solely in the Lord. Christian 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. 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.

Revivals are exceptional and unusual. They are rare moments in which God’s glory passes by in an especially sensible way. In this sermon on the sovereignty of God in revival from Exodus 33:18–23, 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. There may be times when Christians are drawn towards the spectacular—this is innate in human beings. Dr. Lloyd-Jones challenges the listener 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 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. Lloyd-Jones preaches on the sovereignty of God in revival.

In this sermon on Exodus 33:18–23 titled “Revival Sermon: Glory Concealed,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones reminds the listener of what the ultimate motivation should be for revival as Christians. It should never be for the sake of a large number of converts, or 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, God both reveals and conceals, blesses and protects. He is always doing these four things 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. When Christ came to earth, He was concealed in the flesh, and yet 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.