In this helpful sermon, Rick Flanders explains our purpose living as stated by Jesus Christ Himself—to be lights in the world. This message was originally delivered to hundreds of young people in Menomonee Falls, WI at the first ever Teen Revival Conference in 2007.
“Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;”
Philippians 2:12-15
The Goal of Revival
A. Fulfilling Christ’s purpose that we be “lights in the world” (v. 15)
Remember Matthew 5:14-16 (See also John 1:1-9, 8:12, 9:5, and 12:35-36)
B. Standing in stark contrast with the world
- The world is “crooked and perverse,” full of “murmurings and disputing” (vs. 14-15).
- The wins of God are to be “blameless and harmless,” walking in “fear and trembling” (vs. 12-15).
The Responsibility for Revival
A. It is our own (v. 12).
B. It is God’s (v. 13).
The “Bottom Line” of Revival
A. Obedience to God (vs. 12, 16-17)
B. Having the Mind of Christ (vs. 5-11)
- No reputation although in the form of God
- The form of a servant in the likeness of men
- Humbled and obedient
- Obedient unto death
- Obedient unto the death of the cross
C. Absolute surrender to the Light of the World!
Dr. Rick Flanders (@drrickflanders) is a staff evangelist out of First Baptist Church of Bridgeport, Michigan and author of Back to Normal (2008). He has been in full time ministry since 1971 and preaches revival meetings around the country.
