Thursday: Revival, Reformation and Tithing
The long reign of Hezekiah is considered the high point for the tribe of Judah. Not since the reign of David and Solomon had Israel enjoyed God’s blessing so greatly. In 2 Chron. 29-31 is Hezekiah’s record of revival and reformation: “He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD” (2 Chron. 29:2, NIV). “The house of the LORD was set in order” (2 Chron. 29:35, NKJV). The Passover was kept
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(2 Chron. 30:5). “There was great joy in Jerusalem” (2 Chron. 30:26, NKJV). Pagan images, altars, and high places were destroyed (2 Chron. 31:1). There was a sudden revival of heart and reformation of practice, resulting in an abundance of tithe and offerings (2 Chron. 31:4-5, 2 Chron. 31:12).
Nehemiah gives another example of revival, reformation, and tithing. Read Nehemiah 9:2-3. What did the revival of the heart mean? Read Nehemiah 13. After Nehemiah reformed the “house of God”, (Neh. 13:4) what did the people of Judah bring there (Neh. 13:12)?
“Revival and reformation are two different things. Revival signifies a renewal of spiritual life, a quickening of the powers of mind and heart, a resurrection from the spiritual death. Reformation signifies a reorganization, a change in ideas and theories, habits and practices.” – Ellen G. White, Christian Service, p. 42.
The relationship between revival, reformation, and tithing is automatic. Without a return of the tithe, revival and reformation are lukewarm, if it is a revival at all. Too often we as Christians stand idle on the sidelines when we ought to be actively involved on the Lord’s side. Revival and reformation demand a commitment, and tithing is part of that commitment. If we hold back from God what He asks of us, we cannot expect Him to respond to what we ask of Him.
Revival and reformation take place in the church, not outside of it (Ps. 85:6). We must seek God for revival (Ps. 80:19) and reformation of “the things you did at first” (Rev. 2:5, NIV). A reformation must take place regarding what we keep and what we return to God.
It is not the act that makes the difference, but the decision of the mind and emotions that reveal the motive and commitment. The results will be an increased faith, sharpened spiritual vision, and renewed honesty.
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"Revival takes place in the church" can someone expound please. Am i to understand that you cannot be truly revived as revival is defined unless it involves the church
Hi Allett
As you may have found, the verse that the lesson uses in support of the statement that "revival takes place in the church" is Ps 85:6. This verse does not contain the word church. Rather, the Hebrew word used is translated "your people".
So it depends how broadly the word church is being used by the lesson. If church is being used in its widest meaning (ie, your people), then it refers to all believers - the entire 'body of Christ' on earth.
In this sense, yes it would be true that revival only takes place within those who are part of that body - meaning all those who have responded to the drawing/leading of the Holy Spirit and submitted and surrendered to God (whether they yet 'formally' know God as God or not is a different matter). Conversely, those who do not submit and surrender to the drawing of the Holy Spirit will understandably not experience revival - because they instead experience a hardening of their heart which is the opposite of (and precludes) revival.
On the other hand if the word 'church' is being used to refer more narrowly to a particular denomination etc, then the statement would not be correct.
I absolutely love your response yes it makes sense the way you explain it because initially I figured they meant denomination thank you I feel better about the statement
Only those who experience true revival and reformation are His people. The rest are tares among the wheat from God's perspective (and it is NOT our duty to decide who they are). Makachi 3:17,18 tells of a day that will reveal who God's servants are and those who are not, though all made a profession.
Revival and reformation are personal experiences. One can fellowship in a congregation that is experiencing revival and reformation, yet not experience it themselves.
I think tithing is a revelation of a revived heart a part of the act of reformation and will not be the only manifestation. Question how should workers of the gospel such as pastors conduct their financial life knowing that it is this one tenth that funds them because basically they are now like keepers of the tithe of the general congregation
I just love the discussion. It is captivating and expands ones thinking Biblically. May God bless you people.
Will I be wrong to say that, we can we can us the word temple in place of church. Coz at this time of writing that was the term for church.
And the in relation to Paul's writing, we are the living temple of God. And so, a the revival and reformation has to start within us, and not around us. Before we start thinking about that leader 'misusing' the churches funds as we may put it, we must think of ourselves fisrt. Coz I think if we looking at things from this angle, we will realize we are returning to God and not the Pastors.
Blessed Sabbath brethren.
Micah - you would be correct.
In the Old Testament, the temple/tabernacle was the visible dwelling place of God designed to begin to teach people (via object lesson) a knowledge and understanding about God that was originally known by Adam but had become lost across the subsequent generations.
This teaching then progressed/matured further in the New Testament to help people once again understand how God actually dwells within each of us (via the Holy Spirit). From God's perspective, 'church' has always comprised the people who desire/submit to having His Spirit dwell within them (whether they formally know that this is His Spirit or not - as per Rom 2:14).
'Church' unfortunately began taking on a different meaning when groups/institutions rose up and used religion and religious organisations as a means of control and domination of people and 'unholy' perpetuation of the organisations.
Today's narrative seemed to be motivated--seemed to get the cart in front of the church. I seriously doubt any revival will start with tithe-paying. Revival is a work of the heart. Tithe paying is one of the fruits of that work. If a church, conference, etc. is concerned about lack of funds, they should really be concerned about lack of relationship that their members have with God. When the heart is right, the funds will naturally flow. It is just one of many ways some people try to focus on behavior rather than relationship. "It's all about who you know, not what you do . . . and who you know changes what you do."