Contending for Renewal
/“Come, let us return to the Lord; for he has torn us, that he may heal us; he has struck us down, and he will bind us up. 2 After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will raise us up, that we may live before him. 3 Let us know; let us press on to know the Lord; his going out is sure as the dawn; he will come to us as the showers, as the spring rains that water the earth.” 4 What shall I do with you, O Ephraim? What shall I do with you, O Judah? Your love is like a morning cloud, like the dew that goes early away. 5 Therefore I have hewn them by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of my mouth, and my judgment goes forth as the light. 6 For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings. (Hosea 6:1–6) ESV
What blocks Renewal?
"Their concern was for healing rather than cleansing. They wanted God to make things right in their nation, but they did not come with broken hearts and surrendered wills. They wanted happiness but not holiness. They wanted a change in circumstances but not a change in character. They wanted rescue from their situation but not deliverance from their sins. - Warren Wiersbe
What Catalyzes Renewal?
9 As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him. 10 And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples. 11 And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 12 But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 13 Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” (Matthew 9:9-13) ESV
"Halfhearted Christians are the most miserable people of all. They know enough to feel guilty but they haven't gone far enough in Christ to be happy"- Ray Ortland
How do we Contend for Renewal?
Prepare in the Hidden Place
Delight in Discipleship
O Ephraim, what have I to do with idols? It is I who answer and look after you. I am like an evergreen cypress; from me comes your fruit. (Ho 14:8).
I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. (Jn 15:5) ESV