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Contending for the Word Q&A · Theme: The Fruits of True Revival
Revived Hearts Bear Lasting Fruit
Q&A Focus: What are the fruits of true revival in the life of a believer and in the church
When God sends revival, it is never just a fleeting moment of excitement or a stirring of emotion. True revival is marked by lasting transformation and the visible fruits of the Spirit. In Scripture, revival is not simply a wave of enthusiasm, it is a deep, enduring work of God that brings about obedience, holiness, love, and unity among His people.
Revival Renews Devotion to the Word
One of the clearest signs of genuine revival is a renewed commitment to God’s Word. In Nehemiah 8, the people of Israel were deeply moved when the Law was read. They wept, repented, and turned back to the Lord. The Word of God, by the power of the Holy Spirit, awakened their hearts to follow Him faithfully. Revival begins with a return to Scripture and results in a greater hunger for the truth of God.
Revival Produces Obedience and Holiness
“Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey” –Romans 6:16
When revival takes root, believers no longer settle for casual faith. They desire to live in full submission to the Lord, walking in holiness and forsaking sin. This obedience flows not from duty alone, it flows from hearts transformed by grace.
Revival Deepens Love and Strengthens Unity
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, just as I have loved you”
-John 13:34–35
Revival is not limited to personal renewal, it strengthens fellowship within the body of Christ. A revived church forgives, encourages, and bears with one another in love. After Pentecost, the Early Church shared their resources and met needs with generosity, and they kept the gospel central.
“Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul”
-Acts 4:32–35
Revival Fuels Bold Witness
“They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness”
-Acts 4:31
Revival emboldens God’s people to proclaim Christ. The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19–20 becomes the heartbeat of a revived church, sending believers to make disciples and to teach all that Christ commanded.
Revival Bears the Spirit’s Lasting Fruit
“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control” –Galatians 5:22–23
These virtues mark the believer who is daily renewed by the Spirit. Revival is not only about visible acts of faith, it is an inner transformation that touches every area of life. The revived heart reflects the character of Christ.
A Call to Reflection and Prayer
As we consider the fruits of revival, ask, “What fruit is visible in my life” In what areas is God calling me to grow in obedience, love, and holiness?” Revival is not confined to a moment or event, it is a lifelong pursuit of Christlike maturity that brings glory to God.
Pray for revival in your heart and in Christ’s church. Pray for renewed passion for the Word, for deeper love within the body, and for boldness in gospel witness. “Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you” (Psalm 85:6).
Dave Jenkins is happily married to his wife, Sarah. He is a writer, editor, and speaker living in beautiful Southern Oregon. Dave is a lover of Christ, His people, the Church, and sound theology. He serves as the Executive Director of Servants of Grace Ministries, the Executive Editor of Theology for Life Magazine, the Host and Producer of Equipping You in Grace Podcast, and is a contributor to and producer of Contending for the Word. He is the author of The Word Explored: The Problem of Biblical Illiteracy and What To Do About It (House to House, 2021), The Word Matters: Defending Biblical Authority Against the Spirit of the Age (G3 Press, 2022), and Contentment: The Journey of a Lifetime (Theology for Life, 2024). You can find him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, or read his newsletter. Dave loves to spend time with his wife, going to movies, eating at a nice restaurant, or going out for a round of golf with a good friend. He is also a voracious reader, in particular of Reformed theology, and the Puritans. You will often find him when he’s not busy with ministry reading a pile of the latest books from a wide variety of Christian publishers. Dave received his M.A.R. and M.Div through Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.
