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Revival is not a one-time spiritual event but a divine move of God that must be nurtured and sustained over time. While revival begins with God, it is the responsibility of the Church to steward it faithfully so that the flame does not fade or become quenched.
In the first part of this teaching, we explored the vital principles that help sustain revival, such as spiritual hunger, focus on the essentials, self-examination, and the centrality of God’s Word.
In this second part, we turn our attention to the dangers and obstacles that threaten to hinder revival and put out its fire. If revival is to be preserved, the Church must be watchful and guard against these spiritual pitfalls.
The first major hindrance we must be aware of is misplaced focus. Revival begins to fade when attention shifts from Jesus Christ to men, titles, church programmes, or personal ambitions. Revival is not about any individual—it is all about Jesus. When He ceases to be the focus, the fire dims (Hebrews 12:2).
The second danger to sustaining revival is pride and self-glorification. Revival is God’s work, not man’s achievement. When people begin to take credit for what only God can do, His Spirit withdraws. Pride grieves the Holy Spirit and stops the flow of divine power (Daniel 4:30–32; Acts 3:12-13,16).
The third obstacle is the commercialisation of spiritual gifts. When God’s blessings and gifts are used for personal gain, revival is quenched. The anointing is not a product for sale. It is given freely by grace and must be used for God’s glory alone (Matthew 10:8; Acts 8:18–20).
The fourth hindrance to sustaining revival is division among believers. Strife, tribalism, competition, and factions break the unity of the Spirit and block the flow of revival. Revival thrives in an atmosphere of love and unity (Psalm 133:1-3).
The fifth obstacle is complacency and lukewarmness. When believers grow passive in prayer, evangelism, and the Word, the fire of revival slowly fades. The Church must remain spiritually alert and fervent in service (Romans 12:11).
The sixth danger is the neglect of genuine repentance and holiness. When sin is tolerated and repentance becomes superficial, the revival fire dies out. Holiness and the fear of the Lord are essential ingredients for a lasting revival (Acts 2:43; 5 11-12).
The seventh and final hindrance is the lack of love. When love for God, love for one another, and love for the lost begins to grow cold, revival cannot thrive. Love fuels unity, drives evangelism, and empowers forgiveness. Without love, revival becomes a lifeless formality.
If the Church is to dwell continually in a revived state, we must guard against these dangers.
GOD’S servant: Peter Collins Obeng
GRACE COVENANT GLORY
