The Obstacle to Revival: Sin

by O. J. Smith

There is only one obstacle that can block the work of the Holy Spirit and prevent revival among God’s people—and that is sin.

“If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear” (Psalm 66:18).
“Your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear” (Isaiah 59:2).

Nothing short of a heart broken over its sinfulness, full confession, and restitution will satisfy God. Sin must be forsaken utterly before God will manifest revival.

God’s Condition for Revival

Only God can bring the sorrow that leads to confession and forsaking of sin. David expressed this truth:

“A broken and a contrite heart—these, O God, You will not despise” (Psalm 51:17).

Solomon also said:

“He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy” (Proverbs 28:13).

Need to Confess

God’s people must get right with God and with each other (1 John 4:20-21). There are three types of confession:

Private Confession: Sin committed against God alone must be confessed to Him (1 John 1:9; Psalm 32:5).
Personal Confession: Sin against another must be confessed both to God and the offended person, seeking forgiveness (Matthew 5:23-24).
Public Confession: When sin affects a group, confession must be public, matching the nature of the transgression (2 Corinthians 2:10-11).

What to Confess

Ask yourself honestly:

Have I forgiven those who offended me? Do I harbor grudges or malice?
Do I get angry or lose my temper?
Do I feel jealous or envious of others?
Am I impatient or easily irritated?
Am I easily offended or self-pitying?
Is there pride in my heart? Am I too proud to seek forgiveness?
Have I been dishonest or unfair in my dealings?
Do I gossip, slander, or find fault?
Am I worldly, taken with the glitter of life?
Have I stolen, even small things?
Am I bitter or hateful?
Do I worry or fail to trust God for my needs?
Am I guilty of lustful thoughts or impure imaginations?
Do I lie or exaggerate?
Am I ashamed to confess Christ openly?

Why Confess?

The sooner we confess and forsake these sins, the sooner God will open the channels of blessing and hear our prayers. We cannot deceive God—why deceive ourselves?

“If we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged” (1 Corinthians 11:31).

Revival Requires Confession

Many have prayed for revival with no answer—why? Because sin remains unconfessed and unreconciled. Revival begins when someone breaks out in open confession, seeking forgiveness, releasing bitterness, jealousy, or hard feelings.

Once sin is uncovered and confessed, the Spirit of God can move mightily.