Wednesday Bible Study

Sermon Notes: The Great Awakening

Introduction:

• Topic: The Great Awakening and its impact on American history and spirituality.
• Historical Context:
  • Timeframe: 1730-1755.
  • The spiritual state of America in the early 1700s was poor, with materialism and divisive politics dominating public life.
  • The Great Awakening had a profound effect on the colonies, eventually influencing the unity leading to the Revolutionary War.

The State of Spirituality Before the Awakening:

• In the South: Dominated by the Anglican Church, spiritually lethargic, with an emphasis on economic gain.
• In New England: The Puritan zeal had faded, and materialism had taken root. Political unrest and Enlightenment ideas further distracted from spiritual matters.

The Great Awakening:

• Not a Single Movement: Began in different places and eventually unified the colonies spiritually.
• International Influence:
  • Originated in the Pietistic movement in Germany, which emphasized personal faith and the priesthood of all believers.
  • Spread to the British Isles before influencing the American colonies.

Key Figures and Movements:

1. Philip Spencer:

   • German Pietist who emphasized discipleship and personal study of Scripture.
   • Formed small groups for spiritual development, influencing the broader movement.

2. Count Nicholas von Zinzendorf:

   • Founded the Moravians, a key Protestant missionary force.
   • Established a Christian community focused on missionary work.

3. Theodor Frelinghuysen:

   • Dutch Reformed minister in New Jersey, known for his fervent preaching and emphasis on personal conversion.

4. The Tennents:

   • Presbyterian ministers in New Jersey who emphasized the need for regeneration by the Holy Spirit.
   • Led the “New Side” revivalists in the Presbyterian Church, eventually founding the College of New Jersey (Princeton).

5. George Whitefield:

   • Key figure in the Great Awakening, known for his theatrical and passionate preaching style.
   • Traveled extensively across the colonies, preaching to large crowds and influencing the style of American preaching.

6. Jonathan Edwards:

   • Congregational pastor in New England, known for his intellectual and theological depth.
   • His preaching sparked revivals in New England, emphasizing the necessity of a genuine conversion experience.

7. John Wesley:

   • Founder of Methodism, influenced by his experiences with the Moravians.
   • Emphasized the need for personal faith and a methodical approach to Christian living.

Impact of the Great Awakening:

• Spiritual Revival:
  • Brought a focus on personal conversion and a transformed life.
  • Led to the establishment of new denominations and educational institutions.
• Social and Political Impact:
  • Created a sense of unity among the colonies.
  • Influenced the development of the abolition movement and missions work among Native Americans and slaves.
• Educational Influence:
  • Led to the founding of several key educational institutions, including Princeton, Brown, and Dartmouth.
• Long-Term Effects:
  • The Great Awakening left a legacy of revival, missionary work, and education, shaping American Christianity for generations.

Conclusion and Application:

• Real Salvation:
  • The Great Awakening challenges us to examine what true salvation is—a personal conversion and a life transformed by the Holy Spirit.
• Holier Lifestyle:
  • Genuine conversion leads to a life of holiness, not out of self-righteousness, but out of a deep concern for others and a commitment to God’s mission.
• Call to Prayer:
  • We are called to seek God’s continued movement and revival in our time, much like the Great Awakening.