Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Context: The term "rousing" generally refers to the act of awakening or stirring someone from sleep or inactivity. In a biblical context, it often implies a spiritual awakening or revival, where individuals or groups are stirred to renewed faith, action, or awareness of God's presence and purposes. Biblical References: 1. Spiritual Awakening: The concept of rousing is frequently associated with spiritual awakening. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul speaks to the need for believers to awaken from spiritual slumber. In Romans 13:11 , Paul exhorts, "And do this, understanding the occasion. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed." This call to wakefulness is a metaphor for spiritual alertness and readiness for the return of Christ. 2. Prophetic Calls to Action: The Old Testament prophets often issued calls to rouse the people of Israel from complacency and sin. In Isaiah 52:1 , the prophet declares, "Awake, awake, clothe yourself with strength, O Zion; put on your garments of splendor, O Jerusalem, holy city." This call to awaken is a summons to return to righteousness and to prepare for God's deliverance. 3. Jesus' Teachings: Jesus Himself used the imagery of rousing in His teachings. In the parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1-13), Jesus emphasizes the importance of being spiritually prepared and alert for His return. The wise virgins are those who remain vigilant, while the foolish ones are caught unprepared, illustrating the need for constant spiritual readiness. 4. Resurrection Imagery: Rousing is also linked to the concept of resurrection. In Ephesians 5:14 , Paul writes, "Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." This verse combines the imagery of awakening with resurrection, symbolizing the transformative power of Christ's light in bringing spiritual life to those who are spiritually dead. Theological Implications: · Call to Repentance: Rousing often involves a call to repentance and a return to God. It is a divine invitation to leave behind sin and embrace a life of holiness and obedience. · Readiness for Christ's Return: The theme of rousing is closely tied to eschatological readiness. Believers are encouraged to live in a state of spiritual alertness, anticipating the return of Jesus Christ and the fulfillment of God's kingdom. · Empowerment by the Holy Spirit: Spiritual rousing is often empowered by the Holy Spirit, who convicts, awakens, and equips believers for service and witness. The Spirit's work is essential in bringing about genuine revival and transformation. Practical Application: · Personal Devotion: Believers are encouraged to cultivate a lifestyle of spiritual vigilance through prayer, Bible study, and fellowship. This personal devotion helps maintain a state of readiness and responsiveness to God's leading. · Community Revival: Churches and communities are called to seek revival, praying for a collective rousing that leads to renewed passion for God and effective ministry. This involves both individual and corporate repentance and a commitment to living out the gospel. · Mission and Evangelism: A roused church is one that is active in mission and evangelism, reaching out to the lost with the message of salvation. The urgency of the gospel compels believers to share the hope of Christ with a world in need. In summary, the biblical concept of rousing encompasses a call to spiritual awakening, readiness for Christ's return, and active engagement in God's mission. It is a dynamic and transformative process that involves both personal and communal renewal, empowered by the Holy Spirit. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Rouse.2. (a.) Having power to awaken or excite; exciting. 3. (a.) Very great; violent; astounding; as, a rousing fire; a rousing lie. Greek 1454. egersis -- a rousing, a rising (from death) ... a rousing, a rising (from death). Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: egersis Phonetic Spelling: (eg'-er-sis) Short Definition: a waking up ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1454.htm - 6k Library The Swan-Neck Against those who Think that what is Just is not Good. It Shall not be Forgiven. A Strain of Jonah the Prophet. DL Moody The Folly of Slander. Part 1. The Contrast Introductory Note The Office of the Instructor. From Fasts Absolute Tertullian Comes to Partial Ones and ... Thesaurus Rousing (3 Occurrences)... 2. (a.) Having power to awaken or excite; exciting. 3. (a.) Very great; violent; astounding; as, a rousing fire; a rousing lie. ...Rousing (3 Occurrences). ... /r/rousing.htm - 7k Awakening (2 Occurrences) Rout (6 Occurrences) Nearly (13 Occurrences) Incentive (1 Occurrence) Fury (152 Occurrences) Rouses (2 Occurrences) Erection (1 Occurrence) Exciting (1 Occurrence) Beat (85 Occurrences) Resources Who was Demetrius in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgRousing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Rousing (3 Occurrences)Acts 21:27 Romans 11:14 Habakkuk 1:6 Subtopics Related Terms Nebuchadnezzar (90 Occurrences) Helkath-hazzurim (1 Occurrence) |