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The Psalms 10
Introduction: 1. According to Romans 15:4, the Psalms "were written for our learning." 2. In this lesson we are studying Psalm 85 with emphasis on "revival" (vs.6). 3. Let us first consider . . . Discussion: I. THE SETTING FOR PSALM 85 A. Some significant events had occurred previously in Jewish history. 1. Under the leadership of David, Israel rose to a high level of power. 2. Israel reached its highest level of power and prestige under King Solomon. 3. Unfortunately, after Rehoboam became king, Israel split into 2 kingdoms. a. The 10 northern tribes were ruled by a series of bad kings. b. Judah and Benjamin were ruled by a succession of kings who descended from David. 4. The northern kingdom was taken into captivity by Assyria in 722 BC. 5. The southern kingdom lasted until Babylon took control in 606 BC. 6. Jeremiah prophesied that Judah's captivity would last 70 years (Jeremiah 29:10). 7. In 536 BC Cyrus conquered Babylon and allowed the Jews who so desired to return to Palestine so the temple could be rebuilt. B. This brings us to Psalm 85. 1. (vs.1) God had allowed His people to be released from captivity. 2. (vs.2) God had forgiven His people. 3. Although God had blessed His people, they still needed something very special. 4. (vs.6) They needed "revival" so they could once again "rejoice." II. WHAT IS "REVIVAL?" A. Revive: "to return to life" 1. to be quickened, restored, or renewed 2. to restore vigor, strength, or a flourishing condition. B. Illustrations from the Bible help us understand what revival is. 1. (Genesis 45:25-27) Jacob's spirit revived when he learned that Joseph was alive. 2. (Judges 15:18-19) After Samson killed 1,000 men he drank water that God provided, and he revived. 3. (1 Kings 17:21-22) Elijah prayed on behalf of a child who had died, and he revived. 4. (Romans 14:9) Following His death on the cross, Jesus rose and revived. III. WHO IS THE SOURCE OF REVIVAL? A. God is the source of revival. B. (vs.6) "Wilt thou not revive us again?" (see Psalm 138:7a) C. The writer of Psalm 85 expressed his confidence in God's ability to revive in vs.9-13. IV. HOW DOES GOD BRING ABOUT REVIVAL? A. Perhaps we can gain some insight from Psalm 85:8: "I will hear what God the Lord will speak." B. The Lord's words bring life (John 6:63). C. The Scriptures' ability to revive is illustrated in Ezekiel 37:1-14. V. WHO NEEDS REVIVAL? A. (Psalm 85:6) "Wilt thou not revive us [God's people] again?" B. To be more specific, whom can God revive? (Isaiah 57:15 - "For thus saith the high and holy One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones"). VI. HOW OFTEN DO WE NEED REVIVAL? A. We need revival continually - "Wilt thou not revive us again?" B. (2 Corinthians 4:16) "But though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day." | ||