INTRODUCTION
Outline.
1. Wilt Thou Be Angry Forever?
2. Wilt Thou Revive Us Again?
3. Wilt Thy People Rejoice Again?
Remarks.
1. In our lesson today we are going to be discussing the theme: “does the church need a revival?” In this great Psalms, David prays for: “The former mercy of God; and his ability to find confidence in God’s continued goodness.” As Christians we too can seek for God former mercies in our lives; and find confidence in his continued goodness, kindness and forgiveness. The text of considerations asks three questions. They are:
2. First, he asks: “Wilt Thou Be Angry Forever?” Here David speaks of God’s righteous anger against his people for their failure to keep his law and commandments. He asks: “Wilt thou be angry with us forever? Wilt thou draw out thine anger to all generations,” Psalms 85:5.
3. Second, he asks: “Wilt Thou Revive Us Again?” Notice: “Wilt thou not revive us again? Psalms 85:6a. God will you revive; renew and restore unto us the joy of thy salvation?
4. Lastly, he asks: “Wilt Thy People Rejoice Again?” Notice: “That thy people may rejoice in thee?” Psalms 85:6b. Will there be joy and peace in our land again? Will there be rejoicing because of your loving kindness? When God’s anger has been kindled; there will be revival, and rejoicing because of His forgiveness and restoration.
BODY OF LESSON
I WILT THOU BE ANGRY FOREVER?
A. Will you be angry forever? David says: “LORD, thou hast been favorable unto thy land: thou hast brought back the captivity of Jacob,” Psalms 85:1.
1. The word captivity in Heb., is shebûwth, sheb-ooth'; or shebîyth; which means; to return from exile, prisoners; or to a former state of prosperity:—captive (-ity). In this case, David was desirous to be brought again into his former state of favor, joy and salvation with the Lord.
2. Job wrote: “And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before,” Job 42:10.
a. Job’s attitude during his suffering: “Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither; the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord,” Job 1:21.
b. Job’s trust in God: “Though he slays me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him,” Job 13:15.
c. Paul wrote: “For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out,” 1 Timothy 6:7. Illustrate: Contentment, Philippians 4:11-13.
3. Jeremiah promises the people’s return. Notice: “And I will be found of you, saith the LORD: and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the LORD; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive,” Jeremiah 29:14.
B. Forgiven: “Thou hast forgiven the iniquity of thy people; thou hast covered all their sin. Thou hast taken away thy entire wrath: thou hast turned thyself from the fierceness of thine anger,” Psalms 85:2-3.
C. Turn us: “O God of our salvation, and cause thine anger toward us to cease,” Psalms 85:4. David requests, “Turn us again, O God, and cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved,” Psalms 80:3; Psalms 80:7; Psalms 80:19.
1. Solomon wrote: “Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you,” Proverbs 1:23. Solomon wrote:
a. First, the word reproof in Heb. is tôwkêchâh, to-kay-khaw'; which means, refutation, proof (even in defense):—chastened, corrections, rebuke, or reproof.
b. Further, “But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof,” Proverbs 1:25-31. Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way; and be filled with their own devices!
c. Next, Solomon wrote: “Open rebuke is better than secret love,” Proverbs 27:5. Also, “The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame,” Proverbs 29:15. Illustrate: My Mother’s discipline.
d. Finally, a father’s reproof: “Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of His holiness,” Hebrews 12:9-13.
2. God’s reproof brings forgiveness. It is God that forgives our iniquities and sins. It was the Father’s mercy and compassion that caused the lost son to come to his senses; and return to his father’s house. It is the joy of God’s forgiveness that should compel us to return to our heavenly Father, Luke 15:17-24. Illustrate: Lost and Never Left Home, Luke 15:25-32.
D. Jehovah’s anger: “Wilt thou be angry with us forever? Wilt thou draw out thine anger to all generations?” Psalms 85:5. Notice:
1. David again: “How long, LORD? Will you be angry forever? Will your jealousy burn like fire?” Psalms 79:5.
2. Jeremiah wrote: “Will He remain angry forever? ‘Will He keep it to the end?’ Behold, you have spoken and done evil (to us), as you desired,” Jeremiah 3:5.
3. However, God’s judgment and punishment will not last forever!
E. His mercies everlasting: “But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto (the) children's children,” Psalms 103:17. Notice:
1. God’s graciousness. David asked: “Hath God forgotten to be gracious? Hath He in anger shut up his tender mercies? Selah,” Psalms 77:9.
2. David wrote: “Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: for thy law is my delight,” Psalms 119:77. The blessed man: “His delight is in the Law of the Lord; and in His law doth he meditate both day and night,” Psalms 1:1-2.
3. His anger is soon kindled. He will not be angry with us forever. Notice:
a. But a moment: “For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning,” Psalms 30:5.
b. Not always chide: “He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger forever; He hath not dealt with us after our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities,” Psalms 103:9-10. He is a merciful and gracious Lord.
c. The word chide in Heb., is reeb; or rûwb; which means, i.e., to grapple; to wrangle; to hold complain, reprimand or contend.
d. There will be an end to his disagreement and disfavor with us. He will not hold on to his anger or reprimand us forever. Let’s consider our next point.
II WILT THOU REVIVE US AGAIN?
A. Why is there a need to be revived? Israel went through a continuous cycle from favor to folly; then failure; that led to God’s judgment and punishment; that then required their repentance, to obtain His mercy and forgiveness; that brought about their revival, their renewal and restoration; which granted again His favor.
1. Then the cycle repeated itself; again and again. Somehow, these children would not keep before them the law and commandments of the Lord. They remained faithful for a while; but, would again and again return to their own folly before God, in idolatry and religious rebellion.
2. David’s warns against Folly: “I will hear what God the LORD will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly,” Psalms 85:8. David warns Israel, not to return again to folly!
3. Isaiah mentions their folly: “For the people turneth not unto Him that smiteth them, neither do they seek the Lord of Hosts.” They did not: “Seek the Lord of Hosts.” Therefore, the Lord promises to cut off from Israel the head and tail!
a. First, “Therefore the LORD WILL CUT OFF FROM ISRAEL (THE) HEAD AND TAIL, (the) branch and rush, in one day. The ancient and honorable, he is the head; and the prophet that teacheth lies, he is the tail.” Writes Isaiah the prophet!
b. Further, “For the leaders of this people cause them to err: and they that are led of them are destroyed,” Isaiah 9:16. [Jesus said: “Let them alone: they are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch,” Matthew 15:14. He speaks Israel’s scribes and Pharisees during his ministry.]
c. Next, “Therefore the Lord shall have no joy in their young men, neither shall (He) have mercy on their fatherless and widows: for everyone is a hypocrite and an evildoer, and every mouth speaketh folly,” Isaiah 9:17.
d. Finally, “For all this (rebellion and hypocrisy) His anger is not turned away, but His hand is stretched out still,” Isaiah 9:13-17. God still wants to pardon them!
e. Paul writes of Isaias: “But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me. But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people,” Romans 10:20-21; Isaiah 65:1-2.
4. To Israel Jehovah says: “Stand ye in the way, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, we will not walk therein,” Jeremiah 6:16; Matthew 11:28-30.
B. Failure. What was their failure? It was, to hear the law of the Lord. Notice:
1. First, Jeremiah: “A wonderful and horrible thing is committed in the land; the prophet, prophesy falsely, and the priest bear rule by their own mean; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?” Jeremiah 5:30-31. Both the “head and the tail” shall be cut off in one day! Isaiah promises!
2. Further, Isaiah: “That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the Lord. Which say to the seers, see not; and to the prophets, prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits: Get you out of the way, turn (ye) aside out of the path, cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us,” Isaiah 30:9-11.
3. Next, during the First Century. There came a great departure from the faith. Listen to Paul: “The Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith,” 1 Timothy 4:1-5.
a. When a “departure from the faith” has taken place; there is then, an urgent need for “a revival and restoration” to “sound doctrine.”
b. In some cases this departure may not be as obvious as what Paul warns against in this Letter. However, any departure from “sound doctrine” requires a revival!
c. We must rely upon the older ministers and members; for guidance when there are suspicions, of doctrinal malpractice! Call in someone to help out; who loves the word of God and his people!
4. Paul writes to Titus: “But speak thou the things which becomes sound doctrine,” Titus 2:1. These words mean, “Healthy teaching.” The entire church must be committed to “sound doctrine.” Consider:
a. To the eldership, Paul admonishes: “Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers,” Titus 1:9.
b. To the membership, he wrote: “As I besought thee (Timothy) to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,” 1 Timothy 1:3. Remain sound in the faith.
c. To the preachership, he directs: “Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus,” 2 Timothy 1:13.
d. Conclusion: The entire church must aspire to obey, teach and maintain sound doctrine in all its work for Christ.
5. Paul’s charge to Timothy: “I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word! Be instant in season and out of season... But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry,” 2 Timothy 4:1-8. This is the preacher’s work without compromise!
6. The 21st century church. Does it need a revival? Yes, continually; she must to maintain the favor with the Lord. Paul’s letter to Philippi: “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ; that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel,” Philippians 1:27. Notice:
a. Suitable character that becomes (adorns) the gospel. Christians should adorn themselves with the mind and character of Christ; Philippians 2:5-11. Consider:
1) The mind of humility. Christ, thought it not robbery to be equal with God; but he emptied himself of all glory and honor. He took upon Him the form of a servant.
2) The mind of obedience. He became obedient unto death; even the death of the cross. Christ prayed in “submissive obedience” for this cup to pass. But, finally said: “Not my will; but thy will be done.” When we start praying that God’s will be done in our lives and in the church; we will see a revival in the assembly.
3) The mind of patience. Wherefore, God hath highly exalted Him. Given Him a name which is above every name....
b. Standing fast in one spirit. Stand fast with one soul and mind, Philippians 2:19-24. Paul speaks of Timothy his son in the gospel:
1) Singleness of heart (no man likeminded).
2) Sought the things of Christ. Others sought their own things!
3) Served with me in the gospel. Timothy had not served under the apostle Paul in the work; but, with him; nor did the apostle Paul lord over him (Timothy).
4) Illustrate: Big I and little you preachers, Psalms 133:1.
c. Striving together for the faith of the gospel. Continue in “sound doctrine.”
7. Holding to the Pattern of Unity. The church must hold to the “pattern of unity” given by the apostles, Ephesians 4:1-6. Notice:
a. This is our challenge. Paul begins by acknowledging: “I therefore the prisoner of the Lord....” He was the prisoner of the Lord; we too are His prisoner! Before there can be the: “Unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Notice:
1) There must be a prevailing attitude of unity in the church.
2) There must be a desire to follow the plan of God for unity.
3) There must be a sincere practice to keep the unity of the Spirit.
4) There must be a continued effort to perfect the saints for:
a) The work of evangelism in the world, and
b) The work of edification in the body of Christ, Ephesians 4:11-16.
c) When we drift away from this; the church will need a revival!
b. Job wrote: “For thou hast said, my doctrine is pure, and I am clean in thine eyes,” Job 11:4. When we walk in sound doctrine; we are clean in God’s eyes!
c. The church must therefore continue: “Steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine,” Acts 2:42; John 7:16-18. And remain faithful to its calling and election. If not, judgment lies at the door. Without repentance, judgment and punishment will our end.
C. Punishment and Forgiveness. After folly and failure there comes either repentance or punishment. With repentance, there will be forgiveness and a return to favor. But if not repentance; there will come punishment from God. For it is our sins not repented of; that will bring unto us God’s wrath and judgment. Here Isaiah:
1. Sins hath separated us: “Behold, the LORD’S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear,” Isaiah 59:1-2. With repentance and confession, there is the promise of forgiveness. David reminds his readers.
2. God has forgiven His people: “Thou hast forgiven the iniquity of thy people, thou hast covered all their sin,” Psalms 85:2. The highest joy that the saint can experience is the assurance that their iniquities are forgiven; and their sins are covered. Hear David further regarding the blessedness, of the man forgiven.
3. Paul quotes the Psalms: “Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works. Saying, blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sins,” Romans 4:6-8; Psalms 32:1.
a. The word covered, in Heb., is epikalýpto, ep-ee-kal-oop'-to; which means to conceal, i.e. (figuratively) forgive:—cover. The idea is that God has put away from Himself, our sins by the covering of them with the “blood of Christ.”
b. Or, “not imputed,” that is; they have not been added to our account; but, forgiven and forgotten. Illustrate: Wife is an Historian.
c. Illustrate: The Mercy Seat, Hebrews 9:5; Leviticus 16:2; Romans 3:25.
1) This is the place where God’s glory is revealed on the Day of Atonement.
2) Within the Holies of Holy; God meets with the High Priest; who offers blood from the sacrifice as atonement for the people’s sins.
3) The High Priest sprinkles the blood upon the mercy-seat; to appease God; that their sins might be forgiven.
4) Christ’s blood has been shed as: “The propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world,” 1 John 2:1-2; Matthew 26:28.
D. Revive us. David asks: “Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?” Lord will you bring us revival? Will you bring restoration? The word revive in Heb., is: “châyâh, khaw-yaw'; which means to live, to revive:—keep (leave, make) alive, to preserve (alive), quicken, recover, repair, restore (to life), to be made whole. Notice David’s question and requests unto God.
1. David: “Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?” See Psalms 85:6. We sing that old spiritual: “Revise us again.” In our Christian walk we will often find the need to be revised again, and again; that we might rejoice in His goodness, mercy and in the joy of our salvation. Hear David:
a. Renewal: “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me,” Psalms 51:10. David desired a clean heart and a renewed spirit.
1) The word of life; brings about a clean heart before God:
a) First, “Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you,” John 15:3. The word clean in Gr. is katharós, kath-ar-os'; which means: clean or clear, pure.
b) Second, “Who can say, ‘I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sins?’” Proverbs 20:9. It is the word that cleanses our hearts and obedience to the gospel that purifies the soul, 1 Peter 1:22-23.
2) Third, the word clean can also be translated as “pure.”
i. Jesus said: “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God,” Matthew 5:8.
ii. Peter wrote: “See that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently,” 1 Peter 1:22.
iii. James wrote: “If any man among seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but (he) deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this: To visit the fatherless and widows in their afflictions, and to keep himself unspotted from the world,” James 1:26-27. Illustrate: 4-Tella-Communications.
3) Finally, Paul wrote: “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, and any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish,” Ephesians 5:25-27. The church is pure while walking in the soundness of the faith; the word of God, 1 Timothy 3:9; 1 Timothy 1:5. Cleansing, washing and renewal; will result in restoration and peace with God. David says further.
b. Restoration: “Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit,” Psalms 51:12. David asked that the LORD restore his soul.
1) The word restore, in Heb., is “shuv,” which means: “To turn about, return, give back, convert, repent, or to restore,” Psalms 19:7.
2) David wanted Jehovah to: Bring back, allow a return, or replenish, “the joy of His salvation,” Psalms 51:12.
3) David asked God to: “Turn us, O God of our salvation,” Psalms 85:4.
a) God must sometime turn us from our folly and sins. We just cannot see our way to do it without his intervention; judgment and rebuke.
b) Turn us: “Turn us again, O LORD God of hosts, cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved,” Psalms 80:19.
c) Lamentations: “Turn thou us unto thee, O LORD, and we shall be turned; renew our days as of old,” Lamentations 5:21.
2. David’s Psalms of the Great Shepherd: “The Lord is my shepherd... He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake,” Psalms 23:1-6. Recall our lesson on the, “Divine Shepherd’s Assurances?” I recommend that you get a copy of that lesson to fully understand the Lord’s goodness and provisions for our lives.
E. Grant us thy favor: “LORD, thou hast been favorable unto thy land: thou hast brought back (from) the captivity of Jacob. Thou hast forgiven the iniquity of thy people; thou hast covered all their sin,” Psalms 85:2. With Jehovah’s favor again; there now come communication, peace and intercession. Notice:
1. Jehovah promise of restoration: “They shall be carried to Babylon, and there they shall be until the day that I visit them, ‘says the Lord. Then I will bring them up; and (I will) restore them to this place,’” Jeremiah 27:22. Jehovah promises to Jeremiah, that He would bring them back again unto Jerusalem after their captivity.
2. Zephaniah wrote: “For then I will restore to the people a pure language (their own language again), that they all may call on the name of the Lord, to serve Him with one accord,” Zephaniah 3:9. They will no longer hear the voices of “stammering lips,” Isaiah 28:11.
3. What a tremendous promise God makes unto this people. Even though they had rebelled; worshiped idols, disserted the Lord their God; He was willing to promise their captivity would not be forever, and they shall once again be renewed, revived and restored unto His favor. What a wonderful God we serve. With this, let’s consider our last point.
III WILT THY PEOPLE REJOICE AGAIN?
A. Remnant will return? Micah wrote: “Therefore will he give them up, until the time that she which travaileth hath brought forth: then the remnant of his brethren shall return unto the children of Israel,” Micah 5:3. Jehovah promises to judge His people for their sins. They were taken into captivity by Babylon as He promised.
1. The promise return: “And I will cause the captivity of Judah and the captivity of Israel to return, and will build them, as at the first,” Jeremiah 33:7. Notice:
a. All these promises were fulfilled in the year of 597 BCE, by the King of Babylon.
b. A remnant was allowed to return to Jerusalem and rebuild in 520 BCE, by the King of Persia. Reference: Wikipedia, “Babylonian Captivity.”
2. Amos wrote: “And I will bring again the captivity of my people of Israel, and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and drink the wine thereof; they shall also make gardens, and eat the fruit of them,” Amos 9:14.
B. But a remnant would return. After 70 years of exile; the people return to once again dwell safely in the land of their fathers. Here Jehovah:
1. Jeremiah wrote: “Israel is a scattered sheep; the lions have driven him away:"
a. First, "The king of Assyria hath devoured him; and last this Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon hath broken his bones.”
b. Further, “Therefore thus saith the LORD of host, the God of Israel; Behold, I will punish the king of Babylon and his land, as I have punished the king of Assyria. And I will bring Israel again to his habitation, and he shall feed on Carmel and Bashan, and his soul shall be satisfied upon mount Ephraim and Gilead.” They like sheep shall feed upon; all the fruitful hill sides, surrounding the City of Zion!
c. Finally, "In those days, and in that time, saith the LORD, the iniquity of Israel shall be sought for, and there shall be none; and the sins of Judah, and they shall not be found: for I will pardon them whom I reserve,” Jeremiah 50:17-20. The word reserve in Heb., is shâ'ar, shaw-ar'; which means to swell up, i.e. to:—leave, (be) left, let remain, a remnant, a reserve, permit to rest.
2. Micah wrote: “Who is a God like unto thee, (which) pardoneth iniquity and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He retaineth not his anger forever, because he delighteth in mercy,” Micah 7:18. A remnant shall return. Jeremiah and Micah both wrote, that Jehovah promises to keep alive, a remnant; to reserve for pardon and return. Israel shall return to the Holy City, and again inhabit. Notice:
3. Promise of forgiveness: The prophets of the Lord promises that Jehovah would forgive their sin; and restore the joy of their salvation.
a. Micah wrote: “He will again have compassion upon us; he will tread our iniquities under foot; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea,” Micah 7:19. Jehovah has put away their sins.
b. David wrote: “As far as the east is from the west, So far hath he removed our transgressions from us,” Psalms 103:12.
c. Isaiah wrote: “Behold, it was for my peace that I had great bitterness: But thou hast in love to my soul delivered it ... for thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back,” Isaiah 38:17. God has promised His children; that he would forgive them; and remember their sins and iniquities no more. Praise, be unto God!
4. Promise of a new covenant: “But the Holy Spirit also witnesses to us; for after He had said before, This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the LORD: I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds I will write them; And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more,’” Hebrews 10:15-17; Jeremiah 31:31-34.
a. Paul wrote: “Now where there is remission of these, there is no longer an offering for sin,” Hebrews 10:18.
b. The word remission, in Heb., is áphesis, af'-es-is; which means, to pardon:—deliverance, forgiveness, liberty, and remission.
c. Jesus came into the world to be offered himself, “for the remission of sins” and to be a “ransom for many,” Matthew 20:28; Galatians 1:4; 1 Timothy 2:3-6.
C. Shew us thy mercy: "O LORD, and grant us thy salvation," Psalms 85:7. Oh, I’m thankful that God is Merciful! Surely, his mercies endure unto all generations.
Notice:
1. David begins his conclusion with: “Surely his salvation is nigh them that fear him; that glory may dwell in our land,” Psalms 85:9.
2. God’s readiness to forgive: “For thou, Lord, art good and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee. Give ear, O Lord, unto my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications,” Psalms 86:5-6.
3. How has God shown His mercy? He sent Jesus; to deliver us from the captivity of our sins and transgressions. Luke wrote: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord,” Luke 4:17-18. It is through God’s grace and forgiveness we can now experience the joy of His salvation and a “spirit of revival.”
4. Paul describes to the Ephesians their captivity, reconciliation and restoration to God. He wrote to them of what they “were” and what they “are” now. Notice:
a. Our old state: “Wherefore remember... That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world.” We were once a captive (enslaved) to sins and transgressions. But, Jesus came; and through His redemptive work at Calvary, we can now be reconciled, revived and restored unto God. We can be made alive in Christ Jesus. Amen, and amen!
b. Our new state: “But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For Christ is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; ... Having abolished in his flesh... And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby... And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh,” Ephesians 2:11-17. It was through His cross; and the preaching of Christ we have been made alive (quickened) from sin. Paul shares to the Ephesians:
1) First, “We were dead in trespasses and sins, but we have been quickened,” Ephesians 2:1-3. This is what we were; when we were in our folly!
2) Further, “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great loved wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved); And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That ... he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus,” Ephesians 2:4-7.
3) Finally, “For by grace are ye saved through the faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship (master piece), created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them,” Ephesians 2:8-10.
c. Conclusion: How did God do it? Notice Paul: “God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and committed unto us the word of reconciliation,” 2 Corinthians 5:18-21.
1) New creation: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new,” 2 Corinthians 5:17.
2) What are we now? Notice: “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God,” Ephesians 2:19-20. We are a new creation; God’s masterpiece, having been reconciled, renewed, revived and NOW restored.
3) How was this possible? We have obeyed the gospel of Christ, Romans 1:16; Romans 6:17-18. After obedience, “we were then, made free from our sins.”
4) We are now in Christ; and have been filled with the fullness of His grace. Paul reminds us: “For ye are all the children of God in Christ Jesus, for as many of us as have been baptized into Christ, have put on Christ,” Galatians 3:26-27. Illustrate: Are You In Christ? If so, what did you do? If not, do you want to be?
D. Mercy and truth. David wrote: “Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other. Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven,” Psalms 85:10-11.
1. Our Lord is good: “Yea, the LORD shall give that which is good; and our land shall yield her increase. Righteousness shall go before him; and shall set us in the way of his steps,” Psalms 85:12-13. Have you noticed His goodness in your life?
2. Every good gift: “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights; with which (there) is no variableness, neither shadow of turning,” James 1:17.
3. Goodness of God. Jesus says: “He (the Father) maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and the unjust,” Matthew 5:45.
a. Our God is not a “respecter of persons,” Romans 2:11; Acts 10:34-35.
b. We too, must not be a respecter of persons, James 2:9.
4. All spiritual blessings. Paul wrote: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessing in heavenly places in Christ,” Ephesians 1:3. He showers continually upon the saints, all spiritual blessing. Every good and perfect gift, comes from God. Let us rejoice and be thankful.
E. Joy shall return to Israel. After Jehovah had reproved and chastised His people He returned them to their former glories. And there was joy and rejoicing in their homeland once again. Notice:
1. The word joy in Heb., is sâsôwn, saw-sone'; which means, cheerfulness; specifically, welcome:—gladness, joy, mirth, rejoicing.
2. David wrote: “Oh that the salvation of Israel was come out of Zion! When the LORD bringeth back the captivity of his people; Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad,” Psalms 14:7; Psalms 53:6; Psalms 126:4.
3. Will there be joy in the morning? David answers: “Turn again our captivity, O LORD, as the streams in the south. They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed (the seed of mourning and sorrow), shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him,” Psalms 126:1-6. Notice:
a. The suffering of God’s people (Israel and us), soweth precious seed through a vale of tears and remorse. We bear our sorrows in weeping often; for we like others share the calamities and sufferings of human life; and, often are measured out a greater portion than others, 2 Timothy 3:12.
b. For Israel, as well as we; there were tears that resulted from the seed we have sown in folly. Tears shed over our sin; tears of sympathy for the afflictions of the saints, and even tears from the hurt, we endured from others in this assembly.
c. There will also be tears of loving kindness; tears of tenderness and compassion; in prayer for others, who know not the blessings of our Lord. We will share tears for our family, friends; loving neighbors and even co-workers. All of which shall yield the abundant grace of God, in due season.
d. These are all precious seed: such as the farmer sows his corn seed, when it is but a few; and might even take from his own family. In weeping he parts with it; he plants it into good ground; and with great expectation he awaits an abundant harvest from God. To such a harvest our Lord remarked.
1) Unto His disciples: “Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh the harvest? Behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. And herein is the saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth,” John 4:35-39. He said also: “For the harvest is truly great, but the laborers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth laborers into the harvest,” Luke 10:2; Matthew 9:37-38.
2) Send laborers O, Lord into the harvest, that souls might be won; and the lives of many of your children will be restored and revived unto thee.
3) Paul wrote: “Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not... especially unto them who are of the household of faith,” Galatians 6:9-10; 1 Corinthians 3:5-11. There shall be a harvest my brothers for your labor!
4. The saints shall rejoice in their harvest.
a. They shall have a harvest of joy. The troubles of the saints will not last always, but, when they have yieldeth its precious fruits; they shall be unto them an everlasting song of praise and rejoicing. Israel’s captivity in Babylon was full of tears; but, when God was satisfied: he brought them forth with great joy.
b. They then, reaped the benefits of their patience in suffering, and brought forth their sheaves (children, family, and the blessings freedom) with them; into their own land, to enjoy again the goodness and favor of Jehovah, their God.
c. Men like Job, Joseph, David and Paul; and many others, rejoiced in their day of harvest. It came after great trials of their faith; hardships, persecutions, sufferings; some even unto death; and found grace after a deluge (of cascading) tears, had ran forth from their eyes unto God. David wrote: “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him from them all,” Psalms 34:19.
d. Remember Jesus’ words: “Blessed are ye when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you,” Matthew 5:11-12.
5. Deliverance is coming; because the Great Deliverer of joy unspeakable has come! He has come to offer unto all the peace of God. Paul wrote: “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in the hope of the glory of God,” Romans 5:1-2.
a. For unto us, joy cometh in the morning (the beginning of a new day). Every soul that has sown tears in godly sorrow; can reap in the hope of the glory of God. Each can experience the peace and comfort of His pardon and forgiveness.
b. Those that sow to the Spirit, through a vale of tears, shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting; and that will be a joyful harvest indeed. Amen and amen!
1) Jesus said: “Blessed are those that mourn, for they shall be forever comforted,” Matthew 5:3. Your tears have not gone unnoticed by our Lord. He is here NOW to forgive your sins; and bring “unspeakable joy” into your life.
2) Paul wrote: “He that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting,” Galatians 6:8. There shall be a harvest of good for the righteous!
6. Why can there now be rejoicing? David grants us an answer, as I move to a conclusion. Notice:
a. He wrote: “Rejoice in the LORD, O you righteous; for praise is comely (beautiful), for the upright,” Psalms 33:1. Why can there now be rejoicing? Because of these three things: (1) We have taken sweet counsel together; (2) We were made glad in His house of the Lord; and, (3) We have pledged peace and goodness unto our brothers and sisters. What a great joy this will bring in the house of the Lord. God’s final admonition to us from David:
1) First, “We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in a large company (a tumultuous crowd),” Psalms 55:14. That’s what we have done this day; and this entire week; and I trust, we will do for the remainder of our walk together with the Lord and each other. We have sat in close deliberation; in the Assembly of our God. And like David; I can say....
2) Further, “I was glad when they said unto me, let us go up into the house of the Lord,” Psalms 122:1. He begins this Psalms with gladness in the House of the Lord; and he ends it with, a pledge of peace with his brethren.
3) Finally, “For my brethren and companions' sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee. Because of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek thy good,” Psalms 122:8-9. And this we will do, if the Lord wills!
b. Beloved of God always remember: “For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning,” Psalms 30:5.
c. There may be one or several in this audience, who need to be reconciled unto God. There can be joy and peace in your life this day; if you sincerely desire it.
d. Let me explain how you can leave here NOW, having made peace with God; and with yourself, and with your brethren. As I conclude this lesson, hear from God.
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
1. Wilt Thou Be Angry Forever?
2. Wilt Thou Revive Us Again?
3. Wilt Thy People Rejoice Again?
B. Remarks.
1. In our lesson today we discussed the theme: “does the church need a revival?” In this great Psalms, David prays for the former mercies of God; and finds confidence in God’s continued goodness. As Christians we too can seek for God former mercies in our lives; and find confidence in his continued goodness, kindness and forgiveness. The text of considerations asks three questions.
2. First, he asked: “Wilt Thou Be Angry Forever?” Here David speaks of God’s righteous anger against his people for their failure to keep his law and commandments. He asks: “Wilt thou be angry with us forever? Wilt thou draw out thine anger to all generations,” Psalms 85:5.
3. Second, he asked: “Wilt Thou Revive Us Again?” Notice: “Wilt thou not revive us again? Psalms 85:6a. God will you revive; renew and restore unto us the joy of thy salvation?
4. Lastly, he asked: “Wilt Thy People Rejoice Again?” Notice: “That thy people may rejoice in thee?” Psalms 85:6b. Will there be joy and peace in our land again? Will there be rejoicing because of your loving kindness? When God’s anger has been kindled; there will be revival, and rejoicing because of His forgiveness and restoration.
C. Invitation, H, B, R, C, B.
D. Motivation.
E. Persuade.
