Sermon Central
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Listening And Obeying
Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Jun 15, 2011 (message contributor)
Summary: Listening to God leads us to a place of obedience in Him and allows us to draw closer to Him if we obey. (Ref: Psalm 85:1-13)
Listening and Obeying
I. What has God Done (v1-3)
- In the face of wickedness God still loves us
- v2: Selah (Pause/think about it)
- Forgave iniquity .... how? Jesus!
- Wrath has been delayed because of His love for us (John 3:16-17)
- God's love is without end because:
- He loves us
- Freely gave us a son
- And through this gift freedom has been granted
- APP: In the face of deserving judgment, God STILL loves us
John 3:9, "Who knows, God may yet relent and with compassion turn from His fierce anger so that we will not perish."
II. What Do We Need? (v4-7)
- Restoration (4)
- Psa 51:12, "Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation" ...
- Forgiveness (5)
- Acts 10:43, "All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name."
- Revival (6)
- First use of the word in OT
-- Nourish up, preserve alive
-- Specifically deals with God's people
-- You cannot revive what has never been alive
- Love and Salvation (7)
- Phil 2:12, "... to work out your salvation with fear and trembling ..."
- APP: When everything else failed ... and we failed BIG TIME ... we needed God to bring salvation ... WE COULD NOT do it!
III. How Do We Proceed (8-13)
- Listening leads to obedience
- God draws is close IF we obey (critical)
- Love brings peace with God
- Faithfulness comes from above
-- God provides what is good
-- God protects our steps (totally)
- APP: If we allow God control, He will come in; dwell with us; and bring us peace
- See Rev 3:20 ... We must open to receive
- We must be willing
- We must take the initiative to return to Him
- Pray
