Does The Church Need A Revival?

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.