Listening And Obeying

Listening and Obeying

Psalm 85

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