Sermon Central
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When Dreams Come True Series
Contributed by Paul Apple on Jul 1, 2001 (message contributor)
Summary: RESTORATION (TO ENJOYMENT OF GOD’S PROMISED BLESSINGS) WIPES AWAY THE TEARS OF CAPTIVITY WITH THE JOYFUL SHOUTS OF PRAISE
BIG IDEA: RESTORATION (TO ENJOYMENT OF GOD’S PROMISED
BLESSINGS) WIPES AWAY THE TEARS OF CAPTIVITY WITH
THE JOYFUL SHOUTS OF PRAISE
INTRODUCTION:
Context: Return from Babylonian captivity
I. (:1-3) RESTORATION REALIZED
“When the Lord brought back the captive ones of Zion”
A. A Dream Come True
“We were like those who dream”
Need to poke yourself to see if you are dreaming. Everything seems too good to be true.
B. Tears of Captivity
“the captive ones of Zion”
C. Joyful Shouts of Praise
“Then our mouth was filled with laughter, And our tongue with joyful shouting.”
D. Exciting Testimony
1. Second Hand Testimony
“Then they said among the nations, ‘The Lord has done great things for them.”
2. First Hand Testimony
“The Lord has done great things for us; We are glad.”
II. (:4-6) RESTORATION ANTICIPATED
“Restore our captivity, O Lord”
A. Visualizing the Dream
“As the streams in the South”
B. Tears of Captivity
“Those who sow in tears”
“He who goes to and fro weeping, carrying his bag of seed”
no possession of the promised land in which to plant crops
C. Joyful Shouts of Praise
“Shall reap with joyful shouting”.“Shall indeed come again with a shout of joy”
D. Testimony of Fruitfulness
“bringing his sheaves with him”
* * * * * * * * * *
DEVOTIONAL QUESTIONS:
1) Recall the initial joy and excitement over your conversion to Christ. Have there been subsequent instances of “restoration” where you have experienced
such joy and gladness?
2) Have your family spend some time recounting the “great things” which the Lord has accomplished for you? Do any of your family or friends and neighbors realize what the Lord has done for you? Have you told them?
3) Has blessing ever rushed upon you like a flash flood? Recall the Lord’s promise in Malachi to open the windows of heaven and shower us with blessing if we turn from our self-righteous ways and obey Him.
4) When you get to heaven, what sheaves of fruitfulness will you gladly be bringing with you?
Download the entire Psalms commentary in pdf format
(including notes on each psalm from other commentators)
from:
http://www.bibleoutlines.com
