A Lesson from the 85th Psalm
1. According to Luke 24:44, Jesus considered the Psalms to be Scripture, including them with the
Law of Moses and the writings of the prophets.
2. Since the Psalms are part of the Old Testament Scriptures, they "were written for our learning"
3. In our lesson we are studying an important subject mentioned in Psalm 85:6: "revival."
4. As a practical matter, when studying the Psalms we must be aware of the setting for each one.
5. Let us first point out . . .
I. THE SETTING FOR PSALM 85
A. In 606 BC, Babylon took control of Judah (the southern kingdom), and the captivity lasted 70 years.
B. In 536 BC, Cyrus conquered Babylon and allowed the Jews who so desired to return to Palestine
so the temple could be rebuilt.
C. According to Psalm 85,:
1. God had allowed His people to be released from captivity (vs.1)
2. God had forgiven His people (vs.2)
3. God's people still needed something very special (vs.6) -- "revival."
D. God's people in Judah needed revival many years ago after the captivity ended, and God's people
still need it today.
E. Thankfully, . . .
II. THE SCRIPTURES REVEAL IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT REVIVAL
A. The Scriptures explain what revival is.
1. Revive: to return to life, to renew, to restore, to strengthen
2. To illustrate, after Jesus died, He rose and revived (Romans 14:9).
B. The Scriptures explain who the source of revival is.
1. The question in vs.6 indicates that God is the source of revival -- "thou."
2. David clearly identified God as the source of revival in Psalm 138:7.
C. The Scriptures explain how God brings about revival.
1. In vs.8 the writer said, "I will hear what God the Lord will speak."
2. The Lord's words bring life (John 6:63b).
D. The Scriptures reveal the ones who need revival.
1. The question in vs.6 indicates that God's people need revival -- "us."
2. According to Isaiah 57:15, God revives those who are humble and contrite.
E. The Scriptures show how often we need revival.
1. The question in vs.6 indicates that we need revival continually -- "again."
2. Daily inward renewal is mentioned in 2 Corinthians 4:16.
F. The Scriptures explain that revival produces something very special.
1. The question in vs.6 mentions joy in connection with revival from God.
2. This point is further emphasized in Psalm 126.
1. From time to time, God's people need to be revived.
2. When that time arrives, let us remember that:
a. God is the source of revival
b. God revives His people through His Word
c. God revives those who are humble and contrite
d. God will revive us as often as needed
e. God's revival produces joy.