BIG IDEA:
PAST RESTORATION TO THE PEACE OF GOD’S PRESENCE IS A FORETASTE OF FUTURE MILLENNIAL BLESSING
I. (:1-3) A LOOK AT THE PAST:
RESTORATION IS POSSIBLE … GOD DID IT IN THE PAST
A. (:1) Restoration Requires God’s Favor
“Thou didst show favor to Thy land”
“Thou didst restore the captivity of Jacob”
B. (:2) Restoration Requires God’s Forgiveness
“Thou didst forgive the iniquity of Thy people”
“Thou didst cover all their sin”
C. (:3) Restoration Requires God’s Forebearance
“Thou didst withdraw all Thy fury”
“Thou didst turn away from Thy burning anger”
This gives us HOPE
II. (:4-7) A LOOK AT THE PRESENT:
RESTORATION IS NEEDED … GOD HAS BEEN ANGRY FOR A LONG TIME
A. (:4a) The God of Salvation is the God Capable of our Restoration
B. (:4b-5) The God of Righteous Anger is the God Capable of our Restoration
C. (:6) The God of Family Joy is the God Capable of our Restoration
D. (:7) The God of Lovingkindness is the God Capable of our Restoration
This motivates us to PRAY
III. (:8-13) A LOOK AT THE FUTURE:
RESTORATION IS COMING … GOD WILL REIGN ON THE EARTH IN RIGHTEOUSNESS
A. (:8) Restoration Means Peace for the Godly
(Aside: Warning — Don’t turn back to your folly)
B. (:9a) Restoration Means Deliverance for the God-fearers
C. (:9b) Restoration Means the Glory of God’s Presence on the Earth
D. (:10-11) Restoration Ultimately Means the Reign of the Messiah King
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Harmony of Lovingkindness and Truth
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Harmony of Righteousness and Peace
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Harmony of Earth (Truth) and Heaven (Righteousness)
E. (:12) Restoration Means Prosperity
“the Lord will give what is good”
“our land will yield its produce”
F. (:13) Restoration Means Clear Sailing
This focuses our ANTICIPATION