Psalm 83
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Psalm 83
Within 2-3 generations, many of our church buildings will be like those in Western Europe which are museums.
Four things the people of Israel do:
- Pray
- Ask God to act; Hope in God alone (Psalm 83:1)
- Remember what God has done in the past (Psalm 83:9-12)
- We need to be about God's purposes, not our own (Psalm 83:16-18)
Psalm 83 is a prayer turning to God.
Human effort is useless if God does not act.
It is easy for us to look to government officials to fix moral decline. Many Christians have fallen into the trap of trusting in the government which is idolatry. Be involved in politics, voting, praying for our government, but don't hope in the government; hope in Christ alone!
(Psalm 83:2-8)
The verb "raised" is plural, but the noun "head" is singular.
When we think of a nation, we usually think of a government. In the Bible, think of a people group. God's people exist to glorify Him; if His people are not even remembered on the earth, how will God's glory be spread in the world?
God has defeated armies much greater and more powerful than Israel.
(Psalm 83:13-15)
Not just defeat them or make them sorry, but make them embarrassed so that they may know that God is Most High.
Romans 8:32 - Remember the Gospel!
The Gospel is not just for those who have not yet believed; it is central to Christianity. We always need the Gospel.
Matthew 16:16-20
Jesus says "...I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."
hell - more accurately Hades; the realm of death
shall not prevail - they don't stand a chance of victory
gate - a defensive weapon, not an offensive weapon; Satan is trying to restrain the Gospel
