_Psalm One
Our decisions will define what it is we delight in, and in turn those decisions will go a long way in defining the life we live. It is and always has been about the choices that we make. God's word often times gives us examples and illustrations of two different roads or two different paths, and teaches us what we can expect to find on those roads and paths that we choose to take. My friend, the house is only as strong as the foundation that it is built upon, and so it is in the life of a Christian. When we choose to follow and obey the commandments of the Lord, our lives will be built on bedrock and not a sand pile. The Bible teaches us that God's commandments are not grievous (they are not burdensome). The instructions from the word of God are not the clipping of one's wings but the empowering of one's life and soul. When we read Thou shalt not, it is not a wet blanket thrown on our lives to dilute our joy, it is a hedge of protection, it is a shield. My friends, it is love and guidance from the Heavenly Father to His children. The Bible says "Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart." (Psalms 119:2) I recently heard these words; "It is easier to make decisions when you are grounded in principles." The more grounded we are in the principles and commandments of the Lord, the more likely we are to make the right choices, and our lives will be more Christ like as well as Christ centered.
Psalm 1 spoke to my heart early on in my life as a Christian and continues to bless me today. I pray that our time spent in the study of this Psalm will be fruitful, and that the Holy Spirit will do a mighty work in our hearts and in our lives. Also, that God will be glorified as we grow closer and closer to the Lord Jesus Christ.
I. Decisions ~ Decisions ~ Decisions
A. “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly,…”-Psalm 1:1a
A key word in our passage is the word counsel. I want you to consider the counsel that is spoken of here and who it is that is offering the counsel, or ruling principles. Run it through your mind again. "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly." The ungodly, or the wicked, it is their counsel that the child of God is warned to not walk in. The Bible says in Proverbs 12:5 "The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit." Webster’s defines deceit as a catching or ensnaring, the misleading of a person: the leading of another person to believe what is false, or not to believe what is true. That is why we must follow the directions from Proverbs 4:26 – 27 that says "Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil." When we ponder our steps, our starting point will be a solid position based not on the counsel of the ungodly, but the word of God. You will not walk in the counsel of the ungodly when your steps are grounded in the principles of God. Our first step is vitally important. It sets our course for the direction we will be heading. My friend, where is it you find yourself at this very moment? What path are you on? Better yet whose path are you on? Are you following the Lord or have you veered to the right or the left? I pray you will make the right choice, and in doing so, you will know the blessings of God.
Decisions-Decisions-Decisions.
Our decisions will define what it is we delight in, and in turn those decisions will go a long way in defining the life we live. It is and always has been about the choices that we make. God's word often times gives us examples and illustrations of two different roads or two different paths, and teaches us what we can expect to find on those roads and paths that we choose to take. My friend, the house is only as strong as the foundation that it is built upon, and so it is in the life of a Christian. When we choose to follow and obey the commandments of the Lord, our lives will be built on bedrock and not a sand pile. The Bible teaches us that God's commandments are not grievous (they are not burdensome). The instructions from the word of God are not the clipping of one's wings but the empowering of one's life and soul. When we read Thou shalt not, it is not a wet blanket thrown on our lives to dilute our joy, it is a hedge of protection, it is a shield. My friends, it is love and guidance from the Heavenly Father to His children. The Bible says "Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart." (Psalms 119:2) I recently heard these words; "It is easier to make decisions when you are grounded in principles." The more grounded we are in the principles and commandments of the Lord, the more likely we are to make the right choices, and our lives will be more Christ like as well as Christ centered.
Psalm 1 spoke to my heart early on in my life as a Christian and continues to bless me today. I pray that our time spent in the study of this Psalm will be fruitful, and that the Holy Spirit will do a mighty work in our hearts and in our lives. Also, that God will be glorified as we grow closer and closer to the Lord Jesus Christ.
I. Decisions ~ Decisions ~ Decisions
A. “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly,…”-Psalm 1:1a
A key word in our passage is the word counsel. I want you to consider the counsel that is spoken of here and who it is that is offering the counsel, or ruling principles. Run it through your mind again. "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly." The ungodly, or the wicked, it is their counsel that the child of God is warned to not walk in. The Bible says in Proverbs 12:5 "The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit." Webster’s defines deceit as a catching or ensnaring, the misleading of a person: the leading of another person to believe what is false, or not to believe what is true. That is why we must follow the directions from Proverbs 4:26 – 27 that says "Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil." When we ponder our steps, our starting point will be a solid position based not on the counsel of the ungodly, but the word of God. You will not walk in the counsel of the ungodly when your steps are grounded in the principles of God. Our first step is vitally important. It sets our course for the direction we will be heading. My friend, where is it you find yourself at this very moment? What path are you on? Better yet whose path are you on? Are you following the Lord or have you veered to the right or the left? I pray you will make the right choice, and in doing so, you will know the blessings of God.
Decisions-Decisions-Decisions.
Psalm One Pt. II
In our previous study, we considered the counsel (or the ruling principles) of the ungodly, and we learned that as Christians we are not to walk in such ways. For this study, we will consider where it is we stand. Let’s put the first two parts of our verse together and start from there.
“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners...”-Psalm 1:1a-b
I. Decisions-Decisions-Decisions
B.”Nor standeth in the way of sinners,…” Psalm 1:1b
It seems that many shy away from wanting to be more spiritual. What do I mean by more spiritual? I am speaking of being more Christ-like. In order to fit in or not to be left out, too many Christians compromise. In doing so they sin against God, and they miss out on a wonderful opportunity to witness and plant seed in the hearts and lives of the lost. Our verse speaks of a blessing for those who do not stand in the way of sinners. One would do well not to imitate or join in the ways that are contrary to God’s will or the direction that He gives us in His word. Proverbs 4:14 is simple yet wonderful counsel; “Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men.” You will not find yourself standing where you do not belong if you choose not to go that way in the first place. The theme of our study up to this point has been about the choices and decisions that we make and I hope that this point is driven deep into the hearts of those who read this.
I was not saved until the age of thirty six, and I remember hearing a message preached from Psalm one early on in my walk with the Lord. It spoke to my heart in a powerful way. I made a decision to change my surroundings based on that message from God’s word, and in turn that changed where I stood. If I was at work and there was an off-colored joke being told, I turned from the one who was telling the joke and those who were participating in it. Also, I no longer went to the places where I used to hang out. It was one of the best decisions I ever made. With the Holy Spirits strength, I had many victories in the early days of being a babe in Christ. This study is not only for the babes in Christ, but also for the seasoned saints, and the senior saints as well. We all need to be reminded of the wonderful truths of this Psalm. Reread our scripture for today and look at where your feet have taken you, and where you are standing at this very moment. What decisions have you made that have led to the path and where it is you are standing?
“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners...”-Psalm 1:1a-b
I. Decisions-Decisions-Decisions
B.”Nor standeth in the way of sinners,…” Psalm 1:1b
It seems that many shy away from wanting to be more spiritual. What do I mean by more spiritual? I am speaking of being more Christ-like. In order to fit in or not to be left out, too many Christians compromise. In doing so they sin against God, and they miss out on a wonderful opportunity to witness and plant seed in the hearts and lives of the lost. Our verse speaks of a blessing for those who do not stand in the way of sinners. One would do well not to imitate or join in the ways that are contrary to God’s will or the direction that He gives us in His word. Proverbs 4:14 is simple yet wonderful counsel; “Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men.” You will not find yourself standing where you do not belong if you choose not to go that way in the first place. The theme of our study up to this point has been about the choices and decisions that we make and I hope that this point is driven deep into the hearts of those who read this.
I was not saved until the age of thirty six, and I remember hearing a message preached from Psalm one early on in my walk with the Lord. It spoke to my heart in a powerful way. I made a decision to change my surroundings based on that message from God’s word, and in turn that changed where I stood. If I was at work and there was an off-colored joke being told, I turned from the one who was telling the joke and those who were participating in it. Also, I no longer went to the places where I used to hang out. It was one of the best decisions I ever made. With the Holy Spirits strength, I had many victories in the early days of being a babe in Christ. This study is not only for the babes in Christ, but also for the seasoned saints, and the senior saints as well. We all need to be reminded of the wonderful truths of this Psalm. Reread our scripture for today and look at where your feet have taken you, and where you are standing at this very moment. What decisions have you made that have led to the path and where it is you are standing?
Psalm One Pt. III
“Blessed
is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the
way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.”-Psalm1:1
I. Descions-Decsions-Decsions
C. “Nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful,…” Psalm 1:1c
I have lived the life of the ungodly, I have stood in the ways of sinners, and yes I have sat at the table of the scornful. I do not say that with any sense of pride whatsoever, or as one who misses that life. I say this knowing that God’s grace was and is bigger and greater than my sin and that I am today a trophy of His amazing grace. (Read Ephesians 2:1- 9) I am saved! In our verse we have seen the progression of a sinful life or ungodly choices. I personally know both sides of the fence. I know this to be true, that walking in the ways of the Lord is far greater than walking in the ways of the ungodly. You see, eventually where we walk leads to where we stand, which leads to what we stand for, and ultimately, who we stand and sit with. Our verse paints a picture of a slope that becomes more and more slippery as one progresses down. We will soon find ourselves sitting in a place as a Christian we were never meant to be sitting. If we choose to sit in the seat of the scornful, our words will likely mirror their words. We will speak with disdain and contempt. Our tongues will be used as a tool for wickedness. But thank the Lord that He gives us insight that if we will not participate, if we will not go the wrong way, but rather go His way, blessed is that person. I want all of the young people who are reading this to take this Psalm serious. Please take this study serious and apply it to your life, and what a life it will be. I pray that all adults who continue in this study, will be challenged, convicted, and strengthened by God’s word. Let’s walk, stand, and sit where God would have us, because blessed are those who will.
I. Descions-Decsions-Decsions
C. “Nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful,…” Psalm 1:1c
I have lived the life of the ungodly, I have stood in the ways of sinners, and yes I have sat at the table of the scornful. I do not say that with any sense of pride whatsoever, or as one who misses that life. I say this knowing that God’s grace was and is bigger and greater than my sin and that I am today a trophy of His amazing grace. (Read Ephesians 2:1- 9) I am saved! In our verse we have seen the progression of a sinful life or ungodly choices. I personally know both sides of the fence. I know this to be true, that walking in the ways of the Lord is far greater than walking in the ways of the ungodly. You see, eventually where we walk leads to where we stand, which leads to what we stand for, and ultimately, who we stand and sit with. Our verse paints a picture of a slope that becomes more and more slippery as one progresses down. We will soon find ourselves sitting in a place as a Christian we were never meant to be sitting. If we choose to sit in the seat of the scornful, our words will likely mirror their words. We will speak with disdain and contempt. Our tongues will be used as a tool for wickedness. But thank the Lord that He gives us insight that if we will not participate, if we will not go the wrong way, but rather go His way, blessed is that person. I want all of the young people who are reading this to take this Psalm serious. Please take this study serious and apply it to your life, and what a life it will be. I pray that all adults who continue in this study, will be challenged, convicted, and strengthened by God’s word. Let’s walk, stand, and sit where God would have us, because blessed are those who will.
Psalm One Pt. IV
The believer who does not walk, stand, or sit in the ways of the ungodly will delight in heavenly things, and not the delicacies of the world. I have learned that good counsel given without instruction is a lot like getting into a car knowing where it is you want to go, but not having any directions on how to get to your desired destination. I believe we can get our instructions from God’s Word and He will supply us our directions for our lives. I want to lay a wonderful scripture on your heart, and I ask that you would keep this near your heart as we continue in our study of Psalm one. Colossians 3:1-2 gives us great instruction, “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” We need to seek the heavenly things, and we need to set our affections (or our minds) on the things above. When we seek the Lord Jesus Christ for the totality of our lives, our lives will be a reflection of Christ in the decisions that we make and the direction we travel. Good counsel with instruction in how to apply it will equal victory and blessings in the life of a Christian.
I want us to read verses one and two together and then we will begin.
“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.”-Psalm1:1
II. Delight
A. “But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.” Psalm 1:2
We are going to continue at a slow pace in our study. We live in a day when everything seems to move at warp speed and we skim over the top instead of digging down into the depths. I simply want you to define what it is you delight in. Webster defines delight as; “a high degree of pleasure, or satisfaction of mind; joy.” When you consider those things you delight in, contemplate where it is God’s Word is found in the pecking order of those things, if at all. I would like for you to allow yourself some time alone with the Lord, and quietly before Him seek His face in regards to those things you delight in. I pray that the Lord works in a mighty way in your heart.
I want us to read verses one and two together and then we will begin.
“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.”-Psalm1:1
II. Delight
A. “But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.” Psalm 1:2
We are going to continue at a slow pace in our study. We live in a day when everything seems to move at warp speed and we skim over the top instead of digging down into the depths. I simply want you to define what it is you delight in. Webster defines delight as; “a high degree of pleasure, or satisfaction of mind; joy.” When you consider those things you delight in, contemplate where it is God’s Word is found in the pecking order of those things, if at all. I would like for you to allow yourself some time alone with the Lord, and quietly before Him seek His face in regards to those things you delight in. I pray that the Lord works in a mighty way in your heart.
Psalm One Pt. V
III. Delight and
Meditation
A. “But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.” Ps1:2
I pray that you had an opportunity to have some time alone with the Lord to reflect on your desires and where it is His word is found in the list of those desires. We are eleven days into this New Year, and I pray that 2012 will be a year that your hunger and delight for God’s word will be at an all-time high.
Many people have New Year resolutions and often times those resolutions revolve around physical health. If any of you have any back ground in working out, you know that most experts teach that when one wants to lose weight one of the most effective ways is to gain muscle and in doing so the muscle that is gained acts as a natural fat burner. I’ve often read that protein is a building block for muscle growth. Looking at this in a spiritual sense, if one wants to see growth in their Christian life, God’s Word is the protein that we need. It is the building block. We need to come to our spiritual training table every day. One helping will not be enough. We need to return time and time again. Our verse today teaches us the manner in which we should take in this heavenly nourishment, and when we should do so. God’s Word tells us to meditate on His word day and night. The word “meditate” has the meaning to: ponder or to turn over in one’s mind; to contemplate. When we delight in God’s word day and night we will have a desire to meditate over it, and we will glean from it golden nuggets of truth. God’s directions lead us to Him, and with Him we will find the atmosphere that the Holy Spirit can do a work in. The Holy Spirit will teach us from God’s wonderful word. I pray that we will delight in and meditate on the Word of God in 2012 like never before.
A. “But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.” Ps1:2
I pray that you had an opportunity to have some time alone with the Lord to reflect on your desires and where it is His word is found in the list of those desires. We are eleven days into this New Year, and I pray that 2012 will be a year that your hunger and delight for God’s word will be at an all-time high.
Many people have New Year resolutions and often times those resolutions revolve around physical health. If any of you have any back ground in working out, you know that most experts teach that when one wants to lose weight one of the most effective ways is to gain muscle and in doing so the muscle that is gained acts as a natural fat burner. I’ve often read that protein is a building block for muscle growth. Looking at this in a spiritual sense, if one wants to see growth in their Christian life, God’s Word is the protein that we need. It is the building block. We need to come to our spiritual training table every day. One helping will not be enough. We need to return time and time again. Our verse today teaches us the manner in which we should take in this heavenly nourishment, and when we should do so. God’s Word tells us to meditate on His word day and night. The word “meditate” has the meaning to: ponder or to turn over in one’s mind; to contemplate. When we delight in God’s word day and night we will have a desire to meditate over it, and we will glean from it golden nuggets of truth. God’s directions lead us to Him, and with Him we will find the atmosphere that the Holy Spirit can do a work in. The Holy Spirit will teach us from God’s wonderful word. I pray that we will delight in and meditate on the Word of God in 2012 like never before.
Psalm One Pt. VI
Up
to this point we have learned that blessed are they who do not choose the ways
of the ungodly, and that such people will delight in God’s Word. They won’t skim over it, but they will
meditate on it day and night. This leads us to a wonderful picture of God’s
hand upon those who will aim to please Him and follow His leading and
direction. The Bible says, “Thy word is
a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Psalms 119:105) May our feet be steadfast upon His path.
IV. Planted and Prospering
A. “And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” Psalm 1:3
By the hands of God we shall be planted. Give your heart, soul, and mind over to the thought of the care He gives and all that He provides. The streams of water that will bring spiritual nourishment and blessing, and in the midst of these we will be well rooted in God and by God. In God’s timing, there will be fruit and no seasonal change will affect the leaves. I’ll leave prosperity in God’s hands, because He knows what is best for each of us.
I want you to consider the care that God puts into creation. For example, The Northern California Redwoods are nearly 370 ft. from base to crown. If a bird were to set at the very top it could look down on a 37 story building. The cousin of the Red Wood, the giant Sequoia, is found in the western slope of the Sierra Nevada Range. Few Sequoias stand taller than 300 ft., but the biggest of them support up to 600 tons of wood on trunks that measure up to 100 ft. around. The Sequoias start from a seed the length of an eyelash. I do not deny that these trees are a wonder of God’s creation, but if you are a Christian today, how much greater are you to God than these massive trees? Let’s allow God full control of our lives. We will be firmly planted and constantly cared for as we yield our lives to God. I pray that we will echo the words of the Psalmist, “How sweet are thy words unto my taste! Yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth. Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way. (Psalm 119:103-104)
IV. Planted and Prospering
A. “And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” Psalm 1:3
By the hands of God we shall be planted. Give your heart, soul, and mind over to the thought of the care He gives and all that He provides. The streams of water that will bring spiritual nourishment and blessing, and in the midst of these we will be well rooted in God and by God. In God’s timing, there will be fruit and no seasonal change will affect the leaves. I’ll leave prosperity in God’s hands, because He knows what is best for each of us.
I want you to consider the care that God puts into creation. For example, The Northern California Redwoods are nearly 370 ft. from base to crown. If a bird were to set at the very top it could look down on a 37 story building. The cousin of the Red Wood, the giant Sequoia, is found in the western slope of the Sierra Nevada Range. Few Sequoias stand taller than 300 ft., but the biggest of them support up to 600 tons of wood on trunks that measure up to 100 ft. around. The Sequoias start from a seed the length of an eyelash. I do not deny that these trees are a wonder of God’s creation, but if you are a Christian today, how much greater are you to God than these massive trees? Let’s allow God full control of our lives. We will be firmly planted and constantly cared for as we yield our lives to God. I pray that we will echo the words of the Psalmist, “How sweet are thy words unto my taste! Yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth. Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way. (Psalm 119:103-104)
Psalm One Pt. VII
We are moving
close to the end of our time in Psalm one.
I have stressed that we would take small bites, and that we didn’t want
to merely skim over these words, but dig into this treasure chest and allow God
to speak to us. We have learned thus far
of the blessed way. The Bible teaches
us that the one who will choose God’s way will be likened to a tree firmly
planted near rivers of water, and this tree will bear fruit. I want you to read the first three verses
over the next couple of days. Allow
yourself to meditate on the simple truth that is laid out before you, and
return, if need be, to the different studies up to this point. Take a long drink, and taste of the truth of
the blessed way. In the days to come, we
will learn of another way. I pray that
your heart will be tender and receiving as the Lord deals with you.
“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”-Psalm 1:1-3
“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”-Psalm 1:1-3
Psalm One Pt. VIII
A. “The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the
wind driveth away.”Psalm 1:4
We learn of a chilling contrast that can be likened to two different roads; two different ways; two different paths; two different directions, and finally, two different destinations. Those who chose to follow the word of God and the will of God are like a tree planted and deep rooted. They will be watered and fruitful. The ungodly are not so. They follow after the counsel of the wicked. They will live in the way of sinners, and they will allow this world to define them and ultimately destroy them. Sadly, many have laid their roots down in this world, and in doing so, just as a tree takes in nourishment for its survival, so have many fed off the things of this world. The Bible says, “And the world passeth away and the lust thereof.”(1 John 2:17) Three things have taken place in the minds and the hearts of the ungodly.
I. They have been Deceived- Satan has blinded them with the pleasures and treasures of this world. Speaking of the lost, the Apostle Paul wrote in II Corinthians 4:4 “In whom the god of this world (Satan) hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” So many have bought the lies of the devil and have been deceived.
II. They have made a Decision– Many have made a decision that they don’t need to be saved, and so with that decision they don’t need the Lord Jesus Christ. This can be considered another branch of deception, because Satan has used the guise of religion to lead many to the decision they have made. Paul writes in II Corinthians 11:13-14, “And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” Many have been deceived by false teachings when it comes to the true gospel, and thus they have made their decision no matter if one does share the truth them.
III. They have Denied- With the deception came the decision, and in the end they deny the saving blood of Jesus Christ to do what only it can do, and that is to wash their sins and save them. The Lord Jesus said these words, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6)
Our verse teaches us that the ungodly are compared to chaff. Worthless and weightless. There is no substance to them. We picture them being driven away. The path of this world that they once traveled was fool’s gold, and that thing which they rooted themselves in has rotted. Surely they must have seen and noticed those who chose the Lord’s way, and how the Lord worked in their lives. The Bible says, “The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God.”(Psalm 14:1a) I pray that God will speak loud and clear to our hearts today and Friday when we will finish up our study.
We learn of a chilling contrast that can be likened to two different roads; two different ways; two different paths; two different directions, and finally, two different destinations. Those who chose to follow the word of God and the will of God are like a tree planted and deep rooted. They will be watered and fruitful. The ungodly are not so. They follow after the counsel of the wicked. They will live in the way of sinners, and they will allow this world to define them and ultimately destroy them. Sadly, many have laid their roots down in this world, and in doing so, just as a tree takes in nourishment for its survival, so have many fed off the things of this world. The Bible says, “And the world passeth away and the lust thereof.”(1 John 2:17) Three things have taken place in the minds and the hearts of the ungodly.
I. They have been Deceived- Satan has blinded them with the pleasures and treasures of this world. Speaking of the lost, the Apostle Paul wrote in II Corinthians 4:4 “In whom the god of this world (Satan) hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” So many have bought the lies of the devil and have been deceived.
II. They have made a Decision– Many have made a decision that they don’t need to be saved, and so with that decision they don’t need the Lord Jesus Christ. This can be considered another branch of deception, because Satan has used the guise of religion to lead many to the decision they have made. Paul writes in II Corinthians 11:13-14, “And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” Many have been deceived by false teachings when it comes to the true gospel, and thus they have made their decision no matter if one does share the truth them.
III. They have Denied- With the deception came the decision, and in the end they deny the saving blood of Jesus Christ to do what only it can do, and that is to wash their sins and save them. The Lord Jesus said these words, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6)
Our verse teaches us that the ungodly are compared to chaff. Worthless and weightless. There is no substance to them. We picture them being driven away. The path of this world that they once traveled was fool’s gold, and that thing which they rooted themselves in has rotted. Surely they must have seen and noticed those who chose the Lord’s way, and how the Lord worked in their lives. The Bible says, “The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God.”(Psalm 14:1a) I pray that God will speak loud and clear to our hearts today and Friday when we will finish up our study.
Psalm One Pt. IX
We are going to continue with our theme from our last study. We
will continue to contrast the ungodly with those who delight in God’s word, and
want to follow God and not the ways of the sinners. Today, we will finish up our time in Psalm
one. When we started our study, I spoke
about choices and decisions, and that what we delight in will go a long way in
defining the life that we live.
First and foremost, I desire that if any have read this and are not saved, that you would have understanding that your sin separates you from God. If you have felt conviction for your sin, that you would turn to God in repentance and put your trust in Jesus Christ for the salvation of your soul. I pray this study has opened your eyes, and spoken to your heart. For those of you who are saved, I pray that this has been a challenge that has drawn you closer to the Lord, as the Holy Spirit has spoken to you.
The Final Destiny
A. “Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.”-Psalm 1:5-6
There is coming a day of judgment for those who have rejected Jesus Christ as their Saviour, and they will not be able to stand before the Judge. The ungodly will have nothing to stand on. They will not have the benefit of a slick attorney or deep pockets to buy off the judge or witnesses. They will no longer be able to lie their way out of another situation or run away when they have been caught. There will be no excuse and no escape. The Judge will be Jesus Christ (John 5:22) and the ungodly will be judged according to their works. (Revelation 20:12-13) All that they ever did and all that they ever said will be revealed. They will not stand waving a finger of protest or an arrogant fist in the face of the Judge, because they will know that they are guilty as layer after layer after layer of their lifetime of sins are revealed. Please don’t think that I am writing this with sarcasm in my heart, but please know I shudder at the thought of those who will chose this final destiny in that they have rejected Jesus Christ as their Saviour, and will someday meet Him as judge. Sin brings separation, and there will be found no sinner in the congregation of the righteous. The door will be shut.
The righteous are watched over and cared for by the Lord. The righteous are brought along by God as they make their way through the days that they have, which will eventually lead to glory. What a wonderful thought to know that the lord knoweth the way of His own. The contrasts are sharp, and sever between the righteous and the ungodly. Verse six says, “But the way of the ungodly shall perish.” The way that seemed to be an endless portion of pleasure is the way that will perish. The way that was based on the flimsy philosophies of mere men will perish. The Bible says, “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man but the end thereof are the ways of death.” (Proverbs 14:12)
For those who are saved, have you thanked God that you are saved? Have you considered the final destiny of those who are not saved? If you are not saved, please go to the “Decision and Destiny” page and consider Gods word to you.
First and foremost, I desire that if any have read this and are not saved, that you would have understanding that your sin separates you from God. If you have felt conviction for your sin, that you would turn to God in repentance and put your trust in Jesus Christ for the salvation of your soul. I pray this study has opened your eyes, and spoken to your heart. For those of you who are saved, I pray that this has been a challenge that has drawn you closer to the Lord, as the Holy Spirit has spoken to you.
The Final Destiny
A. “Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.”-Psalm 1:5-6
There is coming a day of judgment for those who have rejected Jesus Christ as their Saviour, and they will not be able to stand before the Judge. The ungodly will have nothing to stand on. They will not have the benefit of a slick attorney or deep pockets to buy off the judge or witnesses. They will no longer be able to lie their way out of another situation or run away when they have been caught. There will be no excuse and no escape. The Judge will be Jesus Christ (John 5:22) and the ungodly will be judged according to their works. (Revelation 20:12-13) All that they ever did and all that they ever said will be revealed. They will not stand waving a finger of protest or an arrogant fist in the face of the Judge, because they will know that they are guilty as layer after layer after layer of their lifetime of sins are revealed. Please don’t think that I am writing this with sarcasm in my heart, but please know I shudder at the thought of those who will chose this final destiny in that they have rejected Jesus Christ as their Saviour, and will someday meet Him as judge. Sin brings separation, and there will be found no sinner in the congregation of the righteous. The door will be shut.
The righteous are watched over and cared for by the Lord. The righteous are brought along by God as they make their way through the days that they have, which will eventually lead to glory. What a wonderful thought to know that the lord knoweth the way of His own. The contrasts are sharp, and sever between the righteous and the ungodly. Verse six says, “But the way of the ungodly shall perish.” The way that seemed to be an endless portion of pleasure is the way that will perish. The way that was based on the flimsy philosophies of mere men will perish. The Bible says, “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man but the end thereof are the ways of death.” (Proverbs 14:12)
For those who are saved, have you thanked God that you are saved? Have you considered the final destiny of those who are not saved? If you are not saved, please go to the “Decision and Destiny” page and consider Gods word to you.