The sermon explores the blessings of living righteously according to God's Word, as outlined in Psalm 1:1-6, and our role in spreading these blessings to others.
Welcome, dear friends. It's a joy to gather with you today in the radiant light of our Lord's grace and mercy. Our hearts are filled with gratitude as we come together in fellowship, ready to immerse ourselves in the wisdom of His Word.
We are about to unfold the pages of Psalm 1:1-6, a passage that beckons us toward the blessings that God promises to those who walk in His ways. It is a call to live in obedience, a call to be fruitful, and ultimately, a call to bestow blessings upon others. It's a call to live lives that honor our Creator and Saviour.
Let's read the passage together:
"Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers. Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction."
These words, penned by the Psalmist, speak to us across the centuries, reminding us that the path to true happiness, true blessing, is found in our relationship with God, in our delight in His laws, and in our commitment to living righteously.
The great preacher Charles Spurgeon once said, "His God is his chief good, and therefore his delight is chiefly in Him. His very soul, his deepest self, the commanding part of his being, his truest self, delights in the law of the Lord after the inward man."
Indeed, our delight is in the Lord. It is in His Word that we find the wellspring of life, the source of our strength, and the guide for our paths.
As we prepare our hearts to delve deeper into the message of this Psalm, let's bow our heads in prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for this time of fellowship and for the chance to study Your Word. Open our hearts and minds to the message You have for us today. Help us to see the path You have laid before us, to grasp the blessings You have in store, and to understand our role in bestowing these blessings onto others. We ask this in the precious name of Jesus. Amen.
The path to becoming blessed, as outlined in Psalm 1:1-6, is not a secret or hidden trail. It is a clear and open way, illuminated by the Word of God. It is a path that requires us to make choices, to take steps, and to live in a certain way. It is a path that calls us to turn away from wickedness, to avoid the company of sinners and mockers, and to find our delight in the law of the Lord.
When we choose to walk this path, we are choosing to align ourselves with the will of God. We are choosing to live in a way that honors Him, that reflects His character, and that brings glory to His name. This is not a path of ease or convenience, but it is a path of blessing. It is a path that leads to a life that is fruitful, prosperous, and enduring.
The first aspect of this path is the decision to not walk in step with the wicked. This is a conscious choice to not follow the ways of those who reject God and His laws. It is a decision to not be influenced by their actions, their words, or their attitudes. It is a decision to stand firm in our faith, to hold fast to the truth of God's Word, and to live in a way that is pleasing to Him.
This decision is not a passive one. It requires us to actively resist the temptations that come our way, to stand against the pressures of the world, and to continually seek the guidance and strength of the Holy Spirit. It is a decision that requires courage, determination, and perseverance. But it is a decision that leads to blessing.
The second aspect of this path is the decision to not stand in the way that sinners take. This is a conscious choice to not participate in actions that are contrary to God's laws. It is a decision to not engage in behaviors that dishonor God, that harm others, or that lead us away from the path of righteousness.
This decision is not an easy one. It requires us to make sacrifices, to deny ourselves, and to live in a way that is counter-cultural. It is a decision that requires self-discipline, self-control, and self-denial. But it is a decision that leads to blessing.
The third aspect of this path is the decision to not sit in the company of mockers. This is a conscious choice to not associate with those who ridicule God, who scorn His laws, or who belittle those who follow Him. It is a decision to not be swayed by their cynicism, their sarcasm, or their scorn.
This decision is not a popular one. It requires us to distance ourselves from those who do not respect God, to stand up for our faith, and to be willing to face ridicule and rejection. It is a decision that requires boldness, bravery, and backbone. But it is a decision that leads to blessing.
The fourth aspect of this path is the decision to delight in the law of the Lord. This is a conscious choice to find joy in God's Word, to meditate on His laws, and to let them guide our thoughts, our words, and our actions. It is a decision to let the Word of God be the light that guides our path, the truth that shapes our worldview, and the wisdom that directs our decisions.
This decision is not a common one. It requires us to prioritize God's Word, to spend time in His presence, and to let His laws shape our lives. It is a decision that requires commitment, consistency, and concentration. But it is a decision that leads to blessing.
The Psalmist paints a vivid picture of a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in season, with leaves that do not wither ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO