To Be Blessed
09/20/09 AM
Text: Psalm 1:1-6
Introduction:
May I ask a question that is almost rhetorical? How many gathered here this morning do NOT want to be blessed by God? It’s really a bit of a silly question isn’t it? I mean the reason we are all here today is partially because we seek God’s blessing.
Since it is pretty much a given that we all seek God’s blessing I thought we would spend our time together this morning with a text that pretty much tells us how we can position ourselves for God’s blessing. That text is the Psalm 1.
The focus of the 1st Psalm is on US. It is teaching us about the choices that we need to make to position ourselves to experience the blessings of God.
Verse one begins with “How BLESSED…!” This is the key word in Psalm 1. Vine's Expository Dictionary of Bible Words teaches us that the word "blessed” means happy: This word connotes the state of "happiness" that comes when a superior bestows his favor (or blessing) on someone. Most references to being 'blessed' in the Scripture results from enjoying the favor of God.
There are 2 choices found in Psalm 1 that reveal the way that will help us live a life that enjoys God's favor.
Blessedness is the work of God in us, but to experience and live a life filled with blessings requires our choosing well.
I. CHOOSE YOUR PATH WELL: (v1)
A. The Christian life is compared to a walk.
Ephesians 5:8 ( NASB ) for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light
It begins with a step of faith in trusting God and confessing Christ and it grows as we take further steps in obedience to His Word. Walking involves progress, and Christians are to make progress in applying His words to daily life.
But it is possible to walk “in the darkness,” outside the will of God (1 John 1:5-7). The people blessed by God are careful in their walk: though they are in the world, they are not of the world. If Christians start listening to the counsel (advice, plans) of the ungodly, they will soon be standing in their way of life, and finally will sit right down and agree with them.
1 Corinthians 15:33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals.”
B. We cannot listen to what the crowd says. (v.1a) How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked…
The wicked (or ungodly) do not acknowledge the authority of God and walk by no other rule then their own lusts and desires.
The world tells us: Serve YOURSELF; Satisfy your desires; Live for today!
God tells us: Serve others; Control your desire; Prepare for eternity!
Romans 12:9b “…Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good.
We need the advice and council of godly men and women who are walking in harmony with the word of God.
C. We cannot do what the crowd does. (v.1b) “…nor stand in the path of sinners...”
The word for sinners signifies such as have missed the mark and are devoted to the practice of sin and set it up as their trade.
I’m not using the word crowd in a generic way. I’m talking about the crowd that is walking contrary to God’s word.
I’m talking about the crowd whose attitudes and actions are wrong and opposed to the word and ways of God.
Many of us, when given the choice, will take the path of least resistance. Our tendency is, by nature, to take the easy way. The blessed person, however, is the one who takes the right path, not the easy path.
Jesus said Luke 13:24 ( NASB ) “Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.
c. We cannot take a place among the Scoffers
(v.1c) “…Nor sit in the seat of scoffers!”
To scoff means to mock, ridicule, or show contempt.
The world scoffed at our Lord, during his ministry, at his miracles, and at the cross.
And the world will scoff at us: 1 Peter 4:4a “In all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them into the same excesses of dissipation, and they malign you…”
The one who chooses their path well, walking in the counsel of the godly, standing in the way of the faithful, and sitting in the seat of the righteous will be in place to receive the blessings of God.
II. CHOOSE TO DELIGHT IN GOD'S WORD. (v.2) “...but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law he meditates day and night.” When we delight in the word of God it will do 2 things to us.
A. It will capture our full affection:
When reading the word of God do you approach it with a delight that accepts the teaching and allows the wisdom of God’s word to direct your mind? OR do you read the Scriptures with a critical pick and choose attitude...
"I'll take that promise...
That challenge doesn't fit my situation....
I just can't do that.....
I'll accept that idea....!"
We should have such a love for the word of God that we embrace it with everything that we have within us. We should cherish the word of God for it is the bread of life to a dying world. It is the word of God that brings about the Life of God in the heart of the Believer.
James 1:21 “Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.”
1 Peter 1:23 “…for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God.”
The word of God brings life to those that will accept it and embrace it.
B. It will claim our full attention: (v.2b) “...and on His law he meditates day and night.”
1. Meditation: The Hebrew word for 'meditate' includes the ideas of muttering, of talking through a concept, and of using the mind to imagine. What is asked of us here is a depth of understanding that we reach only as we let the Word fill up our thoughts to the extent that all of our life is an extended conversation with the word of God!
2. Single-minded: We need to have a one-track mind when it comes to the Word of God. To know the difference between right and wrong because we are single-mindedly committed to the Word of God. By single-mindedly committing to living according to God's word, we can expect to enjoy the peace and contentment of Biblical success. No one can defy God's word and be truly blessed.
Here is what God told His people thousands of years ago and it remains true: Joshua1:8 "This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth; you shall meditate on it day and night so that you may be careful to act in accordance with all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall be successful."
God calls on us to meditate on His word with such affection and attention that it will bring about a true genuine transformation in our lives!
Romans 12:2 ( NASB ) And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
III. THE RESULTS:
This is the result of choosing wisely:
(v.3, 4) He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers.
The Bible doesn't promise a soft and easy life. It promises that we will go through trials and tribulations, and we will go through seasons of pain as well as seasons of joy.
The Bible doesn't teach that faith prevents bad weather; it teaches that faith protects you during bad weather.
There is passage in the book of Jeremiah that is similar to the first Psalm: Jeremiah 17:8 “For he will be like a tree planted by the water, that extends its roots by a stream and will not fear when the heat comes; but its leaves will be green, and it will not be anxious in a year of drought nor cease to yield fruit.”
Put your faith in God. He will help you endure any storm or any drought that life brings your way. In fact, BECAUSE you are living in God's favor, your spiritual life will flourish even in times of apparent drought!
CONCLUSION:
This psalm closes with a word of assurance: (v.6) “For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.”
God favors those that choose to walk in the light, He blesses those who delight in His word and meditate on its wisdom with a world-resistant faith that is fruitful and productive.
God has freely offered His blessings to us. Living so that we may enjoy His benefits is our choice!
