Sermon. Living Stable in an Unstable World
Scripture Text: Psalms 1
Ps 1:1 ¶ 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. 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3 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.
4 ¶ The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. 5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. 6 For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish. (KJV)
Introduction: Is there any way that we can be secured in this ever-changing world? Is our dream of stability possible? Is revival and renewal even possible today! The lessons in Psalms one serves as great encouragement for those who dare to walk upright in a fallen world. First the psalmist makes it clear that there are only two roads in life. There are only two paths of life. The godly path or the ungodly path are manifested in the choices we make. Our decisions are important. First, everyone must decide. Everyone can choose as he or she pleases. The decision is yours. Secondly, not choosing is not an option. Even our indecision is a choice either for God or against God. Finally, no one can choose the consequences of the choice. Each choice is leading us somewhere. Every decision is drawing you close to God or a way from God. We must decide to allow God access into our lives. In order to experience change, we must desire change. We must desire to embrace God’s word. It is a choice. We must be opened to God. If we are going to live stable in an unstable world, then make good choices about where you walk, where you sit and where you stand.
1. Make good decisions about where you walk, where you sit and where you stand.
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.”
a. Refuse to walk in the counsel of the ungodly (listen, follow the advice, be influenced by their actions and opinions)
b. Refuse to stand in the way of sinners (live by their choices, practice their lifestyle, nor adopted their attitude)
c. Refuse to sit in their company and partake in their sin (they take comfort in opposition against God)
There are ways that we can be secured in this ever-changing world. There is a way to fulfil the dream God has for us. We can be stable in an unstable environment. After all the ups and downs experienced in the Joseph’s life, the bible said: Gen 41:52 Joseph named his second son Ephraim, for he said, "God has made me fruitful in this land of my suffering." The word "fruitful" means productive, rich, abundant, successful, fertile and rewarding. In other words, stability is possible even in this world which is full of uncertainty and sufferings. In our text, the Lord reveals to us the secret on how we can be stable in this unstable world. If we are going to live stable lives in an unstable world, make good choices about where you walk, where you sit and where you stand.
2. Make good decisions about what we delight in and what we meditate on.
Psa 1:2 “But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law, he meditates day and night.” Those who are blessed by God not only must turn from evil, they must also build their lives around the Words of the Lord. They must seek to obey God’s will out of hearts that genuinely take pleasure in knowing God’s way and word. Their heart must be captivated by His word. Meditating on His word allows God’s word to shape our thinking, guide our actions, control our emotions and transform our lives.
3. Make good decisions about where we are planted because where we are planted determines our productivity.
Psa 1:3 “He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.” The outcome of those who faithfully seek God and His word is fruitfulness. The word planted talks about stability. It is one of the CONDITIONS that should be met before our lives become spiritually fruitful. The word of God has become the moral FOUNDATION of their life. This verse describes the benefits of a stable life as a life full of God’s blessing and favor. I believe these verses contain the secret of a fruitful and stable life in this unstable world. We must choose an upright walk against the evil system of the world. “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked.” We must choose a righteous stand with God and His word which is contrary to sinful ways of the world. We must choose not to stand in the way of sinners or to sit on compromising seat with the scorners.
If we are going to live stable in an unstable world, I must choose to witness to sinners but the fellowship of the saints. I must develop a heart full of passion for the word of God. I choose to delight is in the law of the LORD and to fill my mind with the word of God by meditating in it day and night.
4. Make good decisions about what it means to be a godly and righteous.
The righteous in these verses are those whose lives are marked by consistency and stability. How consistent are you?
Their lives are certified by effectiveness and productivity. How productive are you?
The righteous are those lives are proven by evidence of transformation and recovery. How much sin do you tolerate in your life?
Finally, their lives are those confirmed by God’s favor, success and prosperity. “Whatever he does prospers” Are you a prosperous person in your walk with God?
The strength of our stability always depends on the foundation where we stand. Christ and his word should always be the foundation of our life. A favorable environment increasing productive and the blessings of God flow freely!
