Sermon. Choosing The Right Path

Sermon. Choosing the Right Path

Scripture Text: Psalms 1:1-6

“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.

The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. 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. (KJV)

Introduction: “Thus said the LORD, Stand you in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and you shall find rest for your souls.” "Stand in the way and ask for the old paths" is a quote from the Old Testament book of Jeremiah 6:16, which is a divine command from the Lord to the people of Judah. It is a metaphor for stopping to reflect on life's decisions, seeking the ancient ways of truth and righteousness that have been neglected, and choosing to walk in that "good way" to find rest for their souls. However, the people in the passage reject this guidance, stating, "We will not walk in it".

Psalm 1 also call on all of us to make a decision and then summarizes the contrast between the righteous and the wicked by describing the blessed life of the righteous as a thriving tree nourished by God's word, and the futile life of the wicked as chaff blown away by the wind. It encourages a life of meditating on God's law, leading to fruitfulness and stability, while warning that the wicked will not endure, lacking stability and facing divine judgment. 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.

Psalm 1's life application involves choosing the path of the righteous, which means actively avoiding negative influences and habitually meditating on God's Word, leading to spiritual fruitfulness and a blessed life, as opposed to the fruitless, fading path of the wicked. This requires a conscious choice to delight in God's law and to be planted by the "stream" of living water, representing Jesus and His teachings, rather than being blown away like chaff.

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. 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, make a good choice about where you walk, where you sit and where you stand.

1. Make a good decision 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)

b. Refuse to stand in the way of sinners (by our choices, lifestyle, and attitude)

c. Refuse to sit in their company and joining their sin (taking 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: Genesis 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 in an unstable world, make good choices about where you walk, where you sit and where you stand.