Introduction

Welcome, dear brothers and sisters, to this blessed gathering, where we come together in unity and love to open our hearts and minds to the wisdom of God's word. We are gathered here, not by chance, but by divine appointment. God, in his infinite wisdom and love, has called us together to learn, to grow, and to be molded more into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ.

As we open our hearts to the teaching of His word today, we turn our attention to the profound wisdom found in the first Psalm. This Psalm, dear friends, is a beacon of light, a guide for our daily walk, and a mirror for self-examination. It lays before us the two paths of life—the path of the righteous and the path of the wicked—and invites us to make a choice. It reminds us that our associations matter, that the company we keep influences our character and our destiny. And it warns us that we become, in essence, the average of our companions.

The words of the great preacher Charles Spurgeon ring true here: "Discernment is not knowing the difference between right and wrong. It is knowing the difference between right and almost right." How crucial it is, then, that we heed the wisdom of Psalm 1, to discern the righteous path, to be mindful of our associations, and to strive to be more like Christ in all our interactions.

Let's read the Psalm together:

[Read passage]

Let us pray:

Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your word, which is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. As we meditate on Psalm 1 today, we ask for Your divine wisdom and discernment. May we choose the path of righteousness, be mindful of our associations, and strive to be more like Christ. Open our eyes to see the truths You have for us today, and open our hearts to receive them. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

So, dear friends, are we ready to walk this path together? Are we ready to learn, to grow, and to be transformed by the renewing of our minds? Let get started.

Determining the Righteous Path

As we stand on the precipice of this teaching, let's take a moment to look back at the theme that has been laid before us. We've been called to a higher standard, a standard that is not of this world but of the kingdom of God. This standard, this path of righteousness, is not a destination, but rather a journey. A journey that we embark on each and every day as followers of Christ. It's a journey that requires discernment, wisdom, and a heart that is open to the teachings of God's word.

The importance of not walking in step with the wicked: This is more than just avoiding bad company. It's about being intentional about who we surround ourselves with, who we allow to influence our thoughts, our actions, and our decisions. It's about aligning ourselves with those who are also walking the path of righteousness, those who are also striving to live according to God's word.

What it means to delight in the law of the Lord: This is not a passive act. It's not about simply reading God's word and then going about our day. No, to delight in the law of the Lord is to immerse ourselves in it, to meditate on it day and night, to let it permeate every aspect of our lives. It's about finding joy in God's commandments, seeing them not as burdensome rules, but as life-giving instructions that guide us on the path of righteousness.

The metaphor of a tree planted by streams of water: This tree is not affected by the changing seasons or the scorching heat. It remains green and bears fruit in its season. This is a picture of a life rooted in God's word, a life that is nourished and sustained by the truth of the scriptures. It's a life that remains steadfast and fruitful, regardless of the circumstances.

The contrast of the fate of the wicked with that of the righteous: The wicked are like chaff that the wind blows away. They have no roots, no stability. They are easily swayed by the winds of change and are ultimately led to destruction. The righteous, on the other hand, are watched over by the Lord. They are guided and protected on their journey. Their path leads to life, not destruction.

Not an easy path: It requires discipline, commitment, and a heart that is fully surrendered to God. But the rewards are immeasurable. A life that is rooted in God's word, a life that is fruitful and steadfast, a life that is watched over by the Lord - this is the life that awaits us on the path of righteousness. So, let's make the choice today, and every day, to walk this path, to delight in the law of the Lord, and to be like a tree planted by streams of water.

Discerning our Associations

The Psalmist warns against walking in step with the wicked, standing in the way of sinners, or sitting in the company of mockers ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO