Introduction

Good morning, dear friends. It is a joy to gather together in this sacred space, this sanctuary where we come to meet with God, to hear His Word, and to be transformed by it. Today, we stand on the threshold of a profound exploration of a text that has been a wellspring of wisdom for countless believers throughout the centuries. We are turning our hearts and minds towards the first Psalm, a passage that presents us with a stark choice between two contrasting paths and their resulting destinies.

In the words of the revered preacher Charles Spurgeon, "The book of Psalms instructs us in the use of wings as well as words; it sets us both mounting and singing." Isn't that a beautiful image? Wings and words. Mounting and singing. This is the invitation of the Psalms, and indeed, of Psalm 1 in particular. It invites us to mount up on the wings of its wisdom, to lift our voices in song, and to allow its truths to shape our lives and destinies.

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 verses present us with a vivid contrast between two paths: one leading to prosperity and divine favor, the other to destruction. They compel us to ponder on our own lives, our own choices, and our own paths. Are we like the tree planted by streams of water, drawing nourishment from the Word of God, or are we like chaff, blown aimlessly by the winds of worldly wisdom and desire?

As we prepare to delve into this rich passage, let's bow our heads in prayer.

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your Word, which is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. As we ponder on the truths presented in this Psalm, we ask for Your Spirit to guide us, to open our hearts and minds to Your wisdom. Help us to choose the path of righteousness, to delight in Your law, and to bear fruit in due season. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Let’s get started!

Diverging Destinies

When we look at the opening verses of this Psalm, we see a clear distinction being made. There are two paths that a person can walk down in life.

The first path: It’s described as one that avoids the company of the wicked, the sinners, and the mockers. This path is characterized by a delight in the law of the Lord and constant meditation on His teachings. This person is compared to a tree planted by streams of water, a picture of stability, nourishment, and growth.

The second path: It’s one that aligns with the wicked, the sinners, and the mockers. This path is characterized by a disregard for the law of the Lord and a lack of meditation on His teachings. This person is compared to chaff that the wind blows away, a picture of instability, lack of nourishment, and decay.

Summery: The first path leads to prosperity and divine favor, while the second path leads to destruction. These are the diverging destinies that the Psalmist presents to us.

Now, let's take a closer look at these two paths and the resulting destinies.

Divine Directions

In the tapestry of this Psalm, we find threads of divine direction woven in ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO