Walk Not, Stand Not,, Sit Not

Walk Not , Stand Not, Sit Not

Psalm 1:1-6

Introduction: O how great is the blessedness, the full sense of happiness, of the man who is devoted to being more than just a hearer but a doer of the Word! Psalm 1 gives to us three avoidances that we must heed in order for us to experience of the deep personal satisfaction that is available only to those who walk with God.

I. Walk not in the counsel of the ungodly

A. Walk – to go along with, proceed, live in the manner of

B. Counsel – advice, wisdom

C. To walk in the counsel of the wicked is to go alongside of the world and do as they do, lending an ear to their distorted wisdom.

D. Proverbs 14:12 “There is a way which seems right unto a man, but its end is the way of death.”

E. The world system is committed to at least four major objectives, which I can summarize in four words: fortune, fame, power, pleasure. First and foremost: Fortune, money. The world system is driven by money; it feeds on materialism. Second: Fame. That is another word for popularity. Fame is the longing to be known, to be somebody in someone else's eyes. Third: Power. This is having influence, maintaining control over individuals or groups or companies or whatever. It is the desire to manipulate and maneuver others to do something for one's own benefit. Fourth: Pleasure. At its basic level, pleasure has to do with fulfilling one's sensual desires. It's the same mindset that's behind the slogan: "If it feels good, do it." – Charles Swindoll, Living Above the Level of Mediocrity, p.219.

F. It has been sadly said that today’s church is imitating the world much more than the world is imitating the church.

G. 1Corinthians 3:19-20 “For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He takes the wise in their own craftiness. And again, The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.”

H. Romans 12:2 “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

I. We are either imitating the world or we are imitating the word

J. When you walk with Christ, you'll be out of step with the world. – copied

K. 1 Corinthians 1:18 “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”

II. Do not stand in the path of sinners.

A. Standing firm in the way of sinners

B. Stand – in the Hebrew has many shades of meaning all of which have application here. Definitions of the Hebrew word translated stand include: to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist.

C. Proverbs 1:10, 15 “My son, if sinners entice you, DO NOT consent... My son, do not walk in the way with them; Keep your foot from their path”

D. Once we have begun to walk according to the path of this world it becomes easier and more comfortable for us to continue walking that path than to follow the path of holiness.

E. It is impossible to stand on two paths at the same time.

F. Christ said in Matthew 6:24 “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.”

G. When an individual or a congregation has the attitude of compromise in regard to spiritual values and truths, dark days are ahead. All who strive to be Christians feel a certain amount of pressure from the world. It is only through the strength that Christ gives that we can overcome the world and its temptations. A man starting a fish business put out his sign that read, "Fresh Fish For Sale Today" and invited all to visit his place of business on opening day. Many came and congratulated him on his new business, but one suggested that he change his sign. "Why the 'Today'? It is today." So he removed the "Today". Someone else said, "Why, 'For Sale'? Everybody knows you have fish for sale-or else why the store?" The words "For Sale" came off the sign. Another said, "Why the word 'Fresh'? You’re a man of integrity; that guarantees your fish to be fresh." "Fresh" came off the sign. Only one word was left, "Fish" and one complained about it. "I smelled your fish two blocks away." The individual or congregation that tries to satisfy everybody ends up by pleasing nobody. If we start compromising, we will end up serving the devil. The man should have put up his sign and then stood by it. This is what we are to do in life. Accept God's will for our lives and stand on His promises.