Psalm 1 – Key to a
Successful Life – Sept 21, 2008
Intro: We are starting the first of five messages on
the book of Psalms. Psalms is
A collection
of 150, of the most beautiful pieces of poetry and prayers in literature.
Today we are
looking at the first Psalm in the first series or book in the Psalms. The
Book of
Psalms is broken down into five books.
Our Psalm today is from the first book
Which is
primarily chief of adversity and faith.
The first book is from Psalm 1-41.
The
Five chief
themes of this first book is praise, Ps 8, 24, 29 & 33, royal, Ps 2 &
21,
Righteousness
which the theme of Psalm one our text for today. As well as 15,
Penitential,
Ps 32 and Revelation, Ps 19.
1. David wrote this first Psalm. It is one of the 73 that he wrote. David is sitting one day
And is reflecting on the Life of
Righteousness, he is thinking the steps and means of
Righteousness. Paul wrote that the
In the Holy Spirit. David begins with the phrase, blessed
is the man who does not do
These three things.
a. Walk in the counsel of the wicked. You neither listen, nor seek their
counsel. James
Writes the wisdom and this world are
wicked, selfish, man made, sensual and based in
Man’s view of the world around him. It does not take into account God’s view,
word
Or perspective. God’s word is God’s view and perspective. David says you are
Blessed when you refuse to go to man but
go rather to God and His word.
b. Stands in the way of sinners. People are blessed when they chose to
follow God’s
Ways.
David is not only making a statement but giving a warning. The way of
Sinners lead to destruction, misery and
death. It always chooses the easy way
out,
What is best for number one and what best
satisfies our own personal needs. Jesus
Reminded us that the road to destruction
is wide and many travel it, but the path to
Righteousness to narrow and few travel
it. You are blessed when you chose to
walk
In the Godly path.
c. Sit
in the seat of the mockers or scornful. David
is aware that there are many who
Mock or are critical of righteousness and
godly living. We live in an age where
Family values, righteous morals and godly
living are considered, narrow, signs of
Prejudice and bigotry. Yet it is these same values that keep us from
STD,s HIV,
AIDS and death, from destructive
lifestyle choices, immorality and destructive
Social values. Paul reminds us in Gal 6:8, that God is not
mocked what a person
Sows they will reap.
2. David then states how a person can be
successful and blessed. First, His
delight
Is in the Law of the Lord or the
word of God. There is no
substitute for the word
Of God. It is God’s word for today. It is the book of the ages, food for the
soul, divinely inspired, it precepts are written on the heart, it gives light,
is powerful in
Its influence, blessing to all
who revere it, purifies life, written for a purpose, its
Words are sacred and the study of
it is commanded. Paul writes in 2 Tim 2:15
To study the word of God so you
will never be lacking, a workmen approved by God.
David points
out that there is a delight in the study of God’s word. It starts with
Desire, by discipline and consistency of study
it becomes a delight.
a. David then states
his practice of devotions. In
His law, he meditates day and night.
David says that
meditating which contrary to the eastern mystics say. Is just thinking
Something through
until it makes sense. Many
of the psalmists use the word selah
Which means simply, stop and
think about this, for a moment David followed
Joshua’s practice
of devotions of meeting with God in prayer and the word in the
Morning and
evening. Josh 1:8. Daniel was a man that met with God 3 times a
day.
The issue is not
how many times but are you getting spending time with God and His
Word? Are you applying it to your everyday life and
situation?
b. David says if your
do the following, things will be evident.
You will be planted like a
Tree by the living streams of water. You will have a solid, continuous
strong life.
Nothing will move
you and overwhelm you. In the storms and
winds of life nothing
Will uproot your
because your roots are strong and deep where the water and nutrients
Are.
c. You
will have fruit in its season.
Apostle John talked about Jesus being the vine and
Us His
branches. He also prayed that we would
have fruit that would remain. Fruit
In season is such
a blessing. The fruit of the spirit is
love, joy, peace, kindness,
Patience,
gentleness, faithfulness, goodness and self control. It shows we are His
People.
d. Your
leaf or influence will not wither. When
a tree has a healthy root system it
Shows in its
leaves. If the leaves are withered or bad.
It shows that something below
Is wrong. God does not want our influence to wither to
fade. He wants us to be
Strong and active
for Him.
e. Whatever
he does prosper. Right here is
the secret of success. David was just
Reflecting again
on the promise of Josh 1:8. Success in
the land, overcoming the
Giants of life,
being victorious is applying the words of God into our lives. If you
Want to prosper 1
Jan 1:7 says makes sure your soul prospers first. George
MacDonald stated
this truth and fact in his Book, “Ordering your private world.”
Jesus stated in Matt
6:33 that we were to seek the
All things would
be added to us.
3. David then makes a
simple but concrete statement about the wicked.
They are like
Chaff
that the wind blows away. At the
end of life the wicked have produce, receive
And are of no
value. They cannot stand in the judgment
or be in the assembly of the
Righteous. The wicked hate righteousness,
justice and holiness. It reminds them of
Their sin and
immorality. They would rather deflect,
blame or condemn.
4. David closes this
Psalm with a promise for the righteous and a warning for the
Wicked. The promise for the righteous is the
Lord watches over the way of the
Righteous. God is making sure your path is
clear, straight and secure. He has
Promised to never
leave you or forsake you.
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