Choosing the Path of Righteousness: A Blessed Life
Summary
Psalm 1 serves as a profound guide for living a blessed life, contrasting the paths of the righteous and the wicked. In today's world, where moral compasses are often skewed by unreliable sources, it's crucial to anchor ourselves in the Word of God. The psalm begins by highlighting what the blessed person does not do: they do not walk in the counsel of the wicked, stand in the way of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers. This implies a conscious choice to avoid influences that lead away from God's truth. Instead, the blessed person delights in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. This delight is not just a passive enjoyment but an active engagement with God's Word, allowing it to shape thoughts, actions, and decisions.
The imagery of a tree planted by streams of water illustrates the stability and fruitfulness of a life rooted in God's Word. Such a life is resilient, able to withstand life's challenges, and consistently bears fruit. In contrast, the wicked are likened to chaff blown away by the wind, symbolizing a life without substance or direction. This stark contrast serves as a reminder of the ultimate consequences of our choices. While the unrighteous may seem to prosper temporarily, their path leads to destruction. The righteous, however, are watched over by the Lord, ensuring their path leads to eternal life.
In a world filled with noise and distractions, it's vital to find moments of reflection and contemplation in God's Word. By doing so, we align ourselves with His will, ensuring that our lives are built on a solid foundation. This foundation not only blesses us but also extends blessings to our families and communities. As we make conscious decisions about our associations and influences, we position ourselves to receive the multiplicity of blessings promised to those who walk in righteousness.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Importance of Godly Counsel: In a world filled with conflicting voices, it's crucial to seek guidance from those who have a biblical perspective. The counsel we receive shapes our decisions and ultimately our lives. Therefore, we must be discerning, ensuring that our advisors are grounded in God's Word. [09:11]
2. Choosing the Right Associations: Our relationships significantly impact our spiritual journey. Associating with those who share our faith and values strengthens our walk with God. Conversely, standing with those who lead us away from righteousness can hinder our spiritual growth. [13:26]
3. Avoiding the Seat of the Scornful: It's essential to distance ourselves from negativity and cynicism. Engaging with those who mock or scorn can lead to discord and disunity. Instead, we should cultivate an environment of encouragement and positivity, reflecting the love of Christ. [18:19]
4. Delighting in God's Word: A blessed life is marked by a deep love for God's Word. By meditating on Scripture, we allow it to transform our hearts and minds, guiding us in righteousness. This daily engagement with the Bible is more satisfying than any earthly pleasure. [20:38]
5. The Consequences of Our Choices: The paths of the righteous and the wicked lead to vastly different outcomes. While the unrighteous may seem to thrive temporarily, their end is destruction. The righteous, however, are assured of God's protection and eternal blessings. [26:47]
Youtube Chapters:
[0:00] - Welcome
[02:47] - Faulty Sources of Guidance
[04:13] - Opportunity for Authentic Christianity
[05:27] - The Way of the Righteous
[06:47] - What Blessed People Do Not Do
[09:11] - The Importance of Godly Counsel
[10:36] - Seeking Godly Advisors
[13:26] - Choosing the Right Associations
[14:30] - Unequal Partnerships
[15:08] - The Importance of a Biblical Worldview
[16:03] - Birds of a Feather
[18:19] - Avoiding the Seat of the Scornful
[19:27] - The Danger of Cynicism
[20:38] - Delighting in God's Word
[23:44] - The Sweetness of Scripture
[24:50] - The Contrast of the Wicked
[26:47] - The Consequences of Our Choices
[28:01] - Building on a Solid Foundation
[29:13] - A Call to Commitment
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: Psalm 1
#### Bible Reading
- Psalm 1: This passage serves as the foundation for understanding the contrast between the paths of the righteous and the wicked.
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Psalm 1, what are the actions that a blessed person avoids? How are these actions described in the sermon? [06:47]
2. What imagery does the psalm use to describe the life of a righteous person, and how is this explained in the sermon? [24:50]
3. How does the sermon describe the influence of ungodly counsel on our lives? [09:11]
4. What are the consequences for the wicked as described in Psalm 1, and how does the sermon expand on this? [26:47]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important to avoid the counsel of the wicked, and how does this relate to the sources of guidance we choose in our lives? [09:11]
2. How does the sermon explain the significance of being "like a tree planted by streams of water"? What does this mean for a believer's life? [24:50]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that our associations and relationships impact our spiritual journey? [13:26]
4. How does the sermon interpret the idea of delighting in God's Word, and why is this crucial for living a blessed life? [20:38]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current sources of guidance. Are there any that might be leading you away from God's truth? How can you seek more godly counsel in your life? [09:11]
2. Consider your current relationships. Are there any that might be hindering your spiritual growth? What steps can you take to surround yourself with people who share your faith and values? [13:26]
3. How can you actively distance yourself from negativity and cynicism in your daily interactions? What practical steps can you take to cultivate an environment of encouragement and positivity? [18:19]
4. What specific practices can you implement to meditate on God's Word day and night? How can you make this a consistent part of your daily routine? [20:38]
5. Reflect on a recent decision you made. How did the counsel you received influence that decision? How can you ensure that future decisions are guided by biblical principles? [09:11]
6. Think about a time when you felt spiritually dry or unfruitful. How might engaging more deeply with God's Word have changed that experience? [24:50]
7. What changes can you make in your life to ensure that your path aligns with the way of the righteous, as described in Psalm 1? [28:01]
Devotional
Day 1: Seeking Godly Guidance
In a world filled with conflicting voices, it is crucial to seek guidance from those who have a biblical perspective. The counsel we receive shapes our decisions and ultimately our lives. Therefore, we must be discerning, ensuring that our advisors are grounded in God's Word. This means actively seeking out mentors and friends who prioritize their relationship with God and who can offer wisdom that aligns with biblical truths. By surrounding ourselves with godly counsel, we create a support system that encourages us to walk in righteousness and make decisions that honor God. [09:11]
"Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night." (Psalm 1:1-2, ESV)
Reflection: Who are the people you turn to for advice, and how can you ensure they are providing godly counsel?
Day 2: Building Faithful Relationships
Our relationships significantly impact our spiritual journey. Associating with those who share our faith and values strengthens our walk with God. Conversely, standing with those who lead us away from righteousness can hinder our spiritual growth. It is important to evaluate our friendships and associations, ensuring they encourage us in our faith and align with our values. By choosing relationships that uplift and support our spiritual journey, we position ourselves to grow closer to God and live a life that reflects His love and truth. [13:26]
"Do not be deceived: 'Bad company ruins good morals.' Wake up from your drunken stupor, as is right, and do not go on sinning. For some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame." (1 Corinthians 15:33-34, ESV)
Reflection: Are there any relationships in your life that may be hindering your spiritual growth, and how can you address them?
Day 3: Cultivating a Positive Environment
It's essential to distance ourselves from negativity and cynicism. Engaging with those who mock or scorn can lead to discord and disunity. Instead, we should cultivate an environment of encouragement and positivity, reflecting the love of Christ. This involves being intentional about the conversations we engage in and the attitudes we adopt. By fostering a positive environment, we create a space where love, unity, and encouragement can thrive, allowing us to be a light in the world and a reflection of Christ's love. [18:19]
"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear." (Ephesians 4:29, ESV)
Reflection: How can you contribute to creating a more positive and encouraging environment in your community or workplace?
Day 4: Delighting in Scripture
A blessed life is marked by a deep love for God's Word. By meditating on Scripture, we allow it to transform our hearts and minds, guiding us in righteousness. This daily engagement with the Bible is more satisfying than any earthly pleasure. It requires a commitment to not only read but also reflect on and apply God's Word in our lives. As we delight in Scripture, we find guidance, comfort, and strength to navigate life's challenges, and we grow in our relationship with God. [20:38]
"Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O Lord, God of hosts." (Jeremiah 15:16, ESV)
Reflection: What steps can you take to deepen your engagement with God's Word and make it a daily delight?
Day 5: Understanding the Impact of Choices
The paths of the righteous and the wicked lead to vastly different outcomes. While the unrighteous may seem to thrive temporarily, their end is destruction. The righteous, however, are assured of God's protection and eternal blessings. It is important to recognize the long-term impact of our choices and align them with God's will. By choosing righteousness, we not only secure our eternal future but also experience the peace and joy that come from living in accordance with God's purpose for our lives. [26:47]
"See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil. If you obey the commandments of the Lord your God that I command you today, by loving the Lord your God, by walking in his ways, and by keeping his commandments and his statutes and his rules, then you shall live and multiply, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land that you are entering to take possession of it." (Deuteronomy 30:15-16, ESV)
Reflection: What is one choice you can make today that aligns with God's will and leads to a life of righteousness?
Quotes
1) "Here's the good news, though. It is in this climate, in a climate like this, that I believe authentic Christianity has never had a better opportunity to lead and guide a world that's gone crazy, amen? We got so much people just spewing hatred on both sides. What a great time for Christians to look like normal people who love and don't hate, who can have dialogue and discourse. What a time for the church to shine. The influence of Jesus is the only hope for the world. Jesus still delivers from sin. He fills the hearts of people with peace. He makes life meaningful." [04:13] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "Blessed is the one who doesn't listen to the wicked amen now you got to be careful folks hear me who you listen to amen i've already told you there's a lot of slanted agenda uh sources out there and if you only listen to one thing all the time you're going to become slanted and have an agenda yourself but more importantly you got to make sure you're not listening to the counsel of the ungodly that's what the bible says here's what solomon said about good counsel proverbs 11 and 14 without wise leadership a nation falls and there is safety in having many advisors by the way this is why a president has a cabinet this is why they have advisors amen we don't want any one person making all the decisions right the new century version said this lots of good advice will save it counsel good counsel and the best counsel hear me is going to always come from people with a godly or a biblical perspective or worldview amen stop listening to the ungodly that's what your bible says stop listening to ungodly counsel uh stop listening to the counsel of the wicked what am i talking about ungodly friends ungodly family come on ungodly podcasters ungodly politicians ungodly religious leaders almost everybody has an opinion these days right but if you're listening to those opinions you got to make sure they are grounded in the word of god come on folks you need to listen to the right people moral decisions financial decisions debt decisions raising your kid decisions marriage advice decisions Don't walk, the scripture said, in the counsel of the ungodly. If you want to be blessed." [09:11] (116 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "Blessed is the one who does not stand in the way of sinners yeah word of the lord psalm one and one all the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked or stand around with sinners one of my favorite scenes from a movie that we used to watch growing up is little giants anybody remember little giants rick i think his name is moran i can't remember the guy's name he's got a little team of misfit kids. He's put together this football team, and they're all standing around talking. Well, Dick Butkus and his assistant, they're the coach of the good team. They're over in the bushes, and they're spying, and they're looking through, trying to see what they can figure out, and his assistant, who's not the sharpest knife in the drawer, he goes, look, the quarterback is doing this, and they're doing that, and he thinks they're running a play, and finally Dick Butkus looks at them and goes, they're just standing around, butts. They're just standing around, and you know what? You've got to be careful who you are just standing around with, because eventually it's going to affect the path of your life. Don't stand around with sinners, amen? Now, I'm going to talk, I'll dig into this a little bit, but have you ever been somewhere walking, and something was going on, and you just had to keep right on walking, right? You didn't want to walk, right? You didn't want to walk, right? You didn't want to be a part of that. The blessed person doesn't become bosom buddies with people that are going to pull you down, amen?" [13:26] (92 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "Blessed is the one who delights in the law of the Lord. In keeping with this, there's a growing love for God and the word of God in your life. The Bible's got to be your road map, amen? 2 Timothy 3 .16 says this. All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for. What's it good for? What's the Bible good for? For doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, amen? All of these things. Roman 10 .17 says faith comes by hearing and hearing comes by what? The word of God. Psalm 119 and verse 9. How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to your word. I'm giving you a lot of Bible today because we're talking about the Bible. the Bible is our source it's our source of salvation look at James 1 21 so get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives that's correction from the word and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts it has the power to save your souls hallelujah and even after becoming a Christian continuing to obey the word of God will continue to unlock blessings in your life James 1 25 but if you look carefully into the perfect law that set you free and if you do what it says and don't forget what you heard then everybody say then God will bless you for doing it I love these verses that look like math problems look at it again look carefully into the perfect law that set you free and look carefully and if you do what it says and you don't forget what you've heard then equals God will bless you for it amen blessed is the one who learns to love the word of God look at Psalm 19 and verse 7 talking about the word of the Lord I love this passage from the new century version it says the teachings of the Lord are perfect they give new strength the rules of the Lord can be trusted they make plain people wise the orders of the Lord are upright amen they make I'm sorry are right they make people happy the commands of the Lord are pure they light up the way respect for the Lord is good it will last forever the judgments of the Lord are true they are completely right they are worth more than gold even the purest gold they are sweeter than honey even the finest honey hallelujah we've got a quart of some kind of really good honey in our house. And it doesn't fit up in the little cabinet the little shelter too small. It won't fit up there right where the tea stuff is. So Robin made a big mistake and she left that quart of honey just sitting there on the counter. So every day and your boy walks by and I crack open. It's not going to be a quart very much longer. I crack open that lid and I get me a teaspoon. Sometimes a tablespoon. But I get a teaspoon and I stick it in there and I spin it around. How many of you know what I'm talking about? You don't want that honey to drip. I spin it around, spin it around, spin it around. Grab it out. Take a big whoo. Y 'all want some honey right now ain't you? The Bible says that the word of God ingested daily it's better than that kind of taste in your mouth. Hallelujah. Blessed is the one who loves the word of the Lord. If you're going to live the blessed life you've got to find a way to remove yourself from all of the noise and activity that's going on around us and find a place of reflection and contemplation of the word of God. Read the Bible every day even if it's just a few verses or a chapter or a devotion. Read the word of God every day. Plant it in your spirit." [20:38] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "The unrighteous life, you know, it might feel easy, it might look easy, right? Sometimes we stand back and we might even admire unrighteous people. Man, they got it made. It just looks like everything's going their way. Lord, I don't understand what's going on. But you see, sometimes we got to remember. We got to not be short -sighted and we need to remember. We have to live with eternity in mind and with an eternal perspective. I want you to stand with me all over this house. Here's what David said in the rest of those verses about the unrighteous. Verse 5 and verse 6. They will be condemned at the time of judgment. Sinners will have no place among the godly. Notice, he's talking about judgment. He's talking about in the future. Verse 6, because the Lord watches over the path of the godly, but the path of the wicked leads to destruction. Sometimes it may seem that the unrighteous people are excelling, but folks, just remember, there's coming a time of judgment, and I want to be on the right side." [26:47] (65 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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