Paths of Life: The Godly vs. The Ungodly

 

Summary

In the exploration of the first Psalm, particularly its concluding verses, we delve into the profound contrast between the godly and the ungodly. The Psalmist uses the method of comparison and contrast to illustrate the path to true happiness and blessedness, which is found in a life aligned with God. The godly are likened to a tree planted by rivers of water, symbolizing stability, growth, and fruitfulness, while the ungodly are compared to chaff blown away by the wind, representing a life devoid of substance and permanence.

The essence of true happiness, as discussed, is not contingent on worldly circumstances but is rooted in one's relationship with God. This happiness is eternal, transcending the temporal bounds of this world and extending into the life to come. The ungodly life, in contrast, is portrayed as ultimately leading to disaster, lacking in true value and profit.

The sermon emphasizes the Bible's unique perspective on life, which includes a complete view that encompasses past, present, and future. It warns against the folly of living solely for the present without regard for the eternal consequences. The ungodly are described as fools for their short-sightedness, living for immediate gratification without considering the ultimate end.

The inevitability of judgment is a central theme, where all will stand before God to account for their lives. This judgment is thorough, with nothing hidden from God's omniscient gaze. The ungodly will find themselves without defense, unable to stand in the congregation of the righteous. The sermon concludes with a call to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, the only foundation upon which one can stand secure in the judgment.

Key Takeaways:

- True happiness is found in a life aligned with God, characterized by stability and fruitfulness, much like a tree planted by rivers of water. This happiness is eternal, transcending the temporal bounds of this world and extending into the life to come. [02:19]

- The ungodly life, in contrast, is ultimately profitless and leads to disaster. It is likened to chaff, lacking in substance and permanence, and is driven away by the wind. [06:00]

- The Bible presents a complete view of life, urging us to consider not just the present but also the future. It warns against the folly of living solely for immediate gratification without regard for eternal consequences. [10:28]

- Judgment is inevitable, and all will stand before God to account for their lives. This judgment is thorough, with nothing hidden from God's omniscient gaze. The ungodly will find themselves without defense, unable to stand in the congregation of the righteous. [31:06]

- The call to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ is urgent. He is the only foundation upon which one can stand secure in the judgment. Believing in Christ offers forgiveness and eternal life, transforming us from chaff to a tree planted by the waters. [48:08]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:13] - Introduction to Psalm 1
- [01:01] - The Method of Comparison and Contrast
- [02:19] - The Godly and the Ungodly
- [03:27] - The Complete View of Life
- [04:58] - Eternal Happiness
- [06:15] - The End of the Ungodly
- [07:07] - The Folly of Living for the Present
- [09:25] - The Foolishness of the Ungodly
- [10:42] - The Wholeness of Life
- [12:29] - Death and Judgment
- [13:37] - The Secret of True Happiness
- [16:07] - The Fact of Judgment
- [24:04] - The Nature of Judgment
- [38:35] - The Consequences of Judgment
- [46:26] - The Call to Repentance and Faith

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Psalm 1

Bible Reading:
- Psalm 1:5-6: "Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the Judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly shall perish."

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Observation Questions:

1. How does the Psalmist describe the fate of the ungodly in the final judgment? ([00:13])

2. What imagery does the Psalmist use to contrast the godly and the ungodly, and what does this imagery signify? ([02:19])

3. According to the sermon, what is the ultimate outcome for those who live a godly life versus those who live an ungodly life? ([06:15])

4. What does the sermon suggest about the nature of true happiness and its relationship to one's life choices? ([04:58])

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Interpretation Questions:

1. The sermon describes the ungodly as living for immediate gratification without considering eternal consequences. How does this perspective align with the Psalmist's depiction of the ungodly as chaff? ([07:34])

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the Bible provides a "complete view of life," and how does this view impact our understanding of happiness and judgment? ([10:42])

3. How does the sermon explain the thoroughness of God's judgment, and what implications does this have for both the godly and the ungodly? ([31:06])

4. The sermon calls for repentance and faith in Jesus Christ as the only secure foundation. How does this message relate to the imagery of the tree planted by rivers of water? ([48:08])

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your current life choices. Are there areas where you might be prioritizing immediate gratification over long-term spiritual growth? How can you shift your focus to align more closely with God's eternal perspective? ([07:34])

2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of considering the future and eternal consequences. How can you incorporate this mindset into your daily decision-making process? ([10:42])

3. In what ways can you cultivate a deeper relationship with God to ensure that your life is like a tree planted by rivers of water, characterized by stability and fruitfulness? ([02:19])

4. The sermon warns against the folly of living solely for the present. Identify one habit or behavior in your life that reflects this short-sightedness. What steps can you take to change it? ([08:57])

5. How does the inevitability of judgment influence your interactions with others, especially those who may not share your faith? How can you lovingly share the message of repentance and faith in Jesus Christ with them? ([12:29])

6. Consider the thoroughness of God's judgment as described in the sermon. Are there hidden areas of your life that you need to bring before God in repentance? ([31:06])

7. The sermon concludes with a call to stand secure in the judgment through faith in Jesus Christ. How can you strengthen your faith and reliance on Christ as your foundation? ([48:08])

Devotional

Day 1: True Happiness is Rooted in God

True happiness is not dependent on external circumstances but is deeply rooted in one's relationship with God. This happiness is likened to a tree planted by rivers of water, symbolizing stability, growth, and fruitfulness. Such a life is characterized by an eternal joy that transcends the temporal bounds of this world and extends into the life to come. The godly person, therefore, finds their delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night, which results in a life of purpose and fulfillment. [02:19]

Jeremiah 17:7-8 (ESV): "Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit."

Reflection: In what ways can you deepen your relationship with God today to experience true happiness and stability in your life?


Day 2: The Futility of the Ungodly Life

The ungodly life is ultimately profitless and leads to disaster. It is likened to chaff, which is devoid of substance and permanence, easily driven away by the wind. This life is characterized by a pursuit of immediate gratification and worldly pleasures, which ultimately lack true value and profit. The ungodly are described as short-sighted, living for the present without considering the eternal consequences of their actions. [06:00]

Psalm 73:18-19 (ESV): "Truly you set them in slippery places; you make them fall to ruin. How they are destroyed in a moment, swept away utterly by terrors!"

Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you are pursuing temporary pleasures at the expense of eternal values? How can you realign your priorities today?


Day 3: The Complete View of Life

The Bible presents a complete view of life, urging us to consider not just the present but also the future. It warns against the folly of living solely for immediate gratification without regard for eternal consequences. The godly are encouraged to live with an eternal perspective, understanding that their actions have lasting implications beyond this life. This perspective helps believers to make wise decisions that honor God and lead to a fulfilling life. [10:28]

2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (ESV): "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."

Reflection: How can you cultivate an eternal perspective in your daily decisions and actions? What changes might this require in your current lifestyle?


Day 4: The Inevitability of Judgment

Judgment is inevitable, and all will stand before God to account for their lives. This judgment is thorough, with nothing hidden from God's omniscient gaze. The ungodly will find themselves without defense, unable to stand in the congregation of the righteous. This reality calls for a life of integrity and accountability, knowing that every action and thought will be brought to light. [31:06]

Ecclesiastes 12:14 (ESV): "For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil."

Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you need to seek God's forgiveness and make amends? How can you live with greater integrity and accountability today?


Day 5: The Urgent Call to Repentance and Faith

The call to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ is urgent. He is the only foundation upon which one can stand secure in the judgment. Believing in Christ offers forgiveness and eternal life, transforming us from chaff to a tree planted by the waters. This transformation is marked by a life of purpose, joy, and eternal security in Christ. [48:08]

Acts 3:19-20 (ESV): "Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus."

Reflection: Have you fully placed your trust in Jesus Christ as your foundation? What steps can you take today to deepen your faith and experience the transformation He offers?

Quotes


The ultimate trouble with the men who is ungodly or sinner or scornful call him what you will these terms are all used about him here and they're used elsewhere in the Bible but the ultimate trouble with a sinner is of course that he's just a fool why do I say that he's a fool well he's a fool for this reason that he tends to live only for the present he never looks ahead he lives for the present he's concerned about the happiness of the moment he doesn't consider consequences he doesn't consider effects he doesn't consider results all he wants is this thing now that he can get. [00:06:59]

The Bible everywhere pleads with us to do so reasons with us to do so is always appealing to us to do so exactly as this man does here in this first Psalm now let me summarize its essential teaching with regard to this matter the Bible in other words always emphasizes what I've called the wholeness or the unity of life the Bible says don't stop at considering your past and your present anticipate the future look ahead the Bible never gives us a sort of Peace meal message the world of course does that with its Pleasures is that interested in your thinking ahead have a good time now have this enjoyment now have this thing that appeals to you now. [00:10:28]

The Bible proclaims this death is not the end indeed in the third place it always tells us that after death there is a judgment the ungodly shall not stand in the Judgment this is one of its great fundamental posites I'm going to show you death is not only the end death leads to judgment and fly and this is the vital thing our Everlasting and eternal Destiny Our Endless life in that spiritual realm to which we go when we go out of this world our destiny there is determined by our life and our attitude in this world what happens to us there is the inevitable outcome The Logical outcome of what we are here. [00:12:29]

The only man who is truly blessed and happy is the man who was catered For All and who is ready for all the end death and what lies Beyond it included now that's the secret says this man of happiness and of blessedness you cannot atomize life you can't divide it right off into segments you've got to take the hole it's a moving something like a stream flowing along and if you want to be really blessed and happy says this men well then you've got to consider the end as well as the beginning you've got to get the whole view it's all one piece and what's going to happen to you there is determined by what you are here and now. [00:13:37]

The fact of judgment therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the Judgment I have said already that this is a part of the essential biblical message that men is a responsible being but he's not an animal he's a responsible being and as a responsible being he's held accountable and he will have to give an account of himself the J this message says that all men and women everybody who's ever been into this world will have to stand in a final judgment in a final assigns. [00:16:07]

The nature of the Judgment the character or the nature of the Judgment it's a judgment that takes place partly in this world sin produces a certain amount of punishment even in this world I won't keep you with that that can be bad enough the soul that sinth it shall die yes but the way of the transgressor is hard The Sinner always gets into trouble you can't break God's laws and just go on as if nothing had happened you've got to pay for it remorse self-castigation damage perhaps to your physical body harmed unto your faculties god-given faculties there's a judgment there's a punishment even in this present world. [00:24:04]

The thoroughness of the Judgment have you ever noticed that listen the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous but the way of the ungodly Shall Perish the thoroughness of the Gospel the Lord knows he knows everything he is omnicient there is is nothing that he doesn't know there is nothing again says the author of The epistle to the Hebrews that is hidden from his sight but all things are naked and open unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do the Lord knoweth God is omnipresent he's everywhere you can't sin behind a shut door as far as God is concerned it's impossible he's everywhere he knows everything. [00:31:06]

The consequences of the Judgment the effect of the judgment the character the nature of the judgment and finally the consequences of the judgment and here it is of course in this graphic tremendous phrase therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the Judgment nor in the congregation of the righteous what's he mean well shall I put it you into the colloquial language of today what he saying is this that the ungodly in that final judgment will not have a leg to stand on that's how we put it he'll not stand in the Judgment he hasn't got a leg to stand on his whole case is demolished. [00:38:35]

The way of the ungodly Shall Perish finding himself without a word of explanation without a single plea without a leg to stand on he will be sent into the outer Darkness I'm quoting our Lord's words outer Darkness to a place where that worm dieth not in the fire is not quenched still his words to a place where there is weeping and wailing and nashing of teeth still the words of the Son of God the way of the ungodly Shall Perish ever lasting destruction from the presence of the Lord my dear dear friend that is the end and the inevitable outcome of the life of the ungodly The Sinner the scorner the CH the men that rejects God and his early law and his son. [00:46:26]

It is written to show us that there is a way of Deliverance a way of Escape that is the whole message of the Christian Gospel that is why Christ the son of God came into the world because we are all by Nature ungodly we are all sinful and if we die like that we'll go to that destruction to that Everlasting punishment of hell but God has sent his message and it is a message that calls us to repentance to an acknowledgment and a confession of our sin repent and believe the gospel that's the message nothing else see the blindness and the madness and the iniquity of it all see the end to which it leads acknowledge it repent fall before God and confess it and admit you haven't a leg to stand on. [00:48:08]

Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved today is the day of Sal salvation the door is not shut there is no need to go to that end believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved though all this is true of the ungodly if he believes that Christ the son of God came into the world to live and die and rise again for his reconciliation with God immediately he is Forgiven he's received by God he becomes a child of God he becomes like this tree and Lord knoweth his ways and he'll go on into the Everlasting Bliss and Glory that is the message that's why this is written to warn us to call us to repent and to return to God and to believe the gospel of his dear son. [00:48:08]

On Christ the solid rock I stand all other ground is sinking sand you can't stand on anything else in this world you won't be able to stand in the judgment on anything else The Sinner shall not stand in the Judgment like the chaff he'll be blown away but on Christ the solid rock I stand all other ground is sinking sand my dear friend are you standing on the rock Christ Jesus is he your only hope tonight are you saying do you say honestly my hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness I dare not trust my sweetest frame but holy lean on Jesus name on Christ the solid Ro I stand all other ground is sinking sand believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved. [00:54:26]

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Transcript
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