Two Pathways: The Righteous and the Wicked
Summary
### Summary
Welcome to Commonplace Church! Today, we embark on a nine-week journey through the book of Psalms, starting with Psalm 1. This psalm sets the stage for the entire book by presenting two distinct pathways: the way of the righteous and the way of the wicked. In a world filled with distractions and pressures to define our own meaning, Psalm 1 offers a clear, binary approach to life that may seem reductionist but is deeply profound.
The psalm begins by describing the blessed person who avoids the counsel of the wicked, the path of sinners, and the seat of scoffers. Instead, this person delights in the law of the Lord and meditates on it day and night. This meditation is not passive but active, involving a deep, ongoing engagement with God's Word. The blessed person is likened to a tree planted by streams of water, yielding fruit in its season and prospering in all they do.
In contrast, the wicked are like chaff that the wind drives away, lacking substance and stability. The psalm warns that the way of the wicked will perish, while the way of the righteous will endure because the Lord knows them. This knowledge is not just awareness but a deep, relational knowing that brings approval and affection.
Ultimately, the psalm points us to Jesus, the only one who perfectly embodies the way of the righteous. Through His life, death, and resurrection, we are invited to become more like Him. As we meditate on God's Word and align our lives with His truth, we are transformed and set free from the bondage of sin.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of Influence: The counsel we receive shapes our lives. Psalm 1 warns against taking advice from those morally misaligned with God's Word. Instead, we should seek counsel that aligns with biblical truth, as the stories we believe about ourselves and the world around us form us into a certain kind of person. [14:09]
2. The Progression of Sin: Sin often starts subtly, with small compromises that lead to more significant entanglements. Psalm 1 illustrates this progression from walking in the counsel of the wicked to standing in the path of sinners and finally sitting in the seat of scoffers. Recognizing this progression helps us guard against becoming hardened in our sin. [19:22]
3. Delighting in God's Word: True blessedness comes from delighting in God's Word and meditating on it day and night. This active engagement with Scripture transforms our minds and hearts, aligning us with God's will and enabling us to live fruitful, prosperous lives. [22:10]
4. The Stability of the Righteous: The righteous person is likened to a tree planted by streams of water, symbolizing stability, nourishment, and fruitfulness. In contrast, the wicked are like chaff, lacking substance and easily blown away. This imagery underscores the enduring nature of a life rooted in God's Word. [30:06]
5. Jesus as the Fulfillment of Psalm 1: Jesus perfectly embodies the way of the righteous. He never took bad counsel, stood in the path of sinners to love and heal them, and never mocked but showed compassion. Through His life, death, and resurrection, we are invited to become more like Him, experiencing true blessedness and freedom from sin. [37:25]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:59] - Personal Update and Introduction
[03:15] - Vision for Commonplace Church
[04:53] - Overview of the Book of Psalms
[06:15] - Two Pathways: Righteous and Wicked
[08:45] - Psalm 1 as the Gateway
[10:04] - Understanding the Genre of Psalms
[11:18] - The Blessed Life
[12:38] - Influence and Counsel
[14:09] - The Stories We Believe
[15:27] - The Way of the Wicked
[16:44] - The Danger of Bad Counsel
[18:07] - Standing in the Path of Sinners
[19:22] - The Progression of Sin
[20:39] - Sitting in the Seat of Scoffers
[22:10] - Delighting in God's Word
[23:35] - Knowing God
[25:01] - Meditation on God's Word
[26:18] - Practical Steps for Meditation
[28:55] - The Versify App
[30:06] - The Tree Planted by Water
[31:39] - True Prosperity
[33:00] - The Chaff and the Tree
[34:21] - The End of the Wicked
[35:58] - The Lord Knows the Righteous
[37:25] - Jesus as the Fulfillment
[38:56] - Becoming More Like Jesus
[40:28] - Benediction and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Psalm 1:1-6
- Matthew 7:3-5
- Proverbs 14:11-12
### Observation Questions
1. According to Psalm 1, what are the three actions that the blessed person avoids? ([11:18])
2. How does Psalm 1 describe the righteous person in contrast to the wicked? ([30:06])
3. What imagery does Psalm 1 use to illustrate the stability and fruitfulness of the righteous? ([30:06])
4. In Matthew 7:3-5, what does Jesus teach about judgment and self-awareness? How does this relate to the sermon’s message on influence and counsel? ([01:59])
### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to "delight in the law of the Lord" and how can this delight lead to a transformed life? ([22:10])
2. How does the progression from walking to standing to sitting in Psalm 1 illustrate the entanglement of sin? ([19:22])
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that Jesus embodies the fulfillment of Psalm 1? ([37:25])
4. How does the concept of being "known" by the Lord in Psalm 1:6 provide comfort and assurance to believers? ([35:58])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the influences in your life. Are there any sources of counsel that you need to avoid because they are morally misaligned with God's Word? How can you seek out godly counsel instead? ([14:09])
2. Think about a time when you made a small compromise that led to a bigger entanglement in sin. How can recognizing the progression of sin help you guard against it in the future? ([19:22])
3. What practical steps can you take to actively meditate on God's Word day and night? Consider using tools like the Versify app mentioned in the sermon. ([26:18])
4. How can you cultivate a deeper delight in God's Word? What changes in your daily routine might help you engage more deeply with Scripture? ([22:10])
5. In what ways can you become more like Jesus in your daily life? Identify one specific area where you can show more compassion, love, or integrity this week. ([37:25])
6. How does understanding that the Lord "knows" you in a deep, relational way impact your view of your identity and purpose? ([35:58])
7. Reflect on the imagery of the tree planted by streams of water. How can you position yourself to receive nourishment and stability from God's Word? ([30:06])
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Influence
The counsel we receive shapes our lives. Psalm 1 warns against taking advice from those morally misaligned with God's Word. Instead, we should seek counsel that aligns with biblical truth, as the stories we believe about ourselves and the world around us form us into a certain kind of person. The blessed person avoids the counsel of the wicked, the path of sinners, and the seat of scoffers. This means being intentional about the voices we allow to influence us. By delighting in the law of the Lord and meditating on it day and night, we align ourselves with God's truth and wisdom. This active engagement with Scripture transforms our minds and hearts, enabling us to live fruitful, prosperous lives. [14:09]
Proverbs 13:20 (ESV): "Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm."
Reflection: Who are the primary voices influencing your decisions and beliefs? How can you ensure that these influences align with God's Word today?
Day 2: The Progression of Sin
Sin often starts subtly, with small compromises that lead to more significant entanglements. Psalm 1 illustrates this progression from walking in the counsel of the wicked to standing in the path of sinners and finally sitting in the seat of scoffers. Recognizing this progression helps us guard against becoming hardened in our sin. It begins with listening to ungodly advice, then participating in sinful actions, and ultimately becoming comfortable in a lifestyle of mockery and rebellion against God. By being aware of this progression, we can take proactive steps to avoid the slippery slope of sin and remain steadfast in our commitment to righteousness. [19:22]
James 1:14-15 (ESV): "But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death."
Reflection: Can you identify a small compromise in your life that could lead to greater sin? What steps can you take today to address it and realign with God's path?
Day 3: Delighting in God's Word
True blessedness comes from delighting in God's Word and meditating on it day and night. This active engagement with Scripture transforms our minds and hearts, aligning us with God's will and enabling us to live fruitful, prosperous lives. The blessed person finds joy and satisfaction in God's commandments, seeing them not as burdensome rules but as life-giving truths. This delight leads to a deep, ongoing engagement with God's Word, resulting in spiritual growth and stability. By making God's Word a central part of our daily lives, we cultivate a heart that is receptive to His guidance and wisdom. [22:10]
Psalm 119:97-98 (ESV): "Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day. Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me."
Reflection: How can you incorporate more time for meditating on God's Word in your daily routine? What specific steps will you take to delight in His commandments today?
Day 4: The Stability of the Righteous
The righteous person is likened to a tree planted by streams of water, symbolizing stability, nourishment, and fruitfulness. In contrast, the wicked are like chaff, lacking substance and easily blown away. This imagery underscores the enduring nature of a life rooted in God's Word. A tree planted by water has a constant source of nourishment, allowing it to thrive and bear fruit in its season. Similarly, a life grounded in Scripture is stable and resilient, able to withstand the challenges and trials of life. The wicked, however, lack this foundation and are easily swayed by the winds of change and adversity. [30:06]
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 areas of your life do you feel unstable or easily swayed? How can you deepen your roots in God's Word to gain stability and resilience?
Day 5: Jesus as the Fulfillment of Psalm 1
Jesus perfectly embodies the way of the righteous. He never took bad counsel, stood in the path of sinners to love and heal them, and never mocked but showed compassion. Through His life, death, and resurrection, we are invited to become more like Him, experiencing true blessedness and freedom from sin. Jesus is the ultimate example of a life lived in perfect alignment with God's will. By following His example and relying on His grace, we can overcome the bondage of sin and walk in the path of righteousness. As we meditate on God's Word and seek to emulate Jesus, we are transformed into His likeness and experience the fullness of life He offers. [37:25]
1 Peter 2:21-22 (ESV): "For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth."
Reflection: How can you actively follow Jesus' example in your daily life? What specific actions will you take today to align your life more closely with His teachings and character?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "God wants you to be blessed. He wants you to experience the good life. And in his kindness, he's made it abundantly clear through his son, Jesus, how we can experience that life. And so I think a good question is just, would you consider yourself to be happy? If you're a Christian in this room today, if you're following Jesus, if I asked how you're doing, you're good, you're fine, you're busy, you're tired, you're surviving, but are you happy?" [12:38] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The blessed person delights in God's word, and that delight leads to what the psalmist calls meditation. I love that when Ken read the scripture, he mentioned how he had it memorized, because that's exactly where this is going, and that's exactly what the psalmist is suggesting. This meditating isn't in the sense of an empty mind before God, but rather a full mind that's saturated with his word, saturated with the scriptures." [25:01] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The person who delights in God's word and meditates on it daily is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit and its season, and its leaf does not wither. It says in all that this person does, they prosper. So the way of the wicked leads to a forming, right? Where a person becomes a little bit harder to move around. Eventually you take your seat. But so is the same for the way of the righteous." [30:06] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The blessed life is one that blesses other people. The life-giving fruit of that tree blesses other people. And this is where the perspective and the contrasts of the two paths is really laid out at the end of the psalm in verses 4 through 6, when it says, as opposed to this tree, that the wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away." [31:39] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Jesus is the only one without sin. The only one who is truly, consistently aligned with God's moral perfection. Jesus is the only way to the blessed life. You can read this entire psalm back and realize that Jesus himself is the ultimate fulfillment of it. He's the only one who never took the easy way out, took some bad advice when it was convenient." [37:25] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The stories we believe about ourselves and the world around us, they literally form us into a certain kind of person depending on whether or not we abide by the narratives we've come to believe. And if those narratives are untrue, right, we'll end up living in a way that's dissonant with our own reality. If we've convinced ourselves that we are defective and broken and irredeemable, we will live in a way that corresponds to that." [14:09] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The way we come to understand God's true character, compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast, love, and faithfulness, is through his word. So without a growing love for God, it's really difficult to grow in love for his word. But at the same time, without a growing knowledge of his word, it's difficult to grow in an accurate knowledge of who he is, and therefore to love him." [23:35] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The person who delights in God's word, it doesn't read it from the Bible app in bed with one eye open and the other eye still processing the dream from the night before. I know that because I've been that person many times, and I forget what I read by the time I'm brushing my teeth. You know, it doesn't stick. It didn't set in. It's not, at all, affecting the way I'm thinking or how I'm living." [26:18] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The path to the people we're becoming, it doesn't have to be fatalistic. It doesn't have to be this, well, inevitably I'm just going to fall. It doesn't have to be this, well, inevitably I'm just going to prove to everyone how messed up I am. It doesn't have to be that way. And that's what this verse shows us. We look further at the progression in verse 3 that it says, The person who delights in God's Word and meditates on it daily is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit and its season, and its leaf does not wither." [30:06] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The thing is, if we were to just stop right here and it's like, hey, just memorize a couple verses this week and, you know, try not to sin and everything's going to be cool, right? But ultimately what we see is that it doesn't come from our own righteousness. Verse 5 says that sinners will not stand in the congregation of the wicked. I'm sorry. Sinners will not stand in the congregation of the righteous. There's a slight problem in the logistics there for us. Does anyone know what that is? It's that we're all... All sinners. All of us." [37:25] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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