Walking the Path of Blessing Through Godly Wisdom
Summary
### Summary
Psalm 128, a song of ascents, serves as a profound reminder of the blessings that come from fearing the Lord and walking in His ways. This psalm, along with others in the Songs of Ascent, was sung by the people of God as they journeyed to Jerusalem to worship. Despite the busyness and commitments of life, these psalms encourage us to prioritize God and recognize the blessings that come from doing so.
The path of blessing begins with the fear of God. This fear is not about being scared but about recognizing God's majesty, authority, and holiness. It's about understanding that God is not just a counselor or a coach but our Lord and Master. This reverence for God is the trailhead for a life of wisdom and blessing.
Psalm 128 highlights two specific areas where God's blessings manifest: work and home. In our work life, godly wisdom leads to better decisions, transformational relationships, and a sense of purpose that goes beyond mere financial gain. It's about stewardship—using the resources, opportunities, and relationships God has entrusted to us for His glory.
At home, the blessings extend to our family life. The psalm specifically mentions the joy and prosperity of seeing our children and grandchildren grow in a godly environment. This is not just about material success but about spiritual richness and relational depth.
The challenge for us is to examine where we seek wisdom, instruction, and insight. Are we guided by the fear of God, or are we letting the world define success for us? The path of blessing requires us to make God central in every aspect of our lives, from our work to our home, and to follow His ways diligently.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Fear of God as the Trailhead of Blessing: The journey to a blessed life begins with the fear of God. This fear is not about being terrified but about recognizing God's supreme authority and holiness. It sets the foundation for wisdom and understanding, guiding us to live a life that honors Him. [06:20]
2. Godly Wisdom in the Workplace: Applying godly wisdom at work transforms how we make decisions, interact with colleagues, and define success. It's not about prosperity gospel but about stewardship—using our roles and resources to glorify God. This approach leads to real-world blessings and a sense of fulfillment that transcends material gain. [11:56]
3. Blessings in the Home: Psalm 128 emphasizes the blessings that come from a godly home, particularly through the joy of raising children in a faith-filled environment. This is a call to prioritize spiritual growth and relational depth over worldly definitions of success, ensuring that our homes reflect God's love and wisdom. [19:36]
4. The Challenge of Overcommitment: Many of us are overcommitted to worldly pursuits, leaving little room for God. This overcommitment can cause us to miss out on the blessings that come from walking in God's ways. We need to reassess our priorities and make intentional choices to put God at the center of our lives. [25:01]
5. Practical Steps to Reclaim God's Path: To walk the path of blessing, we must fear the Lord and follow His ways. This involves daily decisions to seek God's wisdom, say no to distractions, and make room for spiritual growth. By doing so, we align ourselves with God's will and experience the fullness of His blessings in every area of life. [26:08]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:07] - Introduction to Psalm 128
[02:01] - The Songs of Ascent
[03:52] - Common Excuses for Not Prioritizing God
[04:40] - The Worth of Following God
[05:34] - The Path of Blessing
[06:20] - The Fear of God
[09:30] - The Way of Wisdom
[11:12] - Blessings in Work
[14:08] - Running the Right Race
[18:53] - Blessings in the Home
[20:54] - God's Way vs. The World's Way
[25:01] - Overcommitment to the World
[26:08] - Simple Principles for Blessing
[27:21] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Psalm 128
- Proverbs 1:7
- Colossians 3:23-24
### Observation Questions
1. According to Psalm 128, what are the blessings that come from fearing the Lord and walking in His ways? ([06:20])
2. How does the sermon describe the fear of God? Is it about being scared or something else? ([07:02])
3. What are the two specific areas where God's blessings manifest as highlighted in the sermon? ([11:12])
4. What does Colossians 3:23-24 say about how we should approach our work? ([16:58])
### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to fear the Lord according to the sermon, and how does this fear serve as the trailhead for a life of wisdom and blessing? ([06:20])
2. How does applying godly wisdom in the workplace differ from following the world's definition of success? ([11:56])
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that overcommitment to worldly pursuits can cause us to miss out on God's blessings? ([25:01])
4. How does the sermon illustrate the importance of making God central in our family life, and what are the potential blessings of doing so? ([19:36])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you view God more as a counselor or coach rather than as your Lord and Master? How can you shift your perspective to see Him as central in your life? ([07:02])
2. Think about your work environment. How can you apply godly wisdom in your daily tasks and interactions with colleagues? What specific steps can you take to ensure your work glorifies God? ([11:56])
3. Examine your family life. Are there ways you can prioritize spiritual growth and relational depth over worldly definitions of success? What changes can you make to create a more godly home environment? ([19:36])
4. Identify any areas in your life where you might be overcommitted to worldly pursuits. What practical steps can you take to reassess your priorities and make room for God? ([25:01])
5. How can you incorporate the teachings of Deuteronomy 6:6-9 into your daily family routines? What specific actions can you take to ensure God's words are a constant presence in your home? ([21:45])
6. Reflect on a recent decision you made at work or home. Was it guided by the fear of God and godly wisdom, or by worldly standards? How can you ensure future decisions align with God's will? ([10:25])
7. Consider the people you spend the most time with. Are they helping you run the right race, as described in the sermon? How can you surround yourself with a community that shares your definition of success and supports your spiritual growth? ([14:43])
Devotional
### Step 1: Themes
1. Reverence as the Foundation of Blessing
2. Godly Wisdom in Professional Life
3. Nurturing a Godly Home
4. Reevaluating Priorities to Include God
5. Daily Steps to Align with God's Will
### Step 2: Descriptions
1. Reverence as the Foundation of Blessing: The journey to a blessed life begins with the fear of God. This fear is not about being terrified but about recognizing God's supreme authority and holiness. It sets the foundation for wisdom and understanding, guiding us to live a life that honors Him. [06:20]
2. Godly Wisdom in Professional Life: Applying godly wisdom at work transforms how we make decisions, interact with colleagues, and define success. It's not about prosperity gospel but about stewardship—using our roles and resources to glorify God. This approach leads to real-world blessings and a sense of fulfillment that transcends material gain. [11:56]
3. Nurturing a Godly Home: Psalm 128 emphasizes the blessings that come from a godly home, particularly through the joy of raising children in a faith-filled environment. This is a call to prioritize spiritual growth and relational depth over worldly definitions of success, ensuring that our homes reflect God's love and wisdom. [19:36]
4. Reevaluating Priorities to Include God: Many of us are overcommitted to worldly pursuits, leaving little room for God. This overcommitment can cause us to miss out on the blessings that come from walking in God's ways. We need to reassess our priorities and make intentional choices to put God at the center of our lives. [25:01]
5. Daily Steps to Align with God's Will: To walk the path of blessing, we must fear the Lord and follow His ways. This involves daily decisions to seek God's wisdom, say no to distractions, and make room for spiritual growth. By doing so, we align ourselves with God's will and experience the fullness of His blessings in every area of life. [26:08]
### Step 3: Bible Passages
1. Reverence as the Foundation of Blessing: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight." (Proverbs 9:10, ESV)
2. Godly Wisdom in Professional Life: "Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established." (Proverbs 16:3, ESV)
3. Nurturing a Godly Home: "And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise." (Deuteronomy 6:6-7, ESV)
4. Reevaluating Priorities to Include God: "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." (Matthew 6:33, ESV)
5. Daily Steps to Align with God's Will: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6, ESV)
### Step 4: Reflection Questions
1. Reverence as the Foundation of Blessing: How can you cultivate a deeper reverence for God in your daily life, recognizing His authority and holiness?
2. Godly Wisdom in Professional Life: In what ways can you apply godly wisdom in your workplace today, transforming your decisions and interactions?
3. Nurturing a Godly Home: What steps can you take to ensure that your home is a place of spiritual growth and relational depth, reflecting God's love and wisdom?
4. Reevaluating Priorities to Include God: Are there areas in your life where you are overcommitted to worldly pursuits? How can you reassess and realign your priorities to put God at the center?
5. Daily Steps to Align with God's Will: What daily decisions can you make to seek God's wisdom and say no to distractions, making room for spiritual growth?
### Step 5: 5-Day Devotional
Day 1: Reverence as the Foundation of Blessing
The journey to a blessed life begins with the fear of God. This fear is not about being terrified but about recognizing God's supreme authority and holiness. It sets the foundation for wisdom and understanding, guiding us to live a life that honors Him. [06:20]
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight." (Proverbs 9:10, ESV)
Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper reverence for God in your daily life, recognizing His authority and holiness?
Day 2: Godly Wisdom in Professional Life
Applying godly wisdom at work transforms how we make decisions, interact with colleagues, and define success. It's not about prosperity gospel but about stewardship—using our roles and resources to glorify God. This approach leads to real-world blessings and a sense of fulfillment that transcends material gain. [11:56]
"Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established." (Proverbs 16:3, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you apply godly wisdom in your workplace today, transforming your decisions and interactions?
Day 3: Nurturing a Godly Home
Psalm 128 emphasizes the blessings that come from a godly home, particularly through the joy of raising children in a faith-filled environment. This is a call to prioritize spiritual growth and relational depth over worldly definitions of success, ensuring that our homes reflect God's love and wisdom. [19:36]
"And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise." (Deuteronomy 6:6-7, ESV)
Reflection: What steps can you take to ensure that your home is a place of spiritual growth and relational depth, reflecting God's love and wisdom?
Day 4: Reevaluating Priorities to Include God
Many of us are overcommitted to worldly pursuits, leaving little room for God. This overcommitment can cause us to miss out on the blessings that come from walking in God's ways. We need to reassess our priorities and make intentional choices to put God at the center of our lives. [25:01]
"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." (Matthew 6:33, ESV)
Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you are overcommitted to worldly pursuits? How can you reassess and realign your priorities to put God at the center?
Day 5: Daily Steps to Align with God's Will
To walk the path of blessing, we must fear the Lord and follow His ways. This involves daily decisions to seek God's wisdom, say no to distractions, and make room for spiritual growth. By doing so, we align ourselves with God's will and experience the fullness of His blessings in every area of life. [26:08]
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6, ESV)
Reflection: What daily decisions can you make to seek God's wisdom and say no to distractions, making room for spiritual growth?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The songs of ascent actually anticipate all that kind of thing. And if you look at them, they're all designed to remind us why it's worth it. Yes. To put God at the center of our lives and to, and to really follow him. It takes time. It takes commitment. But if you go through these Psalms of ascent, you see that time and again, they remind us, but this is really good. It really does pay off." [03:52] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The path of blessing begins with the fear of God. It begins with an understanding that the one who is speaking to us through his word is much more than just helpful. It's not God's intention for us to be helpful, for him to be helpful to us, but for him to be central to our lives." [09:30] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "So the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. And godly wisdom lived out brings blessing, including at work. But it also brings blessing to your home. Let's read on. Verse 1 again. Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways. Verse 3. Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house. Your children will be like olive shoots around your table. Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the Lord." [19:36] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Here's my concern. It's a question that I think all of us should ask ourselves. Have we so overcommitted to the ways of the world? That we've missed God's path of blessing. Opportunities to know him, walk with him, learn from him. Opportunities to grow and be challenged and challenge others in return. To make him more central to everything we do. Because on that path lies blessing. At work, at home, every area of life." [25:01] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "What reasons does Psalm 128 give for making room in your life for God? Well, let's take a closer look. We read it a moment ago. Let's remind ourselves what it says. Psalm 128, verse one. Blessed is everyone who fears. The Lord who walks in his ways, then jumping ahead to verse four. Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the Lord. You'll notice how it starts. There starts with a fear of God. You know, if you go and look at trail maps, hiking, you'll see there's a trailhead. Well, the trailhead for the path of blessing is marked by the fear of God." [06:20] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "So part of the blessing apparently is out in our work life. The work we do in the world. He can bless us through that. Now some people who have learned a real sensitivity to this kind of passage. And they go on alert. They begin to think, wait a minute. Is this a prosperity gospel? No, that's not what this is about. What this is about is good stewardship. Because God has entrusted to your care people, relationships, opportunities, authority, resources. How will you use those things? How will you steward them? What path will you follow? What kind of decisions will you make?" [11:56] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Where am I looking for wisdom, instruction, and insight? Where do I look for those things? And is my circumstance? And is my church rooted in and guided by the fear of God? So where does this path lead? Well, Psalm 128 says blessing. But what kind of blessing? According to the psalm, real world blessing in two areas. And we'll look at each of them. First of all, work of all things." [10:25] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Now, what do we normally do? Well, normally we let the world set our standards. We let the world define success. The world, our neighbors, tell us, well, this is what a family is supposed to look like. This is what success looks like. This is what great parenting looks like. Which apparently is two things. Number one, your kids being as busy as humanly possible. And your kids being accepted to the University of College, which of course is where you went. And that's it. And those things soak up so much of our bandwidth of who we are as families. Just being fully consumed with the schedule. That God often struggles to find his seat at the table. And we forget how to even invite him back in." [20:54] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Fear the Lord. Follow his ways. That's the path of blessing. Let me pray for us. Father, I think all of us kind of felt like the statements of those people we were pretending to ask to join us on this pilgrimage. They kind of sounded like us sometimes. And yet we know, Lord, that putting you at the center of our lives. Yes, it requires that we give up some things the world says is important. But we also know in our hearts it's worth it. That is the path of blessing. At work, at home, every area of life." [26:08] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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