The Choices of the Blessed Man

Psalm 1:1-6

INTRODUCTION: Our testimonies basically involve the prevailing storyline that others see in our lives. They major on the major themes whether good or bad. However, they are formed with many seemingly small and insignificant decisions occurring over a period of time. The first psalm is an overview of two ways, two testimonies, or two men. One is known by his favour from God; the other is known by his contrast to God. One is known by the present company avoided; the other is known by the future company he will miss. One is known for unwavering stability; the other is known for ease of being driven away. One is known as standing alone; the other is known among the masses. One is known for his love of good things; the other is known for nothing.

I. THE BLESSED MAN (Psalm 1:1-3)

A. His Avoidance (Psalm 1:1)

1. He “walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly”—the follower
a. Someone gives unscriptural advice
1.) This may sound good or be sincere.
2.) This may feel right.
3.) This may come from those who seem to love the Lord.
b. The individual lends an ear to the advice
c. The individual begins to take steps in that direction
2. He “standeth” not “in the way of sinners”—the participant (see Proverbs 14:12; Proverbs 16:25; James 5:19-20)
a. Now he puts himself in the way of sinners
b. He is standing in that way
c. He is a partaker in the sinfulness of the sinners
3. He “sitteth” not “in the seat of the scornful”—the corrupter
a. He now sits authoritatively in the seat of the scornful
b. No longer is he merely giving ear to the wrong people
c. Now he puts unscriptural materials into the ears of others
4. Note: The godly man avoids the latter by avoiding the first!

B. His Delight (Psalm 1:2)

1. His “delight is in the law of the LORD”.
2. He meditates in that law “day and night.”

C. His Fruitfulness (Psalm 1:3)

1. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water.
a. That bringeth forth his fruit in his season—He can be counted on in time of need.
b. His leaf shall not wither—He will endure in times of difficulty.
2. Whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

II. THE UNGODLY (Psalm 1:4-5)

A. His Barrenness (Psalm 1:4)

1. The ungodly are not so; Note: Everything said about the fruitfulness of the blessed man is not so concerning the ungodly man.
2. He is like the chaff which the wind driveth away.

B. His Future Avoidance (Psalm 1:5)

1. He shall not stand in the judgment.
2. He shall not stand in the congregation of the righteous.

III. THE LORD (Psalm 1:6)

A. The Way of the Righteous

1. The LORD knoweth
2. The way of the righteous

B. The Way of the Ungodly

1. The way of the ungodly
2. Shall perish

CONCLUSION: The distinctions seemingly began when one man walked in the counsel of the ungodly and another man refused to do so. While this psalm likely chronicles the distinctions between a man who knows God and one who does not, the practical warnings remain for the saints today. What would it take to veer you off the path of the righteous and lead you down a path of spiritual destruction?