Blessednesses

BLESSEDNESSES

Cotr

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Psalms 1 Compares & Contrasts the character, condition, present and future of both the godly and the wicked man. Whether intended or not, Psalms 1 forms the preface for this whole book of psalms, hymns and spiritual songs to the Lord.

I. Psalms 1:1 Blessed is the man

A. Blessed: Hebrew plural, even as though a reflective thought:

1. Oh how happy, favored and fortunate is this man who …

2. C.H. Spurgeon: Blessednesses belong to the man who …

3. New Testament thought:

A. Romans 4:8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.

B. Matthew 5 Jesus teaches The Be-Attitudes to being blessed

C. Romans 4:9 Ask the question? “Cometh this blessedness upon … (?)” (whom) the circumcision (those who follow the law under Moses) or upon the uncircumcision (those under the grace by faith in Jesus)?

B. Psalms 1:1 answers the question:

1. Walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly

2. Nor standeth in the way of sinners

3. Nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful

C. Psalms 1:2 continues to describe the character and condition of this man

1. His delight is in the Law of the Lord (he is not afraid of, condemned by, nor burdened by God’s rule of his life)

2. He meditates in God’s Word Day and Night

A. perhaps as C. H. Spurgeon, December, 1869 suggested:

(1) to read it by day, and think upon it by night. He takes a text and carries it with him all day long; and in the night watches, when sleep forsakes his eyelids, he muses upon the Word of God. In the day of his prosperity he sings psalms out of the Word of God, and in the night of his affliction he comforts himself with promises out of the same book.

(2) … is the daily bread of the true believer … your best companion and hourly guide

B. It is often not our interpretation of the bible that separates and unties us but rather our estimation.

II. The Graduation of Evil

A. Sin is

1. First Practical

2. Then Habitual

3. Finally Doctrinal (one begins to influence others)

B. Psalms 1:1 If one desires the blessednesses of God:

1. Do not walk in the counsel of the ungodly

2. Do not stand in the way of sinners

3. Do not sit in the seat of the scornful (those who lowly esteem the ways, works, will and word of God, but measure themselves above such)

Note: Adam Clarke, 1844: The scorner … his conscience is seared, and he is a believer in all unbelief …

C. Numbers 22-25 Balaam

1. Jude 1:11 The error of Balaam

2. 2 Peter 2:15 The way of Balaam

3. Revelation 2:14 The doctrine of Balaam

D. Sin is certainly progressive and captivating

1. Sin will take you farther than you wanted to go

2. Sin will keep you longer than you bargained to stay

3. Sin will cost you more than you are able to pay

E. The counsel, way and seat of sinners will reward a saved person a sinners pay.

F. The saint is called to be salt and light to the sinner, not friend, partner or companion. (while we should be witness and must work together, we must be careful not to be drawn over to the sinner’s walk of life)

G. 2 Corinthians 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord …

III. Progressive Purity In A Saints Life

A. Negative Purity

1. The Do Nots

2. Psalms 1:1 what to quit

A. walk not

B. stand not

C. sit not

B. Positive Purity

1. The do’s

2. Psalms 1:2 what to begin

A. Delight yourself in the word, (as Jesus said: blessed are those who do hunger and thirst for righteousness, they shall be filled)

B. meditate in God’s word why? It is the lamp and light of your life and the salt to give others.

IV. Conclusion

A. Rid yourself of the things which would negatively affect your walk with God.

1. It may be lifestyle choices

2. It may mean changing who you hang with

3. It may demand you stop listening to others who encourage you to follow their wisdom instead of God’s

B. Embrace and begin doing the things in life which will positively affect your walk with God.

1. Read your bible and listen to Godly counsel

2. Consider how it applies to your life and make the necessary adjustments

3. Give the Word of God as counsel to others

C. When you fall, get up and try again.