Only Two Ways

Psalm 1:1-6

INTRODUCTION: Life is full of choices. Many choices begin in seemingly insignificant scenarios, yet end in outcomes anything but insignificant. How great would it be to be able to see the end from the beginning? How wonderful would it prove to be able to know the outcome of a choice prior to choosing? In His grace, God has provided just that in His word. He first warns us not to make wrong choices and then shows us the outcome of those choices. Our end is 100% based upon whether or not we trust what God said.

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

A. His Separation (Psalm 1:1-2)

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

B. His Strength (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
b. His leaf shall not wither
2. Whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

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

A. His Frailty (Psalm 1:4)

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

B. His Separation (Psalm 1:5)

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

III. THE END OF EACH WAY (Psalm 1:6)

A. The Way of the Righteous; Known of the LORD (Job 36:6-7; Psalm 34:15-16)

B. The Way of the Ungodly; Shall perish

CONCLUSION: Read 1 Peter 3:8-15. Though this may be an Old Testament passage there is a strong practical picture for the New Testament believer. Every choice you make leads to an end. If you want desirable results, you must make righteous, scriptural, godly decisions.