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Pastor Brant Seacrist

JANUARY 5, 2019

"A HAPPY MAN"

TEXT:  PSALM 1: 1-6
READING: MATTHEW 5: 1-20

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SUBJ: The gospel result seen in the happiness of those who come to the way of Godliness described in this Psalm and the theme it sets for all who would know true happiness.

AIM: That we should be truly happy regardless of the state of our outward lives in this present world in that our delight is to be in the Lord and our knowing of Him.

INTR: It is fitting that the Book of the Psalms should have this one placed at the first in that it gives notice of the contents of the rest of the book.
1. It is the aim of the Psalmist to teach the way of happiness in that the Lord is honored when we indeed delight in Him.
2. In this Psalm we see the contrast made between happiness and misery and we note that there is no middle ground here.
3. So, we note in the first part the blessedness, the way of life, and the fruitfulness true salvation brings and in the second part we note end of those who despise the way of Godliness.

THESIS: We rejoice in the knowledge of the sovereign mercy and grace of our God that delivers our souls from destruction and we rejoice in that which new life in Christ produces in us.

I. The way of the happy man (vv. 1-2)
1. The words of Paul speak of the deliverance pictured here: Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: Galatians 1:4.
2. In telling what the happy man does not do we learn much as to the nature and progress of sin:
1) The counsel or guidance of the ungodly
2) The standing or practice of sinners
3) The sitting in the way of assurance in one’s sinful way sadly noted in many hardened in their contempt for the things of God.
3. While we may think of these things in a legalistic way such as to think that these are obtained by one’s own ability it is owing to the grace of God that enables him to differentiate between the precious and the vile and so makes the things of God appear most precious in stark contrast to the way of the ungodly.
4. The happy resource is found in the law of the Lord:
1) Again, not pursued in a legalistic or servile manner; rather it is the recognition of the fact that the words are the words of eternal life: When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you? It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. John 6:63.
2) That the beauty of the Lord and all that is true about Him is therein declared and
3) That beauty of the Lord our God is every where seen and with continued looking thereto come increasing discovery of Him and a growing delight that He is God and there is none else, and that redemption is accomplished in Him alone.

II. The promised prosperity of the happy man (v. 3)
1. In that we have all seen such a tree that seemed indestructible and able to withstand in all conditions, the illustration is an apt one.
2. We would take note of several things about it:
1) It did not spring up of itself; it was planted
2) It was placed in a position that was most conducive to its establishment and growth
3) It brings forth its fruit at the appropriate time
4) It endures in all seasons and conditions
3. We would note that where the planting is of the Lord that fruit is produced (fruit of the Spirit) and it appears as needed: Spurgeon observed that the man so established “…brings forth patience in the time of suffering, faith in the day of trial, and holy joy in the hour of prosperity.”
4. We must be careful here not to insert a promise of material prosperity; it is the soul that knows such gain and true prosperity will understand that “godliness with contentment is great gain.”
5. Thus, we may be assured that whatsoever is done in faith will prosper in accordance with divine intent whether we see it or not. His word shall not return void!

III. The assurance of the happy man (vv. 4-6)
1. What a profound contrast is made in outcomes.
1) The blessed man prospers and is fruitful
2) That ungodly are considered as worthless chaff which the wind blows away.
3) We compare the tree rooted and grounded in Christ with that which is blown about by the wind.
2. Their end is well known.
3. They shall be brought to judgment and stand to be tried but not acquitted
4. Part of the final happiness of the saints is realized in that no sinners will appear in the congregation of the righteous – those cleansed by the blood of the Lamb.
5. The Lord Knows the righteous – Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. 2 Timothy 2:19.
6. And He is knowing (in attendance upon) their way – they are His!
7. While the way of the ungodly perishes and ends in eternal separation from God.