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.
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