The Man of God – Psalm 1
The Man of God – Psalm 1
June 3, 2007 AM
By Pastor Lee Hemen
If you were to decide just how much modern Christianity has influenced today’s society in America what number would you give it on a scale of one to ten? The Barna Group reports that “Two-thirds of the nation’s adult population firmly embraces the idea that their most important purpose is to love God with all their heart, mind, soul and strength. However, a deeper look at people’s full array of spiritual beliefs and behavior calls into question the sincerity of their commitment.” Only 37% of Christians believe Jesus was sinless, only 24% believe Satan is a real being, and Americans are less likely to volunteer at church and less likely to read the Bible. However, in kind of schizophrenic spirituality 45% of Americans interviewed by the Barna Group asserted “that the Bible is accurate in all the principles it teaches.” It kind of makes you wonder where the men of God are today?
I will never forget talking with a youth minister about his attitude and actions concerning youth. He displayed more of a willingness to encourage the youth he was supposed to be mentoring to rebellion instead of holding up a godly lifestyle. His reasoning? He related, “Today’s youth do not connect with old concepts of right and wrong.” So I asked him, “How can they if they do not see it in your life?” He no longer serves in the ministry. This goes to the heart of the Christian life. Righteous living never goes out of style. From the Garden of Eden to today, God expects His people to live like His people. Herein this Psalm we discover eternal truths of what it means to be the man of God He desires.
READ: Psalm 1
Instead of influencing the society around it many churches have opted for trying to sell a product instead. In the long run it will not work. Why? A relationship with God is not a product that you can buy. It is a way of life that begins with intimately knowing the one you are to live buy. The writer describes it for us perfectly here in this Psalm as he relates to us about the man of God.
I. The man of God will be firmly planted in God! (vv. 1-3)
1. The strong wind of peer pressure can blow over a weak-willed faith! With three stark statements of fact the psalmist described the life of the blessed man: 1) he “does not walk in the counsel of the wicked,” 2) he does not “stand in the way of sinners,” and 3) he does not “sit in the seat of mockers.” Each statement becomes more intense and carries with it a powerful impact for a person’s life. For although the writer used the term “man,” he meant anyone. It is a progression from a casual influence with ungodly people to complete collusion with them in their scorn against holy living. In other words a godly person does not walk with ungodly friends, a godly person does not take the side of sinful people and their actions, and finally a godly person does not fellowship with those who would openly deride God. One who is not characterized by the evil influence of the world is “blessed,” (happy) that is, he is right (happy) with God and, the connotation is that God is equally happy with them. This person enjoys the spiritual peace and joy that results from their relationship. In fact, “his delight is in the law of the Lord” and on this he “meditates day and night.” It is part and parcel of his life. So important was this for the writer that he could sing, “He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.” A godly man will be firmly planted in God!
EXAMPLE: A firmly planted tree is one that has deep roots. Most trees that withstand the wind and rain storms are those whose roots dig deep into the soil and grab a hold of the bedrock. They can survive during the toughest drought, the biggest winds cannot uproot them, and they are secure in the mightiest of snows. Why? Their roots go deep. The same is true for the person who has a deep abiding faith in Jesus Christ. No shallow watered scrub here. What survives in the spiritual realm is the person whose spiritual roots dig deep into the bedrock of the Lord Jesus Christ. When the drought of life comes they are still watered by the Holy Spirit. When the wind of life blows with hurricane force, their anchor root of faith holds safe and secure. When the deep snows of winter come, and death knocks on their doorstep, they are snug in the arms of God. A godly man will be firmly planted in God!
We have all heard the convoluted advice at some time or other to “not stand out.” In fact, there are those who now espouse the absurd notion that to succeed in school is stupid, while flunking every subject is smart. Kind of odd, huh? While many of us rebel, we rebel against the wrong things in life. Instead of rebelling against the ungodly “normalcy” of a sin-stained world, we try to fit in as best we can. Why is that? Yet, here in this Psalm we find the writer telling us that…
II. The man of God will not be like the wicked! (v. 4)
1. A Godly person will be best remembered for how they lived not what they acquired! There is not much that lasts in this world. The Psalmist reminds us of this fact, especially if we live an ungodly life. “Not so the wicked!” he tells us. It is a startling contrast to the righteous person described before this. The idea here is that this kind of person is ruled by their passions and emotions. They have the worldly motto of “If it feels good, do it!” Their ethics are completely situational and revolved around their desires and lusts. Yet, whatever they have gained in this life will be like so much “chaff.” The empty husks left over after the wheat has been winnowed, “that the wind blows away.” Interestingly these kinds of folks think of themselves as “good people.” Yet even their best efforts are empty and will not last. They may do kind and charitable deeds, but God’s evaluation of them is that they are without eternal merit. “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ,” Paul would write. “If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.” (1 Corinthians 3:11-15) Like chaff in the wind, a wicked person’s life is burned up. However, the man of God will not be like the wicked!
EXAMPLE: In Jesus' day, wheat was separated from the chaff by a process called winnowing. A person would shake the winnow back and forth, while allowing the wind to blow away the chaff. Jesus used this analogy to prepare Peter for the trauma he would face when he'd see his Master being led away to the cross. He said, "Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat" (Luke 22:31). Satan would later shake Peter to the core of his being in an attempt to destroy his faith. Guess what? Satan still uses the same tactic to get God’s people distracted from following Him. They are shaken by life’s trials. Cancer occurs, sickness overcomes us, a friend or family member suddenly dies without warning. Then our best efforts in life and our worldly acquisitions seem so useless. We would give all we owned to see ourselves or our loved one healed, cured, or alive again. We forget that what we own now, will soon be so much trash. Like chaff in the wind, a wicked person’s life is burned up. The Psalmist writes that the man of God will not be like the wicked.
Recently, fires swept through parts of California again destroying lands and homes. One woman standing in front of where her home used to be remarked, “It’s all ashes now.” Everything in her life had been burned up. Nothing was left. This is how it will be for those who have placed their trust in the things of this world. However, the Psalmist related that…
III. The man of God will not face God’s judgment! (vv. 5-6)
1. Judgment comes only for those who deserve it! In stark contrast between the godly and the wicked, the psalmist wrote that God will separate the righteous from the wicked in the judgment. The righteous are those who are related by covenant with the Lord which is now found Jesus Christ, those who live by His Word, and those who produce things of eternal value. God will divide the righteous and sinners as a man separates the wheat kernels from weedy tares. Jesus related that “This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Matthew 13:49-50) John the Baptist warned the crowd, “I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” (Matthew 3:11) Yet for the man of God he will hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” (Matthew 25:23) You see, the man of God will not face God’s judgment.
EXAMPLE: People who reject absolute standards of right and wrong are often inconsistent. When they think they are being treated unfairly, they appeal to a standard of justice that they expect everyone to adhere to. A philosophy professor began each new term by asking his class, “Do you believe it can be shown that there are absolute values like justice?” The free-thinking students all argued that everything is relative and no single law can be applied universally. Before the end of the semester, the professor devoted one class period to debate the issue. At the end, he concluded, “Regardless of what you think, I want you to know that absolute values can be demonstrated. And if you don’t accept what I say, I’ll flunk you!” One angry student got up and insisted, “That’s not fair!” “You’ve just proved my point,” replied the professor. “You’ve appealed to a higher standard of fairness.” While we may think that the judgment the Psalmist writes about is “not fair,” it is. Yet how wonderful to know that the man of God will not face God’s judgment.
Conclusion:
The man of God will be firmly planted, the man of God will not be like the wicked, and the man of God will not face God’s judgment.
June 3, 2007 AM
By Pastor Lee Hemen
If you were to decide just how much modern Christianity has influenced today’s society in America what number would you give it on a scale of one to ten? The Barna Group reports that “Two-thirds of the nation’s adult population firmly embraces the idea that their most important purpose is to love God with all their heart, mind, soul and strength. However, a deeper look at people’s full array of spiritual beliefs and behavior calls into question the sincerity of their commitment.” Only 37% of Christians believe Jesus was sinless, only 24% believe Satan is a real being, and Americans are less likely to volunteer at church and less likely to read the Bible. However, in kind of schizophrenic spirituality 45% of Americans interviewed by the Barna Group asserted “that the Bible is accurate in all the principles it teaches.” It kind of makes you wonder where the men of God are today?
I will never forget talking with a youth minister about his attitude and actions concerning youth. He displayed more of a willingness to encourage the youth he was supposed to be mentoring to rebellion instead of holding up a godly lifestyle. His reasoning? He related, “Today’s youth do not connect with old concepts of right and wrong.” So I asked him, “How can they if they do not see it in your life?” He no longer serves in the ministry. This goes to the heart of the Christian life. Righteous living never goes out of style. From the Garden of Eden to today, God expects His people to live like His people. Herein this Psalm we discover eternal truths of what it means to be the man of God He desires.
READ: Psalm 1
Instead of influencing the society around it many churches have opted for trying to sell a product instead. In the long run it will not work. Why? A relationship with God is not a product that you can buy. It is a way of life that begins with intimately knowing the one you are to live buy. The writer describes it for us perfectly here in this Psalm as he relates to us about the man of God.
I. The man of God will be firmly planted in God! (vv. 1-3)
1. The strong wind of peer pressure can blow over a weak-willed faith! With three stark statements of fact the psalmist described the life of the blessed man: 1) he “does not walk in the counsel of the wicked,” 2) he does not “stand in the way of sinners,” and 3) he does not “sit in the seat of mockers.” Each statement becomes more intense and carries with it a powerful impact for a person’s life. For although the writer used the term “man,” he meant anyone. It is a progression from a casual influence with ungodly people to complete collusion with them in their scorn against holy living. In other words a godly person does not walk with ungodly friends, a godly person does not take the side of sinful people and their actions, and finally a godly person does not fellowship with those who would openly deride God. One who is not characterized by the evil influence of the world is “blessed,” (happy) that is, he is right (happy) with God and, the connotation is that God is equally happy with them. This person enjoys the spiritual peace and joy that results from their relationship. In fact, “his delight is in the law of the Lord” and on this he “meditates day and night.” It is part and parcel of his life. So important was this for the writer that he could sing, “He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.” A godly man will be firmly planted in God!
EXAMPLE: A firmly planted tree is one that has deep roots. Most trees that withstand the wind and rain storms are those whose roots dig deep into the soil and grab a hold of the bedrock. They can survive during the toughest drought, the biggest winds cannot uproot them, and they are secure in the mightiest of snows. Why? Their roots go deep. The same is true for the person who has a deep abiding faith in Jesus Christ. No shallow watered scrub here. What survives in the spiritual realm is the person whose spiritual roots dig deep into the bedrock of the Lord Jesus Christ. When the drought of life comes they are still watered by the Holy Spirit. When the wind of life blows with hurricane force, their anchor root of faith holds safe and secure. When the deep snows of winter come, and death knocks on their doorstep, they are snug in the arms of God. A godly man will be firmly planted in God!
We have all heard the convoluted advice at some time or other to “not stand out.” In fact, there are those who now espouse the absurd notion that to succeed in school is stupid, while flunking every subject is smart. Kind of odd, huh? While many of us rebel, we rebel against the wrong things in life. Instead of rebelling against the ungodly “normalcy” of a sin-stained world, we try to fit in as best we can. Why is that? Yet, here in this Psalm we find the writer telling us that…
II. The man of God will not be like the wicked! (v. 4)
1. A Godly person will be best remembered for how they lived not what they acquired! There is not much that lasts in this world. The Psalmist reminds us of this fact, especially if we live an ungodly life. “Not so the wicked!” he tells us. It is a startling contrast to the righteous person described before this. The idea here is that this kind of person is ruled by their passions and emotions. They have the worldly motto of “If it feels good, do it!” Their ethics are completely situational and revolved around their desires and lusts. Yet, whatever they have gained in this life will be like so much “chaff.” The empty husks left over after the wheat has been winnowed, “that the wind blows away.” Interestingly these kinds of folks think of themselves as “good people.” Yet even their best efforts are empty and will not last. They may do kind and charitable deeds, but God’s evaluation of them is that they are without eternal merit. “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ,” Paul would write. “If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.” (1 Corinthians 3:11-15) Like chaff in the wind, a wicked person’s life is burned up. However, the man of God will not be like the wicked!
EXAMPLE: In Jesus' day, wheat was separated from the chaff by a process called winnowing. A person would shake the winnow back and forth, while allowing the wind to blow away the chaff. Jesus used this analogy to prepare Peter for the trauma he would face when he'd see his Master being led away to the cross. He said, "Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat" (Luke 22:31). Satan would later shake Peter to the core of his being in an attempt to destroy his faith. Guess what? Satan still uses the same tactic to get God’s people distracted from following Him. They are shaken by life’s trials. Cancer occurs, sickness overcomes us, a friend or family member suddenly dies without warning. Then our best efforts in life and our worldly acquisitions seem so useless. We would give all we owned to see ourselves or our loved one healed, cured, or alive again. We forget that what we own now, will soon be so much trash. Like chaff in the wind, a wicked person’s life is burned up. The Psalmist writes that the man of God will not be like the wicked.
Recently, fires swept through parts of California again destroying lands and homes. One woman standing in front of where her home used to be remarked, “It’s all ashes now.” Everything in her life had been burned up. Nothing was left. This is how it will be for those who have placed their trust in the things of this world. However, the Psalmist related that…
III. The man of God will not face God’s judgment! (vv. 5-6)
1. Judgment comes only for those who deserve it! In stark contrast between the godly and the wicked, the psalmist wrote that God will separate the righteous from the wicked in the judgment. The righteous are those who are related by covenant with the Lord which is now found Jesus Christ, those who live by His Word, and those who produce things of eternal value. God will divide the righteous and sinners as a man separates the wheat kernels from weedy tares. Jesus related that “This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Matthew 13:49-50) John the Baptist warned the crowd, “I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” (Matthew 3:11) Yet for the man of God he will hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” (Matthew 25:23) You see, the man of God will not face God’s judgment.
EXAMPLE: People who reject absolute standards of right and wrong are often inconsistent. When they think they are being treated unfairly, they appeal to a standard of justice that they expect everyone to adhere to. A philosophy professor began each new term by asking his class, “Do you believe it can be shown that there are absolute values like justice?” The free-thinking students all argued that everything is relative and no single law can be applied universally. Before the end of the semester, the professor devoted one class period to debate the issue. At the end, he concluded, “Regardless of what you think, I want you to know that absolute values can be demonstrated. And if you don’t accept what I say, I’ll flunk you!” One angry student got up and insisted, “That’s not fair!” “You’ve just proved my point,” replied the professor. “You’ve appealed to a higher standard of fairness.” While we may think that the judgment the Psalmist writes about is “not fair,” it is. Yet how wonderful to know that the man of God will not face God’s judgment.
Conclusion:
The man of God will be firmly planted, the man of God will not be like the wicked, and the man of God will not face God’s judgment.
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