Blessed is the Man - Psalms 1

Q. What actions are not associated with the righteous man (person) in v 1, 2?

• The righteous man does not walk - in the counsel of the wicked.
• He does not stand - in the paths (ways) of the sinners.
• He does not sit - in the seats of mockers.
• He does not participate in the sinful acts of others. It does not mean he does not associate or talk with them.

Q. What was Jesus accused of, in Matthew 9:10, 11 and Matthew 11:19?

• Jesus was accused many times by the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law as a friend of tax collectors and sinners, who spent lot of his time with them.

Q. Compare Psalms 1:1-2 with Matthew 9:10,11 and 11:19? how to follow instruction given in Psalms 1:1-2?

• It means that the righteous,
• Must not follow (walk) the counsel of the wicked.
• Must not participate (stand) in the sinful acts of wicked.
• Must not join (sit) with the  mockers.
• Even though Jesus spent a lot of time with the sinners and tax collectors, His presence brought light and redemption (salvation) in those dark places and lives.

What is the joy of a righteous man?

• To meditate on the Word of the Lord day and night.
• To learn and obey the word of God.

Q. What are the characteristics of the tree planted by the rivers (streams) of the water?

• It is alive and gives us food, shelter and is useful in many other ways.
• Its leaves do not wither. (No fall!)
• It gets the nourishment from water. Its roots are planted near source of life, water.
• It bears fruits in an appropriate season. (The fruits are useful for others not for its own.)

Q. How does the example for the of tree relate to the righteous person?

• He is always growing the the Lord, rooted in the firm foundation of the Word of God. (Ephesians 3:17)
• He bears much fruits. (John 15:8 - "This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.")
• Galatians 5: 22 - "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control."

Q. What are the characteristics of chaff?

• Aimless, Directionless, without purpose. It is of no use.

Q What is the destiny of the wicked described in v. 5-6?

• They will not stand in the judgment of God.
• They will not sit in the assembly of righteous.
• They will be perished.

Application Questions:

1. How is your standing in the judgment of God? Have you received Christ and His righteousness?
2. Are you firmly rooted in the word of God? (Ephesians 3: 17)
3. Do you meditate on the Word of God every day?
4. Do you manifest the fruit of the spirit? (Galatians 5:22)