Psalm 1:1-6

Walking the Blessed Path

Bible Passage: Psalm 1:1-6

Summary: Psalm 1 contrasts the way of the righteous with the way of the wicked, illustrating how a life rooted in God's Word leads to true blessing and stability.

Application: Children can learn that choosing to delight in God's Word and His ways sets them on a path of spiritual strength and blessings, even when faced with challenges.

Teaching: This sermon teaches that true happiness and blessing come from following God's ways, delighting in His teachings, and avoiding negative influences that lead away from Him.

How this passage could point to Christ: Jesus is the perfect embodiment of the Blessed Man, who fulfilled God's Word perfectly. He invites us to follow Him and find true life as we walk in His path.

Big Idea: Delighting in God's Word and walking in His path leads to a life of blessing and strength, as modeled by Jesus, the ultimate Blessed Man.

Recommended Study: Consider exploring the Hebrew terms for 'blessed' (ashar) and 'delight' (chephets) in Logos to deepen your understanding of the text's emotional and spiritual nuances. Examine the metaphorical language used to describe a tree planted by streams of water, which can enhance the imagery in your teaching. Additionally, investigate the structure and poetic form of the Psalm, looking at parallelism and contrast to emphasize the divergent paths presented.

1. Pursue Pure Paths

Ps 1:1-2

You could consider how choosing the right influences and avoiding those that lead us away from God can bless our lives and lead us on a righteous path, just as the blessed man delights in the law of the Lord.

2. Rooted in Righteousness

Ps 1:3

Perhaps you might reflect on how being rooted in God's Word, like a tree planted by streams of water, brings nourishment and a fruitful life, encouraging us to depend on Him for growth and sustenance.

3. Recognize Ruinous Roads

Ps 1:4

Maybe you should think about the consequences of choosing the way of the wicked, and how their paths ultimately lead to destruction, contrasting that with the joy found in following God's ways.

4. Stand Strong in Salvation

Ps 1:5

You could explore the reality that the wicked will not stand before God, reminding us of the importance of aligning with His righteousness, encouraging us to choose the path that brings life.

5. Stay Safe with Security

Ps 1:6

Perhaps it's worth contemplating the assurance that the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, providing comfort and hope as we navigate life's choices, knowing we are secure in His presence.

Psalm 1:1–6 NASB95

How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, But they are like chaff which the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, Nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, But the way of the wicked will perish.