Roots of Righteousness

Roots of Righteousness

(Psalm 1)

Logan Peters

Thesis: A man who plants his roots in the righteousness of God leads a blessed life.

Purpose: To endorse the idea of living in righteousness and not in ungodliness.

Introduction:

1) A plant or tree can only thrive when it has a good source of sunlight and water.

2) Without these two things, a tree cannot grow and will probably die.

3) In a physical sense, man is the same. He needs sustenance for his physical body.

4) In a spiritual sense, he is the same as well. Psalm 1:3 compares a righteous man to a tree that is planted by the rivers of water.

5) The man who lives righteously is to plant himself in God's righteousness, which will lead him to a blessed and fulfilled life.

6) If one desires to live a righteous life, Psalm 1 gives a great example of the life of one who is righteous.

7) It is only in righteousness that man can find true satisfaction and blessings in life.

8) Many applications from this Psalm can be applied directly to one’s life and lead to immediate change.

9) Three aspects of this Psalm need to be analyzed: Roots of righteousness are not planted near unclean waters, roots of righteousness are planted near the living water, and roots of righteousness are planted in heaven.

I. Roots of Righteousness Are Not Planted Near Unclean Water (Psa. 1:1)

A. If a man desires to be righteous, he cannot live the same lifestyle as the wicked.

1. What kind of company should a righteous man keep?

i. According to the Psalmist, a righteous man does not keep company with those who are wicked.

ii. This can be those who are outside of the church and live in habitual sin.

iii. It is important to remain in company with the members of the Lord’s church.

iv. These men and women will be more likely to help one get to heaven and be a great source of accountability.

2. There is a progression that happens with a righteous man when he begins to associate himself with the wicked.

i. Walking in the counsel of the ungodly indicates passing by but engaging with the ungodly for a moment.

ii. Standing in the way of sinners is not simply walking past the sinners but stopping and being within the company, entertaining sin.

iii. Sitting in the seat of the scoffers is a permanent position of being among the wicked, living a sinful lifestyle.

B. The man who is blessed does not plant his roots with unclean water but continues to press toward those things that are righteous.

II. Roots of Righteousness Are Planted Near the Living Water (Psa. 1:2, 3)

A. The righteous man truly delights in one thing: the Law of God (Psa. 1:2).

1. How should the study life of a righteous man look?

i. Does the righteous neglect his studying of God’s Word?

ii. If his delight is in the Law of the Lord, then he lives in a state of constant study, and he hungers for the knowledge of God.

iii. What is the message man sends to God when he leaves the Word of God lying on the kitchen table six days a week?

2. The righteous focuses deeply on the Word of God, day and night.

i. The only way man can learn of the true nature of God is to study His Word.

ii. This is the lifeline of mankind and is the only power that can justify man and make him righteous in the sight of God.

B. The righteous man plants his roots near the living water (Psa. 1:3).

1. A tree has roots that run deep to absorb all the nutrients and good water that will sustain its life.

i. The righteous must plant his roots in the Word of God and His righteousness.

ii. It is because of this life-giving water that man can be fruitful in righteousness.

iii. Because of God’s Word, His guidance and direction allow for the righteous man to live a full life of service in the kingdom.

2. A life in the service of God is not in vain and yields many fruits.

i. If the righteous delight in the Law of God, follow it intently and plant his roots in the life-sustaining waters, he does not wither away spiritually and thrives in living a life devoted to God.

ii. There is no greater life to live than the life of a Christian!

III. Roots of Righteousness Are Planted in Heaven (Psa. 1:4-6).

A. The righteous man knows what awaits him in heaven (Psa. 1:4, 5).

1. The ungodly do not follow the pattern of the righteous.

i. The ungodly are like the chaff, which are discarded by the wind.

ii. Because the chaff is contrasted with the tree planted by the waters, God reveals that the ungodly and unrighteous shall not be able to stand on judgment day but be cast away to eternal separation from God.

iii. Keeping with the contrast, the righteous can go boldly into judgment with roots anchored in heaven.

2. Because of the dedication to God and His Word, the righteous man will stand before God, separated from the wicked.

i. Continue in righteousness, and continue serving God because, at the end of life, it will all be worth it.

ii. One needs to anchor himself in heaven, where the reward lies.

iii. Awaiting the righteous is a promise of rest if he continues being faithful to God.

B. The Lord knows the hearts of men. (Psa. 1:6).

1. The Lord knows the ways, or the heart, of the righteous.

i. God knows the efforts and the desires of the righteous.

ii. He knows the inward attitude and thoughts of a man when it comes to His kingdom.

iii. The righteous can take solace in the fact that no matter what others say or perceive, God knows the hearts of men.

2. The ungodly shall perish in the end.

i. Living a life of wickedness and being involved in worldly lusts only leads to eternal punishment.

ii. The righteous must anchor himself in heaven and allow heaven to constantly be on his mind.

Conclusion:

1) This Psalm describes the man who is blessed and righteous.

2) The righteous man lives a life different from the world and the wicked.

3) The question is: are we living righteously?

4) Are we staying away from unclean waters, planting our roots in the living water, and are we anchoring ourselves in heaven?

5) Life is not about making a certain amount of money; it is not about obtaining a certain status with men. It is about living a righteous life for God.

6) How does one begin a righteous life for God?

7) It all begins with obeying the Gospel.

8) God loved the world so much that He sent His only Son to be the propitiation for the sins of the world (John 3:16; 1 John 2:2).

9) He desires that one would

a) Hear the Word (Rom. 10:17)

b) Believe that Word (Heb. 11:6)

c) Repent of your sins (Acts 2:38)

d) Confess Jesus as the Son of God (Rom. 10:9, 10)

e) Be baptized (1 Pet. 3:21)

f) Remain faithful (1 Cor. 15:58)

10) Today is the day to live that righteous life in total service to God!