“Down by the Riverside: A Planted Life in 2025”

Sermon in a Sentence

Living a blessed life begins with rejecting ungodly influences and embracing God’s Word as our guide.

Introduction

Good morning, Jerusalem Baptist Church! Today, we begin our journey into this year’s theme: “Rooted in Favor, Relevant in Purpose.” We’re starting with a powerful image from Psalm 1—a tree planted by streams of water, thriving and unshaken in every season.

Have you ever seen a tree growing by a river? Its roots reach deep into the soil, pulling up water even in the heat of summer. That tree stands tall, green, and fruitful because of its connection to the source. This is what God desires for each of us—to be planted, rooted, and thriving in His favor.

The book of Psalms is the Israelite hymnbook that contains 150 songs by different authors with themes of praise, lament, thanksgiving, and wisdom. The book is divided into five books, represent the five book of the Torah. The Israelites used this book during their time of worship to set the atmosphere.

Point 1: The Blessing of Separation (Verse 1)

“Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.”

Do you want God to bless you? You say, “We want God to bless us. We believe the Lord is coming.” Did you read the Bible or watch TV more this week? Think of the time you have spent. How many half-hour periods did you spend with your Bible, and how many did you spend with amusements? We do not take our faith seriously enough.

Joshua 1:7–8; Psalm 1:1–3; Psalm 119:97

Rut, Rot or Revival: The Condition of the Church, 130.

A. W. Tozer

• Contrast of Choices:

As believers, we start with what TO do as opposed to what NOT to do. The psalmist starts with what NOT to do. The word blessed here is (אַשְׁרֵי) asre meaning a heightened state of happiness and joy, implying very favorable circumstances and enjoyment. A blessed life avoids walking with ungodly influences, standing still in sin, or sitting comfortably among mockers.

Three Degrees of Separating from God

• Walking: Being influenced by the world’s values (Conformity to the world’s systems)

• Standing: Becoming stagnant in sin.

• Sitting: Fully embracing a lifestyle contrary to God’s will (accepting the world’s advice)

• Application:

Ask yourself: Who or what influences you? Social media, culture, or God’s Word? Being rooted means rejecting what leads you away from God.

• Illustration:

Imagine a tree trying to grow in rocky soil—it struggles. When we surround ourselves with ungodly influences, we miss the blessings of being firmly rooted in God’s truth.

Point 2: The Blessing in the Scripture (Verse 2)

“But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law, he meditates day and night.”

• Joy in God’s Word:

To be rooted, we must delight in Scripture. Reading the Bible is not a chore—it’s nourishment for our souls.

• Meditating day and night doesn’t mean constant reading but living with God’s Word at the center of our thoughts and actions.

• Application:

Develop daily habits to stay connected to God’s Word:

• Start your day with Scripture.

• Memorize verses that speak to your current season.

• Let Scripture guide your decisions.

• Illustration:

Picture a tree that drinks deeply from a river. The river represents God’s Word, constantly supplying strength and refreshment. Without it, the tree dries up.

Point 3: The Blessing of the Leaf (Verse 3)

“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.”

Learn how to live a “Green Life”

• Firmly Planted:

A tree planted by the river doesn’t depend on rain; it draws from a steady, underground source. Likewise, when we’re rooted in God, we thrive regardless of external circumstances.

• Fruit in Season:

God calls each of us to bear fruit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and more (Galatians 5:22-23).

• Fruit doesn’t appear instantly—it comes “in season.” Trust God to work in His time.

• Unfading Leaves:

A healthy tree’s leaves remain green. Staying connected to God ensures spiritual vitality, even in tough times.

• Prosperity in Purpose:

Prosperity here isn’t just material blessings—it’s thriving in God’s will. Everything we do aligns with His purpose, and that is true success.

• Illustration:

Think about a drought. Trees without roots dry up, but those planted by the river remain green. Similarly, when trials come, those rooted in God will stand strong and prosper.

Application: How to Stay Rooted

1. Choose Your Soil Wisely:

• Be intentional about the people, places, and influences in your life.

• Avoid negativity and sin that corrupt your growth.

2. Drink from God’s Word Daily:

• Build a routine of Bible reading and prayer.

• Let God’s Word shape your thoughts and actions.

3. Trust God’s Timing:

• Be patient as God produces fruit in your life.

• Stay connected even when you don’t see immediate results.

Conclusion

As we step into this new year, let’s commit to being like the tree in Psalm 1—rooted by the river of God’s Word, drawing strength from Him, and thriving in His favor.

No matter what this year holds—whether storms, droughts, or sunshine—if we remain planted by the river, we will bear fruit, our leaves will not wither, and whatever we do will prosper.

Call to Action:

Today, I challenge you to examine your roots. Are you planted by the river of God’s Word? If not, make a commitment to move closer to the source.

Let us pray:

“Lord, plant us by Your river. Help us delight in Your Word, reject ungodly influences, and bear fruit in every season. May we walk in Your favor and fulfill Your purpose. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

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