A Memorable Life

Introduction

Driving to the farm. Bridge out, changes route.

When your route changes you learn some things.

Sometimes it is a better way.

The Psalms point its readers to a better way.

Three things that we find in the first Psalm to a better way:

Guardrails to blessedness, Guidance to fruitfulness, and a Guarantee of eternity.

Guardrails to Blessedness

vv. 1-2

Wreck on the way to college. A lot of damage and dangerous. If I had gone off to the left instead of the right.

How much damage and danger could have been avoided by guardrails?

Guardrails prevent us from veering off course and keeps us going in right direction.

This Psalm reminds us of the guardrails to blessedness.

What is blessedness?

Blessedness is joy and gratitude in the presence of God.

The definition of the better way.

The opposite of “cursed.”

This Psalm gives the warning against the progression of evil.

The old adage of the boiling frog.

Most people don’t set out with the goal of evil.

Instead, pursue a Scriptural life.

Torah = Instruction

It provides the guardrails to a blessed life.

Guidance to Fruitfulness

vv. 3-4

Growing up on the farm, least favorite thing was building fence.

But, there was something about being done - a sense of accomplishment.

God is a creator and we are created in His image. One of the attributes He has given us.

As Christians, we are given the Holy Spirit who empowers us to produce spiritual fruit.

Galatians 5:22–23 ESV

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Not only are these things useful to us, but our fruit is helpful to others and glorifying to God!

Matthew 5:16 ESV

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

The Christian life has gravity.

A substance of value.

The opposite is “chaff.”

The outer husk. A layer that is removed and is easily blown away so that what is useful remains.

We should be able to look back and see growth and good works.

Guarantee of Eternity

vv. 5-6

This verb to stand - survive.

Judgment is coming.

Judgment begins with a separation. Sinners & Righteous.

Each has an eternity “the way.”

One of blessing and one of punishment.

John 5:28–29 ESV

Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.

These verses call us to reflect on our own lives.

Is my life going in the right direction? (Repentance)

Is my life giving evidence of that? (Fruit)

So that I can know about my eternity?

1 John 5:13 ESV

I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.

You can have assurance about your eternity.

Conclusion

Options on a GPS: shortest, avoid tolls, scenic.

A better way isn’t just about the destination, but also about the journey.

The Christian life isn’t just about eternity, but it is also about experiencing meaning and purpose today.

Live a memorable life through a relationship with Jesus.

Follow Jesus for the best life.