Two ways to live

Psalms 1:1-6 ESV

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord , and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; for the Lord  knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.

Rev. Dwight Yoo

Why are the psalms beneficial for study?

These are songs meant for accompaniment with a harp. These writings span about a thousand years. They have been encouraging believers for over three thousand years.

The value of the PSALMS

They teach us how to PRAY

These psalms teach us how to pray. In all sorts of circumstances, joy, sorrow, doubt, etc.

SONGS to honestly express ourselves

They help us to express how we are feeling. Music can express better than just dialog.

Because of their MESSAGE

The psalms not only teach us how to talk to God, but they also teach us about God's love, faithfulness, his character...

Psalm 1 is the introduction to this book. It tells us that there are two ways to live. Only two. This psalm tells of the beauty of the good path and the tragedy of the other path.

Difference in influence

The wicked man walks, stands, and sits. This is the picture of one who is being influenced by the people of the world. They walk with wicked people. They are living a lifestyle of sin. And not only disbelieve, but they mock belief in God. Thus speaks to a breadth and depth of influence of worldliness.

This picture is a stark contrast to the one who follows God. They meditate on God's law day and night. It speaks of a totality of life being influenced by the word of God.

These two influences are completely radical and in stark contrast to each other: the word of God and the world. We will listen to those that we believe are authoritative. If we believe God, then we will listen to Him. If not, then we will look to the world for truth and happiness.

Which one does your life look like? What really influences you?

Difference in output and outcome

The life of the righteous are fruitful and prosperous. Not materially prospering or worldly success. Even in tough times, they will still bear good fruit. When you spend time with these people, you are spiritually refreshed. They are encouraging, blessing, and bear much spiritual fruit. The leaf does not wither! Even in the worst of drought and heat, they still bear fruit. They are headed towards intimacy with God.

The wicked are like chaff. They have no substance to their lives. Chaff has no value. The only thing you can do is burn it. In the eternal picture, they have nothing of worth. They are building sand castles. They are headed towards destruction.

How to get on and stay on the road to life

This passage is not talking about how to get on the righteous road. It talks about one who is already on the road to life. It is descriptive, not commanding.

So then how do we get on the road?

We first acknowledge that we cannot live this way. Then we turn to the only one who lived this way, Jesus. Through faith in Him, we find the road. He changes us to become this person we've read about. God will plant us and make us  fruitful trees.