Summer in the Psalms – Week 7

Psalm 1

1. Introduction: Defining True Happiness & Satisfaction

  • Reflective Questions:
    • I Would Be Happy If: _______
    • I Will Have a Full & Satisfied Heart If: _______

2. Psalm 1:1 ESV — The Path to Blessing

“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.”

Three Postures to Avoid:

  1. Walks in the counsel of the wicked
    • Reflection: Who are you listening to that is distancing your heart from Jesus?
  2. Stands in the way of sinners
    • Reflection: Who are you engaging because you’re attracted to their life that is not pursuing Jesus?
  3. Sits in the seat of scoffers

Insight: A life defined by sin leads to a heart constantly seeking happiness but never truly “happy.”

3. Psalm 1:2 ESV — The Source of Delight

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

  • Some live to avoid sin, but do not delight in the Lord.

Matthew 22:37 ESV

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”

The Purpose of God’s Word:

  1. Reveal the greatness of God’s character
  2. Reveal our great need for a Savior
  3. Reveal that Jesus alone saves

Delighting in God’s Word causes us to delight in Jesus.

4. Psalm 1:3 ESV — The Flourishing Life

“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.”

Characteristics of the Blessed Life:

  • Planted by streams of water
  • Yields fruit in season
  • Leaf does not wither
  • Prospers in God’s way

Cross-References:

  • John 7:38-39 ESV: Rivers of living water — the Holy Spirit
  • John 15:5 ESV: Abide in Jesus to bear much fruit

5. Psalm 1:4-5 ESV — The Contrast with the Wicked

“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.”

  • The wicked: unstable, without foundation, separated in judgment.

6. Psalm 1:6 ESV — Two Destinies

“For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.”

John 14:6 ESV

“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

7. Application & Invitation

Summary of the Two Ways:

  • The Way of the Righteous: delights in God’s Word, flourishes, bears fruit, known by the Lord.
  • The Way of the Wicked: defined by sin, perishes.

Gospel Invitation:

  • Believe in Jesus for rivers of living water (John 7:38-39)
  • Abide in Jesus to bear fruit (John 15:5)
  • Jesus is the only Way to the Father (John 14:6)

Response: Text “YES” to 636-336-2475 to follow Jesus.

8. Closing Reflection

“The LORD knows the way of the righteous.”

  • Following Jesus is not just a better life — it’s the only way to true life.

Email my notes