THIRTY, EXPANDED SERMON OUTLINE

SERIES:

THE LYRICS OF LIFE

SUBJECT:

The Man of God

READING:

Psalm 1

Introduction

This first psalm is a fitting introduction to the sacred Psalter. Indeed, it constitutes a perfect summation of the whole book of Psalms, for it describes man as God intends him to be. Like the Sermon on the Mount, this hymn begins with the word “blessed,” and then goes on to show how blessedness and godliness are inseparably joined together. The psalmist then concludes with a striking contrast in which the ungodly man is portrayed both as to his character and his ultimate condemnation.

I. What the Man of God is Negatively

“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful” (1:1). We must remember that there is a negative side to godliness. There are some things which the man of God will not do. There is a divine nature within his personality which is diametrically opposed to that which is godless, sinful and scornful.

1) He is Opposed to Godless Thinking

“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly” (1:1). His manner of life is not directed by the wisdom of this world, but rather by the wisdom which is from above. His philosophy of life is not sensual or earthly, but rather spiritual and divine. Instead of going to the world for his advice he daily seeks his counsel from heaven.

1. Amplify

2) He is Opposed to Lawless Living

“Nor standeth in the way of sinners” (1:1). While godlessness may be defined as the ignorance of God, sinfulness is the berate violation of the divine law. John declares in his epistle that “sin is the transgression of the law [or literally, lawlessness]” (1 John 3:4).

2. Illustrate

3) He is Opposed to Careless Speaking

“Nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful” (Ps. 1:1). Those who begin to walk in the counsel of the ungodly usually end up sitting in the seat of the scornful. This is the chief seat in the kingdom of Satan. Those who occupy this position are filled with pride and contempt, and therefore regard the things of God with utter carelessness and scornfulness.

3. Amplify

II. What the Man of God is Positively

“But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night” (1:2). Let us leave the negative side and look at the positive side.

1) He Appreciates the Word of God

“His delight is in the law of the Lord” (1:2). The life blessed by God can never be separated from reading and studying the Bible. One of the greatest sins of our age is our neglect of God’s Holy Word. That is why we have such weak and ineffective Christians in our churches. God make us like Thomas à Kempis, who often said, “I have no rest, but in a nook with the Book.”

4. Amplify

2) He Appropriates the Word of God

“And in his law doth he meditate day and night” (1:2). It is one thing to appreciate. the Bible for its literary excellence, and its theological concepts, but quite another thing to appropriate its message and live out its doctrine in daily obedience. The art of meditation involves appropriation; indeed, meditation is as needful to our spiritual health and strength as mastication and assimilation are to the physical. Jeremiah knew something about this when he said, “Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart” (Jer. 15:16).

5. Amplify

III. What the Man of God is Consequently

“And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper” (1:3). When the circuit of Christian experience is complete there flows a life of true blessedness. In exquisite language, the characteristics of such a life are here described for us.

1) He Shows Stability

“He shall be like a tree planted” (1:3). In a day when there is so much inconstancy and unsteadiness, how wonderful it is to focus on a life which is characterized by stability. “A tree planted’ stands for a life “grounded and settled, and … not moved away from the hope of the gospel” (Col. 1:23).

We can all remember trees that have been landmarks in our experience. From early childhood right through to adulthood, such a tree has remained immovable, growing ever more majestic and beautiful, a shelter for all who would seek its shade, and a refuge for those who would hide among its branches and foliage.

The Lord Jesus said, “Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up” (Matt. 15:13).

6. Amplify

2) He Shows Vitality

“He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water” (1:3). Water is a symbol of the ministry of the Holy Spirit. The true believer, therefore, reaches down to this fountain of living water and draws upon the constant sufficiency of the divine life. There is no drought or dryness in such a life, but rather the freshness and vitality of the Holy Spirit.

7. Amplify

3) He Shows Fertility

“He … bringeth forth his fruit in his season” (1:3). This is the imagery of Christian fruitfulness. The Apostle Paul tells us that “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law” (Gal. 5:22–23). How satisfying it is to bear the fruit of the Spirit in season; that is to say, to produce love when this quality is called for; joy, when there is need for joy;. peace, when peace is lacking, and so on. This is the ministry of the Spirit in us and though us as we “trust and obey.”

8. Amplify

4) He Shows Consistency

“His leaf also shall not wither” (Ps. 1:3). There is a vital link between the root and the leaf. Dry roots soon result in dry rot in the leaves. Though people cannot see the roots of the Christian character, the leaf is easily visible. It follows, therefore, that the hidden condition of the roots may be judged by the outward appearance of the leaf. If the outward life is fresh and green, then it is clear that the inward life is pure and full of sap. Withered leaves are a sign of a withered life.

9. Illustrate

5) He Shows Prosperity

“Whatsoever he doeth shall prosper” (1:3). Another rendering reads, “And whatsoever he doeth shall come to maturity.” It is God’s design for our life that we should be ever moving on to maturity, growing up into Christ until we arrive at “the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ” (Eph. 4:13); or to put it in other words, until we are “conformed to the image of his Son” (Rom. 8:29). Here is also the thought of spiritual success— “Whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” It is good to know that the prospering hand of God rests on every life that is centered in the “good.… acceptable, and perfect will of God.”

Conclusion

This, then, is the inflow and outflow of a life that is negatively and positively adjusted to the will of God. This is surely true blessedness in the highest sense.

What a contrast this is to the ungodly life. The psalmist tells us that they “are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish” (1:4–6). Notice that the ungodly are not living trees, but dead chaff. Where one defies the storm, the other is driven before it. To stand “in the way of sinners” means not to stand in the day of judgment; so “the way of the ungodly” must “perish,” for it is the way of godless thinking, lawless living and careless speaking. There is a way which seemeth right unto a man; but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Prov. 14:12).

God deliver us from anything less than the blessedness which He has purposed for men and women after His own heart.

Additional Annotations

1. Amplify

… to show that “as [a man] thinketh in his heart, so is he” (Prov. 23:7).

2. Illustrate

… to show that where there are no absolute standards for living, moral chaos follows. Solomon said, “Where there is no vision [or prophetic vision], the people perish [or throw off all moral restraint]” (Prov. 29:18).

3. Amplify

… to show that where thinking and living are not controlled by the Spirit of God the tongue is “an unruly evil, full of deadly poison (see James 3:1–18).

4. Amplify

… to show what it means to appreciate the Word of God. Use such Scriptures as Psalm 19:7–10 and 2 Timothy 2:15.

5. Amplify

… to show how a Christian should have his daily Quiet Time. (Resource material can be found in Manna in the Morning by Stephen F. Olford, Olford Ministries International, P.O. Box 757800, Memphis, TN 38175.).

6. Amplify

… to show the need for Christian stability today, using such Scriptures as 1 Corinthians 15:58.

7. Amplify

… to show what it means to be constantly filled with the Holy Spirit (John 4:14; Eph. 5:18).

8. Amplify

… to show that we glorify God when we bear “much fruit” (see John 15:8 in context).

9. Illustrate

… the nature of consistency, (the evergreen leaf) by the human life of Jesus. Show hog’ His hidden life (the roots) pleased the Father just as much as His open life (the leaves); see Matthew 3:13–17; 17:1–5; also Hebrews 13:8.

Introduction

This first psalm is a fitting introduction to the sacred Psalter. Indeed, it constitutes a perfect summation of the whole book of Psalms, for it describes man as God intends him to be. Like the Sermon on the Mount, this hymn begins with the word “blessed,” and then goes on to show how blessedness and godliness are inseparably joined together. The psalmist then concludes with a striking contrast in which the ungodly man is portrayed both as to his character and his ultimate condemnation.

I. What the Man of God is Negatively

“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful” (1:1). We must remember that there is a negative side to godliness. There are some things which the man of God will not do. There is a divine nature within his personality which is diametrically opposed to that which is godless, sinful and scornful.

1) He is Opposed to Godless Thinking

“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly” (1:1). His manner of life is not directed by the wisdom of this world, but rather by the wisdom which is from above. His philosophy of life is not sensual or earthly, but rather spiritual and divine. Instead of going to the world for his advice he daily seeks his counsel from heaven.

1. Amplify

2) He is Opposed to Lawless Living

“Nor standeth in the way of sinners” (1:1). While godlessness may be defined as the ignorance of God, sinfulness is the berate violation of the divine law. John declares in his epistle that “sin is the transgression of the law [or literally, lawlessness]” (1 John 3:4).

2. Illustrate

3) He is Opposed to Careless Speaking

“Nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful” (Ps. 1:1). Those who begin to walk in the counsel of the ungodly usually end up sitting in the seat of the scornful. This is the chief seat in the kingdom of Satan. Those who occupy this position are filled with pride and contempt, and therefore regard the things of God with utter carelessness and scornfulness.

3. Amplify

II. What the Man of God is Positively

“But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night” (1:2). Let us leave the negative side and look at the positive side.

1) He Appreciates the Word of God

“His delight is in the law of the Lord” (1:2). The life blessed by God can never be separated from reading and studying the Bible. One of the greatest sins of our age is our neglect of God’s Holy Word. That is why we have such weak and ineffective Christians in our churches. God make us like Thomas à Kempis, who often said, “I have no rest, but in a nook with the Book.”

4. Amplify

2) He Appropriates the Word of God

“And in his law doth he meditate day and night” (1:2). It is one thing to appreciate. the Bible for its literary excellence, and its theological concepts, but quite another thing to appropriate its message and live out its doctrine in daily obedience. The art of meditation involves appropriation; indeed, meditation is as needful to our spiritual health and strength as mastication and assimilation are to the physical. Jeremiah knew something about this when he said, “Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart” (Jer. 15:16).

5. Amplify

III. What the Man of God is Consequently

“And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper” (1:3). When the circuit of Christian experience is complete there flows a life of true blessedness. In exquisite language, the characteristics of such a life are here described for us.

1) He Shows Stability

“He shall be like a tree planted” (1:3). In a day when there is so much inconstancy and unsteadiness, how wonderful it is to focus on a life which is characterized by stability. “A tree planted’ stands for a life “grounded and settled, and … not moved away from the hope of the gospel” (Col. 1:23).

We can all remember trees that have been landmarks in our experience. From early childhood right through to adulthood, such a tree has remained immovable, growing ever more majestic and beautiful, a shelter for all who would seek its shade, and a refuge for those who would hide among its branches and foliage.

The Lord Jesus said, “Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up” (Matt. 15:13).

6. Amplify

2) He Shows Vitality

“He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water” (1:3). Water is a symbol of the ministry of the Holy Spirit. The true believer, therefore, reaches down to this fountain of living water and draws upon the constant sufficiency of the divine life. There is no drought or dryness in such a life, but rather the freshness and vitality of the Holy Spirit.

7. Amplify

3) He Shows Fertility

“He … bringeth forth his fruit in his season” (1:3). This is the imagery of Christian fruitfulness. The Apostle Paul tells us that “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law” (Gal. 5:22–23). How satisfying it is to bear the fruit of the Spirit in season; that is to say, to produce love when this quality is called for; joy, when there is need for joy;. peace, when peace is lacking, and so on. This is the ministry of the Spirit in us and though us as we “trust and obey.”

8. Amplify

4) He Shows Consistency

“His leaf also shall not wither” (Ps. 1:3). There is a vital link between the root and the leaf. Dry roots soon result in dry rot in the leaves. Though people cannot see the roots of the Christian character, the leaf is easily visible. It follows, therefore, that the hidden condition of the roots may be judged by the outward appearance of the leaf. If the outward life is fresh and green, then it is clear that the inward life is pure and full of sap. Withered leaves are a sign of a withered life.

9. Illustrate

5) He Shows Prosperity

“Whatsoever he doeth shall prosper” (1:3). Another rendering reads, “And whatsoever he doeth shall come to maturity.” It is God’s design for our life that we should be ever moving on to maturity, growing up into Christ until we arrive at “the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ” (Eph. 4:13); or to put it in other words, until we are “conformed to the image of his Son” (Rom. 8:29). Here is also the thought of spiritual success— “Whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” It is good to know that the prospering hand of God rests on every life that is centered in the “good.… acceptable, and perfect will of God.”

Conclusion

This, then, is the inflow and outflow of a life that is negatively and positively adjusted to the will of God. This is surely true blessedness in the highest sense.

What a contrast this is to the ungodly life. The psalmist tells us that they “are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish” (1:4–6). Notice that the ungodly are not living trees, but dead chaff. Where one defies the storm, the other is driven before it. To stand “in the way of sinners” means not to stand in the day of judgment; so “the way of the ungodly” must “perish,” for it is the way of godless thinking, lawless living and careless speaking. There is a way which seemeth right unto a man; but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Prov. 14:12).

God deliver us from anything less than the blessedness which He has purposed for men and women after His own heart.

Additional Annotations

1. Amplify

… to show that “as [a man] thinketh in his heart, so is he” (Prov. 23:7).

2. Illustrate

… to show that where there are no absolute standards for living, moral chaos follows. Solomon said, “Where there is no vision [or prophetic vision], the people perish [or throw off all moral restraint]” (Prov. 29:18).

3. Amplify

… to show that where thinking and living are not controlled by the Spirit of God the tongue is “an unruly evil, full of deadly poison (see James 3:1–18).

4. Amplify

… to show what it means to appreciate the Word of God. Use such Scriptures as Psalm 19:7–10 and 2 Timothy 2:15.

5. Amplify

… to show how a Christian should have his daily Quiet Time. (Resource material can be found in Manna in the Morning by Stephen F. Olford, Olford Ministries International, P.O. Box 757800, Memphis, TN 38175.).

6. Amplify

… to show the need for Christian stability today, using such Scriptures as 1 Corinthians 15:58.

7. Amplify

… to show what it means to be constantly filled with the Holy Spirit (John 4:14; Eph. 5:18).

8. Amplify

… to show that we glorify God when we bear “much fruit” (see John 15:8 in context).

9. Illustrate

… the nature of consistency, (the evergreen leaf) by the human life of Jesus. Show hog’ His hidden life (the roots) pleased the Father just as much as His open life (the leaves); see Matthew 3:13–17; 17:1–5; also Hebrews 13:8.

THIRTY, EXPANDED SERMON OUTLINE

SERIES:

THE LYRICS OF LIFE

SUBJECT:

The Man of God

READING:

Psalm 1

Introduction

This first psalm is a fitting introduction to the sacred Psalter. Indeed, it constitutes a perfect summation of the whole book of Psalms, for it describes man as God intends him to be. Like the Sermon on the Mount, this hymn begins with the word “blessed,” and then goes on to show how blessedness and godliness are inseparably joined together. The psalmist then concludes with a striking contrast in which the ungodly man is portrayed both as to his character and his ultimate condemnation.

I. What the Man of God is Negatively

“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful” (1:1). We must remember that there is a negative side to godliness. There are some things which the man of God will not do. There is a divine nature within his personality which is diametrically opposed to that which is godless, sinful and scornful.

1) He is Opposed to Godless Thinking

“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly” (1:1). His manner of life is not directed by the wisdom of this world, but rather by the wisdom which is from above. His philosophy of life is not sensual or earthly, but rather spiritual and divine. Instead of going to the world for his advice he daily seeks his counsel from heaven.

1. Amplify

2) He is Opposed to Lawless Living

“Nor standeth in the way of sinners” (1:1). While godlessness may be defined as the ignorance of God, sinfulness is the berate violation of the divine law. John declares in his epistle that “sin is the transgression of the law [or literally, lawlessness]” (1 John 3:4).

2. Illustrate

3) He is Opposed to Careless Speaking

“Nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful” (Ps. 1:1). Those who begin to walk in the counsel of the ungodly usually end up sitting in the seat of the scornful. This is the chief seat in the kingdom of Satan. Those who occupy this position are filled with pride and contempt, and therefore regard the things of God with utter carelessness and scornfulness.

3. Amplify

II. What the Man of God is Positively

“But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night” (1:2). Let us leave the negative side and look at the positive side.

1) He Appreciates the Word of God

“His delight is in the law of the Lord” (1:2). The life blessed by God can never be separated from reading and studying the Bible. One of the greatest sins of our age is our neglect of God’s Holy Word. That is why we have such weak and ineffective Christians in our churches. God make us like Thomas à Kempis, who often said, “I have no rest, but in a nook with the Book.”

4. Amplify

2) He Appropriates the Word of God

“And in his law doth he meditate day and night” (1:2). It is one thing to appreciate. the Bible for its literary excellence, and its theological concepts, but quite another thing to appropriate its message and live out its doctrine in daily obedience. The art of meditation involves appropriation; indeed, meditation is as needful to our spiritual health and strength as mastication and assimilation are to the physical. Jeremiah knew something about this when he said, “Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart” (Jer. 15:16).

5. Amplify

III. What the Man of God is Consequently

“And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper” (1:3). When the circuit of Christian experience is complete there flows a life of true blessedness. In exquisite language, the characteristics of such a life are here described for us.

1) He Shows Stability

“He shall be like a tree planted” (1:3). In a day when there is so much inconstancy and unsteadiness, how wonderful it is to focus on a life which is characterized by stability. “A tree planted’ stands for a life “grounded and settled, and … not moved away from the hope of the gospel” (Col. 1:23).

We can all remember trees that have been landmarks in our experience. From early childhood right through to adulthood, such a tree has remained immovable, growing ever more majestic and beautiful, a shelter for all who would seek its shade, and a refuge for those who would hide among its branches and foliage.

The Lord Jesus said, “Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up” (Matt. 15:13).

6. Amplify

2) He Shows Vitality

“He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water” (1:3). Water is a symbol of the ministry of the Holy Spirit. The true believer, therefore, reaches down to this fountain of living water and draws upon the constant sufficiency of the divine life. There is no drought or dryness in such a life, but rather the freshness and vitality of the Holy Spirit.

7. Amplify

3) He Shows Fertility

“He … bringeth forth his fruit in his season” (1:3). This is the imagery of Christian fruitfulness. The Apostle Paul tells us that “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law” (Gal. 5:22–23). How satisfying it is to bear the fruit of the Spirit in season; that is to say, to produce love when this quality is called for; joy, when there is need for joy;. peace, when peace is lacking, and so on. This is the ministry of the Spirit in us and though us as we “trust and obey.”

8. Amplify

4) He Shows Consistency

“His leaf also shall not wither” (Ps. 1:3). There is a vital link between the root and the leaf. Dry roots soon result in dry rot in the leaves. Though people cannot see the roots of the Christian character, the leaf is easily visible. It follows, therefore, that the hidden condition of the roots may be judged by the outward appearance of the leaf. If the outward life is fresh and green, then it is clear that the inward life is pure and full of sap. Withered leaves are a sign of a withered life.

9. Illustrate

5) He Shows Prosperity

“Whatsoever he doeth shall prosper” (1:3). Another rendering reads, “And whatsoever he doeth shall come to maturity.” It is God’s design for our life that we should be ever moving on to maturity, growing up into Christ until we arrive at “the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ” (Eph. 4:13); or to put it in other words, until we are “conformed to the image of his Son” (Rom. 8:29). Here is also the thought of spiritual success— “Whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” It is good to know that the prospering hand of God rests on every life that is centered in the “good.… acceptable, and perfect will of God.”

Conclusion

This, then, is the inflow and outflow of a life that is negatively and positively adjusted to the will of God. This is surely true blessedness in the highest sense.

What a contrast this is to the ungodly life. The psalmist tells us that they “are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish” (1:4–6). Notice that the ungodly are not living trees, but dead chaff. Where one defies the storm, the other is driven before it. To stand “in the way of sinners” means not to stand in the day of judgment; so “the way of the ungodly” must “perish,” for it is the way of godless thinking, lawless living and careless speaking. There is a way which seemeth right unto a man; but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Prov. 14:12).

God deliver us from anything less than the blessedness which He has purposed for men and women after His own heart.

Additional Annotations

1. Amplify

… to show that “as [a man] thinketh in his heart, so is he” (Prov. 23:7).

2. Illustrate

… to show that where there are no absolute standards for living, moral chaos follows. Solomon said, “Where there is no vision [or prophetic vision], the people perish [or throw off all moral restraint]” (Prov. 29:18).

3. Amplify

… to show that where thinking and living are not controlled by the Spirit of God the tongue is “an unruly evil, full of deadly poison (see James 3:1–18).

4. Amplify

… to show what it means to appreciate the Word of God. Use such Scriptures as Psalm 19:7–10 and 2 Timothy 2:15.

5. Amplify

… to show how a Christian should have his daily Quiet Time. (Resource material can be found in Manna in the Morning by Stephen F. Olford, Olford Ministries International, P.O. Box 757800, Memphis, TN 38175.).

6. Amplify

… to show the need for Christian stability today, using such Scriptures as 1 Corinthians 15:58.

7. Amplify

… to show what it means to be constantly filled with the Holy Spirit (John 4:14; Eph. 5:18).

8. Amplify

… to show that we glorify God when we bear “much fruit” (see John 15:8 in context).

9. Illustrate

… the nature of consistency, (the evergreen leaf) by the human life of Jesus. Show hog’ His hidden life (the roots) pleased the Father just as much as His open life (the leaves); see Matthew 3:13–17; 17:1–5; also Hebrews 13:8.