Read Psalm 1
The Book of Psalms opens with a blessing and a challenge- a blessing for all people who diligently want to follow the ways of the Lord, and a challenge to those who may be tempted to compromise their faith.
Compromise sneaks up on us. It happens so silently and subtly we may not even recognize that it is happening. One rationalisation leads to another, which will ultimately not only begin to decay our spiritual lives, but can really effect our relationships and ultimate witness at home, at work and even in the Church.
1. Think about your own life and witness. Have there been times when you have been tempted to compromise your faith? For what reasons?
Read Psalm 1:1-3
In these first 3 verses we are introduced to the righteous life. David begins with some negatives, as we are challenged to resist compromise. He then goes on to show us the positives of righteous living and how this can be accomplished. Finally, we learn the benefits that come from living a life that is pleasing to God.
Read Psalm 1:1 again.
2. What are 3 negative analogies that illustrate the importance of resisting evil?
David says we should not WALK, STAND or SIT with the wicked. WALKING in this sense, is not just a casual movement, going through the motions of wickedness, but as it is translated in the Hebrew, it is a definite, firm, planned direction that you make the decision to do.
Before we know it we are taking a firm STAND with a sinful living, and then finally taking a permanent SEAT with the `scoffers'. We can never be happy if we choose to live this way. Maybe, for a time it will seem okay, but we can never live a pure life, unless we are free from the flirtations of evil.
EXAMPLES IN DAVID'S LIFE
Read 1 Samuel 21:1-6; 1 Samuel 24:1-4
In these passages we see a young soldier, a man who was endeavouring to live a righteous life, but in these times of fear and uncertainty, he let his guard down.
3.a) In these passages, how did David compromise his values?
b) Why do you think he warns us about compromising our values in this Psalm?
When under pressure it is sometimes easy to compromise our values, but what we have to remember is we are actually `seeking refuge with the enemy'.
Read Psalm 1:2
3.a) What is the positive side of godliness?
b) How are these blessings obtained?
Read Psalm 1:3
4. Why does David mention the law here? (Psalm 119:9)
In order to change our path of living we need an absolute standard and clear direction. This can only be found in the LAW - THE BIBLE. But it can only have an effect if we truly `delight' in it. There is no shortcut to spiritual growth. So don't look upon your reading of the Bible as burdensome, or an interruption to your day. Rather make it your meditation day and night.
5.a) What are some positive, practical steps we can take to cultivate a delight in God's Word?
b) What is the end result of cultivating God's word in your hearts?
* We are PLANTED - fortified, stable, rooted, solid and strong.
* We become FAITHFUL - producing quality fruits.
* We are UNWITHERED - even during the hard times, a treelike soul is undaunted.
* We become PROSPEROUS - fulfilling the goals God has for our lives.
Read Psalm 1:4-6
The last 3 verses are the total opposite of the first 3. Here David considers the fate of those who reject the Lord. It's scary, but it's a fact. Those who never come to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and trust Him alone for eternal life, have no part in the assembling of the believers. Those who choose to follow the path of evil and wickedness will `perish'.
6.a) Why are the wicked described as CHAFF?
b) What other things set apart the wicked from the godly?
Chaff is completely worthless, it is driven by the wind. The ungodly have no guide, they are unable to stand erect, they will not stand with the righteous assembly and ultimately, they WILL perish.
But there is GOOD NEWS!
BACK TO DAVID'S LIFE.
Read 1 Samuel 21: 6; 1 Samuel 24:5-20, Psalm 119:1-10
In spite of David's lies and other `flirtations with evil', David sought to live a life that was pleasing to God.
7. How did God show mercy to David in these passages in Samuel?
God doesn't demand perfection from us, for we will fail. But if we have the desire to obey Him and seek His will in our lives, we will want to `reach for perfection' - we will want to become like the righteous. When we do fail, the Lord is merciful to us. GRACE WILL ABOUND.
8. Think of a time when God was merciful and gracious to you, even though you didn't feel you deserved it.
Of course the most gracious time for all of us, was when Jesus Christ died for us on the cross. What greater MERCY AND GRACE could be shown. Sometimes we take this for granted, but lets never forget that because of this act, which we didn't deserve, we are now FREE to live a RIGHTEOUS LIFE, and don't have to fear the evil one and ultimate DEATH.
REVIEW OUR LIVES.
Mentally review the last 12 months.
9.a) How has your manner of life changed?
b) Is your walk more pleasing to God or less?
c) Have you been able to take a firmer stand rather than compromise evil? Are there still things you have begun to tolerate even though you know they are wrong?
LET'S TAKE A LOOK IN THE NEWS TESTAMENT.
Read 1 Peter 4:12-19
It doesn't always seem that the RIGHTEOUS ARE BLESSED, even though as Christians, we try hard to be obedient and follow the will of God, but we do have a special blessing awaiting us.
10. a) Although we might be suffering now, what is the special blessing that awaits us?
b) We know many non-believers who live healthy, moral lives. Why do they still have `no right to stand before the righteous assembly?'
CONCLUSION
Read Psalm 1 again.
Thank the Lord that you have been accepted among the righteous. If there is any difficulty you are having with the compromising of evil - seek the Lord's forgiveness and mercy and ask for His help in `healing' the situation.
Pray for those among your family, friends, colleagues, neighbours who have not accepted Christ. Pray that they will not see Christians as hypocrites and be turned away by some mistake we, or other Christians may make.
If you aren't accepted among the righteous, seek the Lord's forgiveness and accept His salvation. We are glad to welcome you into His family.
*"Living the Psalms" (2012) Charles R Swindoll, Worthy Publishing
*"Daylight Devotional Bible, New International Version, (1988), Zondervan. (NIV)
*"Holy Bible", New Living Translation (1996) Tyndale Publishers (NLT)
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