Priorities for 2015– Read God’s Word

Psalm 1

Intro: The second letter in priorities is “R” which stands for the importance of reading God’s word. The bible is God’s inspired word to us and He speaks directly through His word to teach, correct, instruct and equip us for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NKJV) ¹⁶ All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, ¹⁷ that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

The Holy Spirit takes God’s word as we read it and through it teaches us truth and changes our lives and gives us direction and equips us for living the abundant life.

I. The word of God keeps us from the wrong way Psalms 1:1 (NKJV) ¹ Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; 

  a. Keeps us from ungodly counsel. The human heart is so perverted, that it seeks joy and happiness where it cannot be found; and in things which are naturally and morally unfit to produce anything of a lasting value in our lives.

We do not seek the unbeliever’s worldly human advice.

Only God knows the way to true joy and happiness in this life and the life beyond.

  b. Keeps us from the paths of sinners.  All human beings apart from God’s Spirit will go the wrong way. They have no power to overcome sin, evil, or Satan.

 Sinners try to find real lasting peace and contentment in their heart and lives through sin and the temporary things of this world. We don’t walk down that path.

  c. Keeps us being scornful. Since the sinner loves to sin, they try to discredit God’s word and His way by their mocking and being disrespectful to God’s word.

II. The word of God gives us delight Psalms 1:2 (NKJV) 

² But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night.

Happiness, joy and delight are the grand objects of pursuit among all men.The true way of obtaining these things is here laid down.

Real joy, delight and happiness comes from doing God’s will.

  a. As we meditate on it day and night

  As we ponder and contemplate (think on) God’s word, we find great delight in the word of God knowing He made us and knows what is best for us and will truly bless our lives. Sin never brings real joy, only death! Real Joy comes from the Spirit within.

III. The word of God gives us stability and blessings Psalms 1:3 (NKJV)  He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper. 

 a. Shall be like a well rooted tree. Ephesians 3:16-17 (NLT) ¹⁶ I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. ¹⁷ Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. As we read God’s word, we will be rooted in His love so we will not be easily blown about by every wind of teaching. We will become stable and strong as we face the storms of life and conquer all enemies.

  b. Shall be fruitful and productive.  Those who delight in God’s word will bring forth fruit in their season, the fruit of the Spirit and be productive in good works.

  c. Shall prosper in the blessings of God. (v:3c)

 If a person meditates on God’s Word, his actions will be godly, and his God controlled activities will prosper and God will bless all he puts his hand to. This is the way to abundant living. (John 10:10)

IV. Being obedient to God’s word makes us holy and righteous Psalms 1:4-5 (NKJV) ⁴ The ungodly are not so, But are like the chaff which the wind drives away. ⁵ Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. 

 a. Separates us from the ungodly. Hebrews 4:12 (NLT)  For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. John 17:17 (NKJV)  Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. 

 God’s word cuts away the sin and evil from our hearts separating us from the way of ungodly people and sets us on the path of godliness. We don’t partake of the world’s sinful ways.

 b. Keeps us from God’s judgment. Romans 8:1 (NKJV) There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.

V. The word of God keeps us under His direction Psalms 1:6 (NKJV)  For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, But the way of the ungodly shall perish. 

He knows our way. As we read God’s word He watches over us, attends our way and provides for us. “The way” means one’s whole manner of life including what directs it and what it produces.

a. It keeps us on the righteous path in life. Psalms 19:11 (NLT)  (God’s words) are a warning to your servant, a great reward for those who obey them. Psalms 19:12 (NLT) How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults.  

 b. Our motives, purposes, and works, are all brought about by God Himself. The worthless life of the ungodly will not endure and will be judged by God Himself.

Invitation: The word of God tells us that all men are sinners and the wages of that sin is death. But the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 3:23 & 6:23) Make sure you know Him today. ask Jesus to forgive your sins against God and invite Him into your heart and life to take charge of you. If you do know Him as your Savior and Lord, are you reading God’s word to find out what He wants for you in this life? If not, why not?