Sharon Reformed Presbyterian Church · Sermon study sheet

Blessed is the Man

Bryan Schneider · December 31, 2022

Psalm 1

sharonrpc.org/sermons/blessed-is-the-man

Summary

Psalm 1 contrasts two ways: the blessed person delights in and meditates on God's Word, while the ungodly follow corrupt counsel and perish.
God's blessing is not health, wealth, or a forced smile but communion with himself, forgiveness, regeneration, sanctification, and life in his presence.
Scripture corrects, reproves, trains, and equips God's people, so even fatherly discipline belongs to the blessed life.
Christians must examine whose counsel shapes them and test media, friends, cultural claims, and moral reasoning by God's Word.
The Word changes desires, judgments, habits, and relationships as the Spirit applies it; meditation means repeatedly reading, remembering, singing, and considering it.
The rooted tree bears fruit in season, while chaff disappears in judgment; believers are called to faithful abiding, and God supplies fruit in his time.
Practical Bible-reading plans should support delight rather than legalism, with realistic commitments, family reading, accessible formats, and habits suited to one's life.

How does Psalm 1's blessing differ from health-and-wealth promises or outward cheerfulness?
Whose counsel most often shapes my beliefs, moral decisions, spending, fears, and hopes?
Do I test trusted voices and cultural messages by Scripture as the Bereans did?
What does it look like for God's Word to be a delight rather than merely a completed task?
Am I discouraged because fruit is not visible in this season, even though I remain planted by the water?
How does abiding in Christ keep Bible reading from becoming legalism or self-powered improvement?
What realistic plan, time, place, and format would help me meditate on Scripture consistently?
How could I bring my household into regular contact with God's Word?

Blessedness: The objective favor and deep good of communion with God, not a mood determined by easy circumstances.
Meditation: Reading, remembering, reciting, singing, and turning God's Word over in the mind throughout life.
Means of grace: God-appointed ways, especially the Word, sacraments, and prayer, through which Christ nourishes his people.
Godly counsel: Direction for faith and life that is tested by and agrees with God's authoritative Word.
Fruitfulness: Christ-shaped character and good works produced by abiding in Christ through the Spirit.
Faithfulness: Steady obedience in remaining near Christ and his Word while trusting God for the timing and measure of fruit.
Chaff: The light, useless husk blown away at threshing, picturing the ungodly who cannot stand in judgment.