Loudonville Community Church Volume 3 - Number 10 The week of January 7, 2018 Living a Godly Life Psalm 1 THIS WEEK S CORE VIRTUE Patience: This virtue may be defined as a willingness to stick with things. Faithful disciples of Jesus Christ must be willing to live with a difficult situation for a long time - even if things are slow to change or never change. At the outset of the New Year we often hear about resolutions to live differently and become better people. Disciples must exhibit patience as they resolve to become all that Jesus Christ wants them to be. Mark A. Knoll is a professor of history at Wheaton College, in Wheaton, Illinois. He is an editor of Eerdman's Handbook of Christianity in America, and the author of Christians and the American Revolution. He wrote the following article concerning the resolutions of Jonathan Edwards which appeared in Christianity Today (http://www.christianitytoday.com/history/issues/ issue-8/resolutions-of-jonathan-edwards.html). Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards Typical of many other serious young men of his day, the young Jonathan Edwards drew up a list of resolutions, committing himself to a God-centered life lived in harmony with others. The list, excerpted here, was probably first written down in 1722 and added to at several times in his lifetime. There are seventy resolutions in all. The excerpts here give a picture of the seriousness and resolve with which Edwards approached life. Being sensible that I am unable to do any thing without God s help, I do humbly intreat Him by His grace to enable me to keep these resolutions, so far as they are agreeable to His will, for Christ s sake. Resolved, That I will do whatsoever I think to be most to God s glory, and my own good, profit and pleasure, in the whole of my duration. Resolved to do whatever I think to be my duty, and most for the good and advantage of mankind in general. Resolved to do this, whatever difficulties I meet with, how many and how great soever. Resolved, Never to lose one moment of time, but improve it the most profitable way I possibly can. Resolved, Never to do any thing, which I should be afraid to do, if it were the last hour of my life. Resolved, To be endeavoring to find out fit objects of charity and liberality. Resolved, To maintain the strictest temperance in eating and drinking. Resolved, Never to do any thing, which if I should see in another, I should count a just occasion to despise him for, or to think any way the more meanly of him. Resolved, To study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly and frequently, as that I may find, and plainly perceive myself to grow in the knowledge of the same.
Resolved, To strive to my utmost every week to be brought higher in religion, and to a higher excercise of grace, than I was the week before. Resolved, To ask myself at the end of every day, week, month and year, wherein I could possibly in any respect have done better. Resolved, Frequently to renew the dedication of myself to God, which was made at my baptism, which I solemnly renewed, when I was received into the communion of the church; and which I have solemnly re-made this twelfth day of January, 1722-3. Resolved, Never hence-forward, till I die, to act as if I were any way my own, but entirely and altogether God s. Resolved, I will act so as I think I shall judge would have been best, and most prudent, when I come into the future world. Resolved, Never to give over, nor in the least to slacken my fight with my corruptions, however unsuccessful I may be. Resolved, After afflictions, to inquire, what I am the better for them, what good I have got by them, and what I might have got by them. Although his biography presents many dramatic contrasts, these were in reality only different facets of a common allegiance to a sovereign God. Thus, Edwards both preached ferocious hell-fire sermons and expressed lyrical appreciations of nature because the God who created the world in all its beauty was also perfect in holiness. Edwards combined herculean intellectual labors with child-like piety because he perceived God as both infinitely complex and blissfully simple. In his Northampton church his consistent exaltation of divine majesty led to very different results-he was first lionized as a great leader and then dismissed from his pulpit. Edwards held that the omnipotent deity required repentance and faith from his human creatures so he proclaimed both the absolute sovereignty of God and the urgent responsibilities of men. STEP ONE... READING what the passage says (Read it at least three times) Psalm 1 (ESV) 1 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; 2 but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3 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. 4 The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. 5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; 6 for the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish. 2
STEP TWO... OBSERVING how the passage moves Return to the passage and mark key words, phrases and movements: Circle all of the words in these passages that speak of the Triune God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit, etc.). Underline the significant verbs/action words in these passages. In Psalm1:1, underline the phrase: Blessed is the man. In Psalm 1:2, underline the phrase: his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. Highlight Psalm 1:4. Highlight Psalm 1:6. STEP THREE... ASK THE FIVE W QUESTIONS AND THE ONE H QUESTION: 1. WHO is speaking? Who is this about? Who are the main characters? And, to whom is it speaking? 2. WHAT is the subject of the passage? What does the passage say about the subject? 3. WHEN do or will the events occur? When did something happen to a particular person, people, or nation? 4. WHERE did or will this happen? 5. WHY is something said or mentioned? Why would or will this happen? Why at this time? Why this person? 6. HOW will it happen? How is it to be done? How is it illustrated? THIS WEEK S COMPLEMENTARY PASSAGE Hosea 10:12(ESV) 12 Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap steadfast love; break up your fallow ground, for it is the time to seek the Lord, that he may come and rain righteousness upon you. 3
STEP FOUR... UNDERSTANDING what the passage means This commentary is intended to enhance your own study of the text. Psalm 1 (ESV) Like the gateway to a sanctuary, one of the relatively few wisdom psalms introduces the whole collection. Before having close conversation with God, the reader s attitude toward the law of God has to be considered. The righteous person loves and studies it; the wicked person hates it. 1:1- Blessed. A stronger word than happy ; to be blessed is to enjoy God s special favor and grace. Who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers. The righteous man is described by what he avoids. There is a downward progression in the verbs walks, stands, and sits. 1:3- He is like a tree. A righteous man is compared to a luxuriant tree, ever blooming because water is near. 1:4- The wicked are not so. The contrast is strong. The wicked are compared to dead and rootless plants. A puff of wind carries them away. 1:6- the Lord knows the way. The two ways of life are determined by one s relation to the Lord. The ideal of righteousness is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Resource for Commentary: The Reformation Study Bible found at www.biblegateway.com. 1:2- His delight. The righteous man is described as someone who loves the law of God. Law can refer to a specific command, but also to the whole Scripture. The righteous person grows by an obedient response to the Scriptures, which express the will of God. STEP FIVE... SUMMARIZING the Message The first psalm is a wisdom psalm and shares many features with the book of Proverbs. Its placement as the first psalm is significant because it both invites and encourages people to live godly lives. It also sets the tone for the entire book of Psalms because of its concern for God, for godly living, and for the hope of the godly. The opening phrase of the psalm is an appropriate introduction to the entire book of Psalms. The statement "Blessed is the man" evokes joy and gratitude in the knowledge that we may live in fellowship with God. Such blessings are promoted by two kinds of activities: dissociation from the ideas and ways of the wicked and association with and devotion to God. As a result, the godly do not walk in the counsel of the wicked, stand in the way of sinners, or sit in the seat of scoffers. Rather, they meditate and reflect on the law of the LORD and follow His ways in their walking, standing, and sitting. The statement law of the LORD" in verse 2 signifies instruction that comes from God for the purpose of helping us to live in harmony with His will. This serves as an encouragement for modern day believers to love, read, study and meditate on the words contained in the Bible. In verse 3, the imagery of the leaves and fruit assures us that the godly will receive God's blessing and will enjoy life as a gift of God. Their fruit will also help to meet the needs of others. In verse 4, the metaphor of chaff reveals both the uselessness of the wicked and the ease with which God will deal with them. Verses 5 and 6 bring this psalm to a close and make it clear that the Lord offers no protection for those who are not reconciled with Him. In the end, they will perish. It serves as a powerful reminder for us to live godly lives. 4
STEP SIX EXPLORING the passage through discussion Please try and read the entire passage before gathering with your Growth Group. Questions 1. What is meant by the word wicked? 2. What is meant by the word sinner? 3. What is meant by the word scoffer? 4. What does it mean to be walking in the counsel of the wicked? 5. What does it mean to stand in the way of sinners? 6. What does it mean to sit in the way of scoffers? 7. What are some things we can do to help us live godly lives? 5
STEP SEVEN APPLYING the passage to my life Our desire is not to be merely hearers of the Word but doers. James 1:22 When you apply God s Word, you are thinking about what God might be saying to you through the Scriptures. Application involves action. Application makes your reading become a reality in your own life. Make your applications specific (State who, what, & when). You are encouraged to use the S.P.E.C.K. method to apply God s Word to your life. Remember that each passage of Scripture may not lend itself to answering all five of these questions. S Sins to confess and avoid (Are there sinful actions, attitudes, or thoughts that you need to confess to God based upon your study of these Scriptures?) P Promises to claim (List God s promises for you from these Scriptures.) E Examples to follow (What examples, for right thinking or right actions, can you take for you own life from these Scriptures?) C Commands to obey (List God s commands for you from these Scriptures and seek to be obedient to them.) K Knowledge of God to apply (God s character is visible throughout the Scriptures as an example to us. What attributes and/ or attitudes does God display that you can apply to your own life?) 6
THE MISSION OF LOUDONVILLE COMMUNITY CHURCH We are committed to reaching and teaching people to become devoted followers of Jesus Christ, connecting them to one another and sending them to serve their families, communities and world. 10 CORE VIRTUES OF A DISCIPLE Love - a sincere affection for others 1 John 4:10-12 Love is acting in someone else's interest no matter who they may be, no matter how you feel, and no matter what it costs. Joy - a delight unaffected by circumstances John 15:11 An inner delight in God that is sustained in spite of the changing seasons of life. Peace - an abiding sense of harmony Philippians 4:6-7 Relationships are free from friction. Positively, it describes harmonious relations with others in the church. Patience - a willingness to stick with things Proverbs 3:3-4 Being willing to live with a difficult situation for a long time even if things are slow to change or never change. Kindness - a sense of compassion in the heart Job 6:14 An inner disposition that puts others at ease and out of which kind actions flow. Faithfulness - an unwavering loyalty Psalm 26:3 Being the kind of people who keep our word to one another. Gentleness/Humility - an attitude of humility without any entitlement; a lack of self-awareness Philippians 4:5; 2:3-4 Gentleness is power and strength under God s control. Humility is considering others above myself, if I consider myself at all. Self-Control - an ability to direct your energy wisely Titus 2:11-13 The strength to restrain our desires, emotions, and actions has to come from within rather than from some outside source. Hope - a certainty of what is to come Hebrews 6:19-20 Coping with the hardships of life and with death because of hope in Christ. Goodness - a goodness that flows outwardly 1 Thess. 5:15 Choosing to do the right things in my relationships with others. 10 CORE PRACTICES OF A DISCIPLE Undiluted Worship Matthew 22:37-40 Loving the Lord God with all of our physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual vigor and, my neighbor as myself. Constant Abiding John 15:1-11 Abiding in Christ in order to be faithful and bear fruit. Bible Study Hebrews 4:12 Reading the Bible to know God, the truth, and to find direction for daily life. Desperate Prayer Psalm 66:16-20 Praying to God to know Him, laying requests before Him and, finding direction for daily life. Biblical Community Acts 2:44-47 Fellowshipping with other Christians to accomplish God's purposes in my life, other people s lives and, in the world. Biblical Community Acts 2:44-47 Fellowshipping with other Christians to accomplish God's purposes in my life, other people s lives and, in the world. Spiritual Gifts Romans 12:4-6 Using my spiritual gifts to accomplish God s purposes. Total Forgiveness Ephesians 4:30 Practicing forgiving others as God has forgiven me in Christ. Tangible Compassion Matthew 25:31-46 Showing compassion to those in need and so minister to Jesus Himself. Generous Giving 2 Corinthians 8:7 Giving away my money to fulfill God's purposes. God Space Ephesians 6:19-20 Increasing the quantity and quality of our gospel conversations. 7
Sermon Notes: BOOK-AT-A-TIME (2018 Bible eading plan) Sunday, January 7 thru Saturday, January 13 Genesis 18-20, Psalm 7; Genesis 21-23, Psalm 8; Genesis 24-26, Psalm 9; Genesis 27-29, Psalm 10; Genesis 30-32, Psalm 11; Genesis 33-36, Psalm 12 Memory Verse 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. Psalm 1:3 The Abide in Me Bible study series is written by the pastoral staff of Loudonville Community Church, 374 Loudon Road, Loudonville, NY 12211 (www.lcchurch.org)