CENTRAL THOUGHT
Those that are really the blessed are those that live and walk in obedience to the word of God.
TEXT: Psalm 1
INTRODUCTION
Everybody wants God’s blessing in all aspects of life. The lord God who created all things is capable of meeting everyone’s heart desire, whether spiritual or material needs. However, tremendous blessings always result from living in accordance with the word of God. When we live by the word, the word becomes what it says. Those who diligently obey God’s word are healthy, fruit-bearing trees with strong roots. God promises to watch over them. (Jer.17:7-8).
God’s word in the believer will achieve His purposes for that believer. We will share in His promise and blessing as contained in His word if we obey and live by them.
LESSON OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this study are:
- To explain what it means to be blessed.
- To state what anyone who’s desirous of God’s blessings should abstain from.
- To discover the state of man who is blessed of God.
BIBLE TRUTH
Q1. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE BLESSED? PS.32:1; 40:4; 106:3; 112:1; 119:1-2.
People often times think that blessing only means abundant supply of material things by God. It is far more than that, looking at the above scriptures.
Ps. 32:1 states that “blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered”. God settled the issue of sin by sending His only begotten son (Jesus Christ) to come and die for our sin. It was the death of Christ that brought forgiveness and pardon of man’s sin. Therefore, any individual that is born again should count himself blessed. Ps 40:4 also
states “Blessed is that man that maketh the Lord his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies”.
Today people because of fear of the unknown put their trust in the flesh rather than God. Such people are unwise because they can never enjoy the blessings that lie in trusting God. But a Christian who puts his trust in God is blessed. (Jer.17:7-8). The reason is that our God is the trustworthy God. With Him there is no disappointment. The people of the world are not reliable, but God remains our rock that can never fail.
In addition, Ps. 106:3 reveals that “Blessed are those who keep justice and he who does righteousness at all times”.
Those who do not pervert judgement and those who live righteously are blessed. We live in the society where it seems justice no longer counts, people tell lies to have their way. A child of God must always desire to live right and do what is right.
Also, a man is blessed when he fears the Lord(Ps.112:1). The fear of God delivers one from evil. Any child of God who lives in sin has no fear of God and deprives himself of the blessing of God. Ps.119:1-2 says- “Blessed are the undefiled in the way…” The “undefiled” are those that are living uprightly. They are careful in whatever they do in order not to soil their hands or stain their garments.
Joseph (Gen 39) was a typical example. His master’s wife tried to lure him to sin but he resisted the temptation. This earned him God’s approval.
Q2. WHAT SHOULD ANYONE DESIROUS OF GOD’S BLESSINGS STAY AWAY FROM? VS1
A man who wants God’s blessings should stay away from all evil, such as the following: –
A) Walking in the counsel of the ungodly. Ungodly here means unbelievers, sinners, evil doers, those without hear of God, wicked people etc. A Christian should not order his life in the counsel of the ungodly, following their advice, plans and purposes that are not in line with the word of God.
B) Stand in the way of sinners. There are two path of life before mankind (i)God’s way of obedience and(ii) the way of rebellion and destruction. The pathway an individual chooses determines where he/she will spend eternity. The believer should not stand in the way of sinners. “he avoids doing as they do, their way shall not be his way.” (Matt. Henry’s comment). The believer should not imitate the sinners; neither should he choose them for his companions. So, standing in the way of sinners is to love their ways, is to meddle, associate in an intimate manner with sinners. A believer should not get used to their way, keeping company and being in fellowship with them. (Prov. 22:24-24)
iii) Sit in the seat of the scornful. A Christian desiring God’s blessing should not seat in the seat of the scornful means being in friendship with those who speak evil of holy things, of men of God, works and act of God. (2Peter.3:3-6; 2:9-10). Such are never blessed. A true friend is one who draws one closer to God.
Q3. WHAT IS THE DELIGHT OF ONE WHO SEEKS GOD’S BLESSINGS? JOB.23:2; JAMES. 1:25.
The man who wants God’s blessings takes great pleasure in God’s word. Blessings of God are for those that are living their lives in accordance with the will of God. Believers blessings are tied to their obedience to the word of God. Isaiah .1:19 tells us that if we are willing and obedient, we will eat the good of the land. So, cherish, study, meditate and do the word of God and all-round blessings from him will be your portion(Joshua.1:8).
Q4. WHAT IS THE STATE OF THE MAN WHO IS BLESSED OF GOD? JN. 15: 1-7.
Psalm.1:3 says, those that are blessed of God are “like a tree planted by the rivers of water”. They produce fruit in season and their leaves do not wither. They are successful in all their ways. When we apply God’s wisdom from His word to our lives and do whatever we do, the fruit we bear will be good.
…”A tree that is planted by the rivers of water” always receives nutrient and water for its sustenance, so it will be to a Christian that holds God firmly.
Jer.17:8 further likens the blessed to a tree planted by the waters, that spreads out its roots by the river. Adding that such a one “shall not see and fear when the heat comes, but his leaf shall be green; he shall not be anxious and careful in the year of drought, nor shall he cease from yielding fruits”.(Amplified).
DAILY LIVING APPLICATION
As believers, our victory in the Christian life and success in every undertaking is determined, not only by the much we do, but solely by our obedience to Christ and yieldedness to Him every day. Eschew whatever is evil; cleave to that which is good. The right way leads to God’s blessing and eternity with Christ. God is faithful to fulfill His precious promises, so taste and you will personally know that the Lord is good.
MEMORY VERSE
Ps.1:1
“Blessed is the man that waketh not in the counsel of ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.”