This is The Way – Devo Day 4

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; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. – Psalm 1:1-2 (ESV)

It would seem to many in our world that living a godly and righteous life is NOT the way to find happiness. Why then would the Psalmist start this psalm with such an exuberant declaration – “Blessed is the man”. It’s like saying, “How extremely happy is the man.” It’s like he knows something that is not common knowledge. It’s like he knows a better way – This is The Way.

What the godly person refuses (Psalm 1:1)

1. “The council of the wicked” Council can be thought of as advice. The righteous person does not govern his life on the basis of bad advice from bad people.
2. “The way of sinners” Here the focus shifts from the advice of bad people to their ungodly lifestyle or patterns of behavior. The righteous person avoids those persons, the path they are on, the ungodly conduct, and even thoughts that linger or are tempting.
3. “The seat of scoffers” This takes the avoidance to the next level. Not only should the righteous person not listen to, travel with, or join their disobedience, but also not sit with and enjoy their company. The godly feel out of place and uneasy around those that make fun or sport of God and His Word.

What the godly person chooses (Psalm 1:2)

1. Delighting in the law of the Lord. The godly find happiness in God’s Word, law, teaching, instruction, commandment, or direction. The righteous take their counsel from the Word of God. But how does one “delight” in the Word? It is like a man who is in love with a woman. He delights in her. He wants to spend time with her. He wants to talk with her – to know and be known. He drinks in every word she says. So it is with the godly person and the Word of God.
2. Meditating on God’s Word. The Word of God is never far from the thoughts of the believer. When he is depressed or distressed, he calls to mind its promises. When he is uncertain and perplexed, he considers its guidelines and wisdom. When his sins loom before him like evil specters, he ponders its glorious proclamation of the love and forgiveness of God in Jesus Christ. He finds that the Word of God has joy for every sorrow and truth for every situation.

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,  that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. – 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV)

Let me add a little amplification to this passage. All Scripture is breathed out (given, spoken) by God and profitable for teaching (what is right), for reproof (what is not right), for correction (how to make it right), and for training in righteousness (how to keep it right), that the man of God may be complete (adequately and thoroughly prepared), equipped (having everything necessary) for every good work. This is what true Bible study is all about. Life is transformed when it is controlled, constrained, guided by the Word of God.

In those few words in 2 Timothy 3:16–17, the Apostle Paul told his protege, Timothy, how to treat the inspired Word of God. I don’t know of any other summary that states so clearly the goals of Bible study. If studying the Scriptures teaches me sound doctrine, convicts me of what is wrong in my life, and shows me how to correct my errors and not repeat them, then I want to be a good student of the inspired Word of God. Our personal goal is spiritual maturity, being adequately equipped by the Lord to serve Him as the Holy Spirit enables us to know and to do the will of God, glorifying Him and ministering to others as He directs. Many self-help books line the shelves today, but none of them can claim to be inspired by the God of the universe like the Bible, nor can they claim to be inerrant, living, and powerful (Heb. 4:12).

Questions to Ponder

1. How do you value the Word of God?
   1. Do you study it? (read for understanding)
   2. Do you obey it? If not, why? (what is keeping you from obeying)
   3. Do you store it up? (memorize passages)
   4. Do you share it with others? (is it a valuable gift to share)
   5. Do you delight in hearing and learning from the Word of God?
2. What truths, promises, or revelations have you delighted in recently from your study of the Bible? Have you shared them with God? With another person?

If you are just starting and want to go back and read the previous posts in this series