The Character and Condition of a Godly Person

Psalm 1

To help us see the benefit of a personal relationship with the Lord as contrasted by the experience of the ungodly.

It is said the measure of a person’s real character is what they would do if they knew that no one would ever find out.

When the Sistine Chapel was being constructed, one of the workers was working in an obscure section of the chapel and was spending time on the detailing of his work. One of the fellow laborers made the comment, “Why be so particular, no one will ever see this section.” The worker replied, “God will, and I will know.” That’s character.

When we look at Psalm 1 it helps us to see the benefit of a personal relationship with our Lord as contrasted by the experience of the ungodly person.

• The character of the Godly person (Psalm 1:1-2)
  • The Psalmist put the terms in the negative. The reason is that the emphasis is stronger when placed in negative terms. 
  • If it is put in the positive, it could infer he also listens to the ungodly.
    • Blessed is the man who walks in the council of the Godly
  • A decision
    • He doesn’t
      • Walk (or live) – according to the counsel of the ungodly
      • Stand – linger and contemplate
      • Sit – stay there and give further consideration
    • Why is this important?
      • Ungodly counsel has a totally different view
        • Usually is self-centered or self-serving
      • Godly counsel is God-centered
  • The delight (Psalm 1:2)
    • The joy is in God’s law – God’s Word
    • God’s Word shows us the way to live
      • “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my way.” (Psalm 119:105)
  • The condition of the Godly (Psalm 1:3)
    • The comparison
      • Like a tree
        • Planted – shows purpose
          • Chief purpose of man is to glorify God
        • Nourished by waters
          • By the Word
        • Productive – brings fruit
          • Our works bear fruit
        • Permanent – leaf does not wither
    • The contrast
      • Ungodly – like chaff

Having seen the benefits of a personal relationship with the Lord, it is most important that we cultivate that relationship through those things that enable us to remain true to Him and can be termed by Him as Godly.