Read Psalm 1.
This first song in Israel's hymnbook contrasts a godly
person and a wicked person.
What are the distinguishing characteristics?
1. We are known by the advice to which we listen.
A godly person draws life coaching, first and foremost, from
the Scriptures.
A wicked person has ruled God out of his thinking.
2. We are known by the company we keep.
A godly person desires to be with God's people for worship,
learning and service.
A wicked person wants to spend time with those who are
rebellious and lead a lawless lifestyle.
3. We are known by the commitments we make.
A godly person speaks from a pure heart that seeks to meets
the needs of others.
A wicked person responds negatively to spiritual things,
even mocking and ridiculing.
What are the keys to growing in godliness?
1. A godly person delights in what God has to say.
He sees the Scriptures as a pleasure and invaluable to life.
2. A godly person meditates on what God has to say.
More than reading or studying, meditation has to do with
talking to yourself about it; turning it over and over in your mind in order to
put it into practice. Asking, "What
does that mean to me and my behavior?"
When does a godly person do this?
Day and night. It is
not a Sunday thing to do. It is not
limited to a daily quiet time. Godliness
is an all the time thing, while we are going about our daily lives.
What is the result?
Stability. A godly
person is firmly rooted by the values of the Word of God.
Productivity. A godly
person bears noticeable fruit in his labors.
Prosperity. A godly
person can be recognized by their spiritual vitality no matter where they are.
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