Remain Separate to Know the Heart of God

Psalms 1:1-2
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.



Pronounce it method (Rick Warren 40 days in the Word):

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.

From Calvin's Commentaries- Commencing with a declaration of his abhorrence of the wicked, he teaches us how impossible it is for any one to apply his mind to meditation upon God's laws who has not first withdrawn and separated himself from the society of the ungodly.

This passage describes how to be "blessed" by starting in the negative, describing what not to do.  It concludes with a positive picture that seems a continuation in that it is not possible to meditate on God's Word while associating with sin.  A straight positive message about gaining blessing is found in the Sermon on the Mount...


Matthew 5:2-12
2 And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness 'sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.


1 Blessed is the man who WALKS NOT 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.

"Walks not" gives a pretty clear statement that we shall not begin to move in this direction at all.  Walking indicates we are moving from one place to another.  Let us not take one step toward our old place of sin.  Let us not take one step toward allowing influence from those we know to still be living in that lifestyle.

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.

"counsel" indicates that our presence with the wicked turns into us being influenced.  We unwittingly take counsel from the wicked.  This occurs without intention and we have no control over this...we become deceived.

1 Corinthians 15:33-34
Do not be deceived: “ Bad company ruins good morals.” 34 Wake up from your drunken stupor, as is right, and do not go on sinning. For some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame.

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.

"stands" indicates that we not only walked near into their presence but have now stopped and are listening.  We are now incorporating that counsel and are sliding down the slope!  This progression is not easily stopped and the psalmist warns from letting it start.

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.

"sits" indicates that we have bought into the message and taken up their position.  This can easily become our state once we begin to listen to the lies of the enemy.

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.

"delight" indicates that we are to find joy and satisfaction in the Word of God.  We are not merely to look to His Word for advice or instruction, but we are to be enraptured in it.  The Word of God is the power of God spoken!  There is nothing in the universe or in all of creation that has more power than the very Word of God.  By His Word He created and sustains all things.

Colossians 1:16-17
16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities — all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

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.

"meditates" is explaining that we are not to merely read the Word of God but that we are to dwell on it intently and examine it with a mind to apply it in our lives...in our day...TODAY.  We should come quietly before the Lord regularly and seek to hear His voice in His Word.  We must approach expecting to connect with God.  We cannot merely open the Word for education or even instruction...we must be seeking the very heart of God.  God calls us into a relationship with Him...not into a counseling session.

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.

"day and night" makes it clear that this is to be the pattern of our life.  Our regular schedule must include meditation on the Word.  We should even memorize scripture so that at any point in the day we may reflect on it to enable us to know when we walk too close to the path of the wicked and need to redirect.


Application:
Today I am to separate myself from sin so that I might be able to hear your voice
Today I am to avoid the slippery slope of entertaining a mingling with those living a sinful lifestyle
Today I am to carefully proceed with knowledge that my inner man will unknowingly receive counsel from the wicked if I allow the opportunity
Today I am to meditate on God's Word and maintain a right perspective on influences in my life
Today I am to delight in the Word
Today I am to seek the heart of God in his Word...to connect with my Savior


Prayer:
Lord thank you for your Word that truly is a lamp unto my feet.  Thank you for caring so much for me that you give this counsel and you desire that I keep close...abiding in you.  I pray that today your Word would return to my mind at any point when I might begin to entertain the counsel of the wicked.  Please let me recognize when I do this and may I immediately take those thoughts captive and submit myself to you Lord.

2 Corinthians 10:5
We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,

Thank you for the wonderful blessing that come from being a doer of your Word rather than merely a hearer!  (James 1:25)  Lord help me to be a light to those around me but to always remember that I am to be separate and Holy for you.

2 Corinthians 6:14-18
The Temple of the Living God
14 Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? 15 What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? 16 What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, “I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17 Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you, 18 and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.”

Thank you Lord- In Jesus name I pray, amen.

Soli Deo Gloria!