LESSON: PSALM 1: The Two Ways to Live

As you know, we will be studying the Psalms all summer long. We begin with this Wisdom Psalm to appropriately kick off the study portions of the book, it's cool to start with the first, right?
In the coming days, we will cover selected Psalms and how we can glean truths to make us better people.

I. The Discerning Way of the Godly (1:1-3)

A. The Psalm describes the untarnished life of the blessed individual (1).
B. The Psalm describes the godly person’s delightful meditation in the Law of the LORD (2).
C. The Psalm describes the prosperity of the blessed individual under the image of a fruitful tree (3).

Questions:
1. What are your standards for a happy (ashre) life?
2. Do you delight in the Law (Word) of the Lord? How do you delight in God’s Word?
3. Do you believe in “prosperity Gospel”?

II. The Ruined and Empty Way of the Wicked (1:3-5)
A. The Psalmist portrays the worthlessness of the ungodly under the image of chaff (4).
B. The Psalmist predicts the final separation of the ungodly from the righteous (5).

Questions:
1. Do we still have habits that characterize wickedness?
2. Are there things that we do, our pet projects and dreams that do not seem to flourish? If yes, why do think some of our plans don’t shot up like others’ do?
3. Have you ever envied an unbeliever for the “blessings” he/she enjoys?

III. The Discriminating Way of God (1:6)


Something Similar, but for Believers:
1 Corinthians 3:10, By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds. 11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, 13 his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. 14 If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. 15 If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.

Application:
1. What materials are we using to build upon the Foundation?
2. Are you doing great things for God’s glory? Are you even attempting?
3. How do we attempt and do great things for God’s glory?
4. Which of the two walks of life are you taking?

Sources:
NIV Study Bible
NIV Commentary
Greg Herrick Th.M., Ph.D. Psalm Studies

Prayer Items and Updates for the week:

1. Marybeth Sattler will be interviewed by a school head this week for a new job. Pray for directions and guidance.

2. Heidi Lane has settled in her home country, Canada. She ventures into job hunting in the days to come. Hopefully, she lands a good job in one of the schools she's applying in/at.

3. Sam Zipp is in Chicago, enjoying her vacation. She is with her good friend. She returns to Manila, the Lord willing, August 6.

4. Oliver Rasca has started schooling again at the University of Santo Tomas (Conservatory of Music). Pray that his schedule won't hinder his ministries at church.

5. Pastor Ro Penaranda is preaching at the Union of Church of Manila's STATION ONE service on Tuesday night.