Blessed Is the Man
The blessed man is one who avoids the counsel of the ungodly, delights in the law of the Lord, and brings forth fruit in his season, resulting in a happy and prosperous life.
A.B. Simpson emphasizes the characteristics of a blessed man, focusing on his associations, thoughts, and the fruitfulness of his life. This man avoids the influence of the ungodly and finds joy in meditating on God's law, leading to a life that is fruitful and prosperous. He is compared to a tree planted by the rivers of water, symbolizing the Holy Spirit's sustaining presence in his life. Simpson illustrates that true happiness stems from spiritual conditions, akin to a sunbeam illuminating a dark space or a nightingale singing in the night. Ultimately, the blessed man's life is marked by continual growth and vitality.
Text
Three things are notable about this blessed man: 1. His company. He walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2. His reading and thinking. His delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3. His fruitfulness. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. The river is the Holy Spirit; the planting, the deep abiding life in which, not occasionally but habitually, we absorb Him. The fruit is not once in a while, but continual and appropriate to each changing season.
His life is also prosperous and his spirit fresh, like the unfading leaf.
Such a life must be happy. Indeed, happiness is a matter of spiritual conditions. Put a sunbeam in a cellar and it must be bright. Put a nightingale in the darkest midnight, and it must sing.
Sermon Outline
- I. The Blessed Man's Company
- A. Avoids the counsel of the ungodly
- B. Stands not in the way of sinners
- C. Sits not in the seat of the scornful
- II. The Blessed Man's Reading and Thinking
- A. Delight in the law of the Lord
- B. Meditates in the law day and night
- III. The Blessed Man's Fruitfulness
- A. Like a tree planted by the rivers of water
- B. Brings forth fruit in his season
- C. His life is prosperous and his spirit fresh
Key Quotes
“His life is also prosperous and his spirit fresh, like the unfading leaf.” — A.B. Simpson
“Put a sunbeam in a cellar and it must be bright. Put a nightingale in the darkest midnight, and it must sing.” — A.B. Simpson
“Indeed, happiness is a matter of spiritual conditions.” — A.B. Simpson
Application Points
- I must be careful about the company I keep and the advice I follow.
- I need to make time to read and think about God's word and apply it to my life.
- I can have a happy and fruitful life by following God and living a life that is pleasing to Him.