EXPLORE THE TEXT
Each person is faced with a choice-
the path that leads to blessing or the path that leads to destruction.
5 Therefore the wicked will not stand up in the judgment,
nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
6 For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked leads to ruin.
The psalmist concluded with a simple, but profound,
explanation of what happens when His people follow Him seriously.
He asserted that they could count on God to watch over them.
They would never have to wonder if He would care for them,
guide them, strengthen them, protect them, and nourish them along the way.
Many Scriptures echo the psalmist.
identify key words in the verses that contrast each other.
This word provided a critical transition.
It tied to what the psalmist had already said about being devoted to God,
while also pointing to the only fitting conclusion that could be drawn from what he had said.
God's people who walked with Him could look forward to their future with confidence.
The same assurance could not be given to everyone who refused to make Him their highest priority.
Their future looked fearfully bleak.
The picture of someone standing up implied a sense of accomplishment and pride.
Accordingly, wicked people could parade their so-called prosperity
and stand arrogantly in their selfish pride as they embraced evil.
However, the day would come when they would not be able to stand so tall.
In fact, they would not be able to stand at all
(see Isa. 2:11).
The scene served as a fitting way to describe God's role as sovereign Judge.
He could render His judgment to wicked people in their lifetime,
or His judgment could be delayed until they faced Him after they died.
br /> In one way or the other, those committed to wickedness can count on being judged
Individuals who gave themselves to sinful behavior
could count on being excluded from the fellowship of God's people
who devoted themselves to Him.
The psalmist identified such people as sinners.
They came to be identified that way because they missed the mark spiritually.
However, they refused to turn to God.
The outcome of wicked people is incredibly sad.
The Hebrew word (abad) conveyed the dreadful thought of perishing, being lost, failing, and disappearing.
Because wicked people ignore God, they set themselves on a path toward destruction.
Bible passages like
Psalm 112:10; Proverbs 14:12; Matthew 7:13; and 2 Peter 3:12
underscore the painful truth about their tragic outcome.
The wicked will lose everything they tried to gain.
lead a brief discussion on how seeking to know God through His Word
is essential for lifelong happiness.
consider how daily decisions to follow or ignore God can affect a lifetime.
challenge the group to consider what characteristics of God are revealed in Psalm 1.
Encourage them to reflect on how those qualities are demonstrated in their lives
and how they can do a better job of imitating God's character to those around them.
Review these points from Apply the Text on page 15 of the Personal Study Guide:
Lead the group to read Psalm 1:1-2 chorally, encouraging the group to memorize these verses and to reflect on how they should influence their lives.
Direct attention back to Pack Item 8 (Handout: Praying Scriptures in Psalms). Encourage adults to continue praying through Psalm 1:3-4 during the week ahead.
Lead a brief discussion on the first set of questions on page 15 of the PSG. Encourage adults to sug-gest ways the group can make Bible study a priority during the week.
Call on a volunteer to close in prayer, thanking God for the wisdom found in his Word that allows be-lievers to lead fruitful lives.
AFTER THE SESSION
Reinforce the session by texting or emailing the group and encouraging them to utilize Pack Item 8 (Handout: Praying Scriptures in Psalms) for praying Scripture. Let them know that you are praying for them and suggest they share any prayer requests they might have with you. Urge them to reflect regu-larly on the contrast between the life and final end of the righteous and that of the wicked. Add a prayer that God’s Word will be prioritized in the life of each person in the group.
The Holy Bible is a perfect treasure of divine instruction. (See Psalm 119:140; 2 Peter 1:19-21.)
Use other Scripture to help understand a Bible passage.
The psalmist wasn’t the only one to emphasize the importance of life choices. Compare Psalm 1 with Deuteronomy 30:19-20 and Matthew 7:24-27. How are these passages similar? What common themes are found in all three passages? Write a summary statement of the teaching found in all three passages.