Sermon Notes
Introduction to HABITS:
It’s obvious that our personal choices shape our lives. But what may not be so obvious is the extreme power of habits that are broad reaching for not only our own lives, but our family lives, our friends, community and church. Small decisions compounded over time can bring health or disease, peace or stress, friendship or isolation. When we examine the Bible we see up close the power that these habits can have. Join us this Sunday as we continue this new series. Along the way we will discover how the habits of Jesus followers are better than the habits of our modern world. These small habits can literally change our lives for the good.
Key Point:
Small healthy decisions repeated over time reap grand rewards in surprising ways.
Common Observation:
The stuff that goes in your mouth affects your body.
But Have You Considered?
The stuff that goes in your mind affects your soul.
Key Reflection:
This past week what has been the diet of your mind? Has this been good for your soul?
In Psalm 1 we see the first word of this important book: “Blessed” (אֶשֶׁר ). This terms means, “happy, an exclamation of happiness, or what one would call the good life.” Fill in the blank below:
I feel so alive when I ___________
This is one way to describe the Jewish idea of living out your blessed life. The Psalmist is telling us that pursuing this blessed life is found in a certain activity, but one that we often overlook. This habit can help us with the gap that sometimes exists between studying God’s word and obeying God’s word.
1. The Psalmist contrast the various sources that are affecting the mind and heart – Psalm 1:1
- Walk (do life with) wicked
- Stand with (closer friendship) sinners
- Sit (really close trusted friends) mockers
Who is influencing you?
2. Rather he spends his time from another source – Psalm 1:2
- We must fall in love again with the Bible.
- Meditate, (הָגָה)
- Ruminate, muse, devise, plot, scheme. To be in continual contemplation over a matter.
Key Quote:
“Under age six, we do not receive a child as a pupil, from six upwards we accept him and stuff him with Torah like and ox” – Talmud, B.B. 21a
Consider these passages:
- Ezekiel 3:3
- Psalm 119:101-103
- Job 23:12
- Psalm 19:10
Consider:
Meditation fills the gap often found between studying the Word of God and obeying the Word of God.
- Study (Comprehend the Word):
- Answers the question, “What does this mean?”
- Meditation (Contemplate the Word):
- Answers the question, “What does this mean for me and how do I apply it?”
- Obey (Comply with the Word):
- Answers the question, “What am I presently doing about this?”
Here are the Results – Psalm 1:3
- “… streams of water…” (You will have a constant source)
- “…fruit in season…” (You will have results in time)
- “…leaf does not wither…” (You will withstand drought)
- “…whatever he does prospers…” (All aspects of life will be impacted)
Application:
Go to: bibleproject.com
Download: The Bible App
Discussion Questions:
TALK IT OUT:
- Pastor Rusty makes the point that what we put in our mouths affects our bodies, however, what we put in our minds also impacts our souls. This past week what has been the diet of your mind? Do you think this been good for your soul?
- The first word of the first Psalm is the word, “blessed.” This term can be translated “happy, an exclamation of happiness, or what one could call the good life.” Please complete this statement, “I feel so alive when I ________________”
- The Psalmist tells us that the blessed life is found in the practice of meditating. Meditation is the practice of ruminating on or contemplating scripture. Doing this helps us bridge the gap between studying and applying God’s word. Have you ever meditated on a Bible passage and came to understand how it applied to you?
- Consider the following quote from the Talmud. “Under age six, we do not receive a child as a pupil, from six upwards we accept him and stuff him with Torah (the first 5 books of the Bible) like an ox.” How are you filling your mind with scripture?
- Pastor Rusty shared that we need to:
- study so we can comprehend the Word,
- meditate so we can contemplate the word and,
- obey so we comply with the Word. Each of these concepts somewhat builds on the one before it. Which of the three do you find most challenging?
- Psalm 1:3 makes the point that when we meditate on God’s Word we:
- are supplied with a constant source of help (streams of water),
- see scripture produce results in our lives (fruit in season),
- better handle difficult times (leaf does not wither), and
- see every aspect of our life prosper (whatever he does prospers). What is an area of your life where you would like to have God help you prosper?
LIVE IT OUT:
- Go to bibleproject.com and download the Bible App found there.
- Select five favorite or well-known passages from the Bible. Meditate on one passage each day for the next five days.
- Then Pray that as you meditate on these passages God will help you learn what he wants to teach you this week.
- Write down one practical lesson you find as you meditate each day, then ask God to help you put that lesson into practice throughout the day.