Psalms by Dr. Ralph Wilson
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Lesson 3
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Psalms: Choosing the Right Path (Psalms 1, 15, and 133)
Psalm 1 -- The Two Ways: Righteousness and Unrighteousness
Blessed is ... (1:1a)
Separating from Sin, Delighting in God (1:1-2)
Observe the three-fold parallelism that describes what a believer doesn't do in verse 1b:
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walk |
in the counsel of the wicked |
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stand |
in the way of sinners |
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sit |
in the seat of mockers |
The positive is found in verse 2. Look at the verbs that describe the godly person's actions:
"Delight"
"Meditates"
"Prospers"
The Lord's Watch-Care over the Believer (1:6)
A Fruit-Bearing Tree Planted by the Water (1:3)
Chaff that the Wind Blows Away (1:4)
Q1. (Psalm 1). This short psalm seems to reaffirm what we already know: the righteous will succeed and the wicked will perish. Why do we need to be reminded of this?
From an emotional standpoint, what lines in this psalm stand out to you. Why do you think you like them?
Psalm 15 -- Characteristics of a Righteous Person
Alternating positive conditions vs. negative conditions:
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A. Positive Conditions (verse 2)
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B. Negative Conditions (verse 3)
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C. Positive Conditions (verse 4)
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D. Negative Conditions (verse 5)
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Three words modify these verbs:
- "Blameless"
- "Righteous"
- "Truth"
Q2. (Psalm 15) The Wisdom Psalms are meant to instruct us. How would you use this psalm in your family to instruct your children?
What topics of right living does it cover?
Psalm 133 -- The Beauty of Unity
Brothers Living Together in Unity (133:1)
Unity Is Like Perfumed Oil Generously Poured Out (133:2)
Unity Is Like Heavy Dew (133:3)
Q3. (Psalm 133) What about this short psalm seems to attract you?
Why is "dwelling together in unity" so difficult?
What kinds of commitments does unity require of us?
How do the principles of unity and purity seem to conflict with each other?
Why are reconciliation and unity such high values in Jesus' teaching, do you think?
Exercise. For one of the psalms in this lesson -- or another psalm with a similar theme -- do one of the suggested exercises to help you experience the Psalms in Appendix 1. These include such things as praying a psalm, meditating, reading to a shut-in, paraphrasing, writing your own psalm, singing, preparing a liturgy, and memorizing. Then report to the forum what the exercise meant to you personally or share what you've written with others.
Prayer
Dear Lord, we thank you for the encouragement to righteous living that you give us in these psalms. Help us to be diligent to obey you. Also help us to be diligent to seek unity, rather than just to judge, condemn, and separate. Teach us how to love -- to love you and to love our neighbors. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Songs
- "Can I Ascend," words and music by Matt Redman (© 1995 Thankyou Music). Psalm 24:3.
- "Clean Hands and a Pure Heart," words and music by Dale Garratt (© 1980, Scripture in Song). Psalm 24:3-5; 2 Chronicles 16:9.
- "I Shall Not Be Moved," African American spiritual. Psalm 1
- "Give Us Clean Hands," words and music by Charlie Hall (© 2000, worshiptogether.com songs). Psalm 24:3-5.
- "Micah 6:8," words and music by Bob Sklar (© 1978, 1980, Maranatha! Music)
- "¡Miren QuéBueno! (O Look and Wonder)," words and music: Pablo Sosa (1979), translated by George Lockwood (© 1979 Cancionero Abierto, Buenos Aires). Psalm 133.
"Who May Ascend to the Hill of the Lord?" words and music by Kirk Dearman (© 1989, Maranatha Praise, Inc.). Psalm
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