In the sermon "The Blessed Man," Kevin Thacker expounds on Psalm 1, focusing on the theological significance of being blessed, which he defines as being straight, level, right, and happy. Thacker asserts that the true "blessed man" is Jesus Christ, who exemplifies perfect obedience and righteousness, standing in stark contrast to the ungodly. He uses various Scripture references, including Isaiah 40 and Hebrews 4:15, to underscore that Christ alone fulfills the law and does not walk in wickedness or scorn. The practical significance of this message lies in the believers’ identity; they are blessed through their union with Christ, receiving mercy and righteousness, thereby avoiding judgment, contrasting the fate of the ungodly, who will perish. This sermon highlights the Reformed emphasis on grace and the believer's standing in Christ as the source of true blessing.
Key Quotes
“The blessed man, that's the title of my message, the blessed man is our Lord Jesus Christ.”
“Blessed means straight, level, right, and happy. If we are to be blessed, it's going to be in Him.”
“Christ did not walk in the counsel of the ungodly... His place was not in the way of sinners.”
“He stood in front of the scorners for his people. What a thought. That's the blessed man.”
The Bible defines the blessed man as one who delights in the law of the Lord and avoids the counsel of the ungodly.
In Psalm 1, the term 'blessed' refers to a state of being straight, level, right, and happy. It describes a person who avoids the counsel of the ungodly and finds joy and meditation in God's law day and night. This person is likened to a tree planted by the rivers of water, yielding fruit in its season and prospering in all they do. Thus, the blessed man is not only one who receives God's favor but also embodies a lifestyle aligned with His Word, encapsulating the essence of true happiness in Christ.
Psalm 1
Christ fulfills all the attributes of the blessed man described in Psalm 1, being without sin and delighting in God's law.
The blessed man encapsulated in Psalm 1 primarily refers to our Lord Jesus Christ, who is described as the straight, level, right, and happy one. He perfectly embodied the characteristics of the blessed man by resisting sin, meditating on the law of God, and fulfilling all righteousness. His delight in His Father’s will showcases His unique qualification as the blessed man. Unlike the ungodly, Christ's actions were entirely sinless, making Him the ultimate representative of what it means to be blessed before God.
Psalm 1, Hebrews 4:15, John 15
Avoiding ungodly counsel is crucial as it protects Christians from deviating from God's truth and living in opposition to His will.
Psalm 1 emphasizes the importance of not walking in the counsel of the ungodly because such guidance leads one away from the path of righteousness. The blessed man, exemplified in Christ, does not seek wisdom outside of God’s truth. By adhering to the counsel found in Scripture, believers ensure they align their lives with God’s desires and will. Engaging with ungodly counsel could compromise one's faith and obedience, which is why grounding oneself in God’s truth is vital for spiritual growth and prosperity.
Psalm 1, Isaiah 9:6
It means that those who are in Christ are justified and will not face condemnation for their sins.
The declaration that the righteous will not stand in judgment, as stated in Psalm 1, signifies the assurance of salvation for those who are in Christ. Because of Christ's redemptive work, believers are seen as righteous before God, and thus, they will not experience condemnation. Romans 8:1 reinforces this by stating that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. The judgment that awaits the ungodly is different, as they do not have the covering of Christ's righteousness and will face their sins in that final judgment.
Psalm 1:5, Romans 8:1
Meditating on God's law strengthens believers’ faith and guides them in living a life that is pleasing to God.
Meditation on God's law is a central aspect of the believer's life. It allows Christians to internalize Scripture, fostering a deeper relationship with God. By meditating on His law day and night, believers are equipped to discern right from wrong and remain steadfast in their faith amidst worldly influences. This practice not only leads to personal growth and righteousness but also reflects the character of Christ, who found delight in honoring His Father’s commandments. Consequently, meditation transforms the believer, enabling them to yield fruit in their spiritual walk.
Psalm 1:2, Philippians 4:8
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