The Tree By The River Side By Pastor Joshua Olaleye

STRONGTOWER

                   DIGGING DEEP                                                       TUESDAY 17/03/15

                                                THE TREE BY THE RIVER SIDE

Text: Psalms 1:3

INTRODUCTION

That single name describes the man who satisfies the conditions of psalms 1:1? What is the meaning of THE in” the man “? We are told in the last study that the scornful talks too much, is it his fault in view of James 3:8? What can a man do to tame his tongue? These and other questions will start to engage our attention as from today.

The man who satisfies the conditions of Psalms 1:1 is godly, not a sinner, not scornful i.e. not proud, has love and has tamed his tongue. He can be called holy, righteous or SAINT.

God uses ‘’ THE ‘’ Instead of ‘’A ‘’ OR ‘’ ANY’’ IN ‘’ the main ‘’ just to bring to us the fact that God differentiate between man and man Prov. 16:5.

Despite James 3:8 one who talks too much will bear the burden of his foolishness Matthew 12:36; Proverb 18:7, therefore, watch your tongue Proverb 17:27 -28. But how can a man tame his tongue? By praying in tongues frequently. That means surrendering the tongue to the Holy Spirit.

1.      According to Psalms 1:2, what benefits does a saint get?

a.      He enjoys studying the word ( or law) of God 2 Tim.2:15

b.      He enjoys applying them in his life James 1:22 -25

c.       Therefore his life is directed by the laws of God Joshua. 1:7-8

d.      Therefore he meditates on these laws day and night so that he could understand them more and make them his model or standard of perfection

2.      Why does he do these things? What benefits does he get as a result?

a. He does not wish to offend God. Ps 119: 11

b. He wishes to gain knowledge of God, wisdom and understanding EPH.    3:4. 1:3; Prov. 9: 9 -10

c. So that false prophets and teachers will not be able to lead him astray 2 Peters 2: 1-3.

3.      How can I become a saint?

By becoming nothing. Gal 2:20; Ps. 116 :15; Gal 6:14

CONCLUSION:

A saint is a blessed person indeed, but to become a saint involves a total surrender to Jesus Christ. Philip. 3 : 7-11. Do you want to be a saint?

Then, tell Jesus about it now.

    

Psalms 1:3

INTRODUCTION - We have learnt that anyone who satisfies the conditions

 of Psalms 1:1 could be called a saint and he will richly be blessed. In fact, his blessing had compared in Psalms 1:3 to those of a tree planted by the riverside. Can you name some of the blessings you think a tree by the riverside will have?

( a)  Abundant supplies of water

(b)  Nothing to worry about even in dry season

(c)  It will always be gloriously green

 (d) It will produce plenty of fruits

(e)  It will in turn provide shade for animals, birds and the river itself and yours to 

        the list.           

1.      DO YOU THINK COMPARISON BETWEEN A BLESSED SAINT AND A TREE BY THE RIVERSIDE IS AN APPROPRIATE ONE? IF YES, IN WHAT WAYS?

The comparison is appropriate in the following ways

(a)    The saint will always be glorious Col. 1:27

(b)   The saint will have abundant supply of all His needs Phil 4:19;

( c) The saint will have nothing to worry about Mt 6:25-33

(d)The saint will always be fruitful Ps 128: 1-6

( e) The saint is a blessing to others around him Mat. 5:13-16 and a source a   

        Blessing to God too. 1Cor.3:9

  

2.       IN HOW MANY WAYS CAN WE OBTAIN FRUITS? HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO SAINT?

(a)    By planting our own trees

(b)   By inheriting trees planted by others Deut. 6: 10-12 and

( c)   By grafting Rom 11; 17-18. Now a saint is grafted by the Lord Jesus Christ

            Pr.52:8-9 that why He is able to stand Mt. 15:13.

     

3.       WHAT DOES ‘’ RIVER STAND FOR IN SPIRITUAL TERMS?

‘’River’’ is a symbol of spiritual blessings. Can you think of other interpretations? Ps. 36:8, Ps. 46: 1-4, Rev. 22: 1-2.

4.      EHAT ARE THE CONDITIONS FOR OBTAINING THESE BLESSING AND BEARING FRUITS?

(a)    Obedience Isa 1: 19. Isa. 48: 17-19

(b)   Continuous contact with the ‘River’ –John 15:5

        ( c) Understanding of spiritual things – Matt. 13:23

        ( d) Death of the old life – John 12:24

        ( e) Constant correction (trimming) by God – John 15:2.

5.       IS IT POSSIBLE TO REMAIN FRUITFUL TILL THE END OF ONE’S LIFE?  Jere. 17: 7-8, Ps. 92: 12-14, Deut. 34:7.

       All these passages confirm that the answer is yes.

6.      WHAT ARE THE CONDITIONS TILL THE REMAINING FOREVER FRUITFUL?

(a)    Complete severance from sin and idols Hosea 14:8

(b)   Continuous waiting on the Lord Isaiah 40:31, 11Corinthians 5

CONCLUSION

Would you love to be like a tree by the riverside? Are you willing to meet God’s conditions? If you are willing, God is also willing. Talk to Him now