Below are notes to a sermon preached Sunday evening, Feb. 16, 2003, at Gospel Light Baptist Church, Albany, Georgia.
LIKE A TREE IN 2003
By Michael D. O’Neal Pastor, Gospel Light Baptist Church Albany, Georgia
Scripture Reading: Psalms 1:1-6
Text: Psalms 1:3
Psalms 1:3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
Introduction: Our slogan for this year is “Like a Tree in 2003.” That is also the title for tonight’s message. I’m not an expert on trees, but I am learning some things. One thing I DO know is that the blessed man, according to Psalm 1 shall be like a tree. I’m going to point out a few simple truths to you tonight that are characteristics of the blessed man.
However, these are actually RESULTS of the blessed man. The REQUIREMENTS of the blessed man are found in Ps. 1:1-2:
Psalms 1:1-2 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
If you want to be blessed, note two important factors:
- THE SEPARATION OF THE BLESSED MAN – 1:1
- THE SCRIPTURES OF THE BLESSED MAN – 1:2
I. THE BLESSED MAN IS PLANTED
Psalms 1:3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
“like a tree planted by the rivers of water”
A. In the Savior – John 15
B. In the scriptures – Psalms 1:2
C. In the Spirit – Romans 8:9
D. In the saints
- Proverbs 13:20
- Hebrews 10:25
- A blessed man of God will be planted in the right kind of church — a Bible-believing, fundamental, independent Baptist church!
E. In the soil
- Doing a work for God in this earth
II. THE BLESSED MAN IS PRODUCTIVE
Psalms 1:3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
“that bringeth forth his fruit in his season;”
He brings forth:
A. The fruit of salvation – sanctification and holiness
B. The fruit of the Spirit
C. The fruit of service
D. The fruit of soul-winning
III. THE BLESSED MAN IS PRESERVED
Psalms 1:3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
“his leaf also shall not wither;”
A. He is preserved in all seasons of life
B. He is preserved in all situations
“Don’t make like a tree and LEAVE;
Make like a tree and LAST.”
IV. THE BLESSED MAN IS PROFITABLE
Psalms 1:3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
“whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”
He is profitable
A. To his spouse and children
B. To the saints and his church
C. To sinners in the community
- As salt
- In soul-winning