Psalm 1:5-6 (ESV) says, "Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; for the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish."
As we conclude our week study on Psalm 1, these verses serve as a warning to those who choose to live apart from God. While the wicked may seem to prosper for a time, their way will ultimately lead to destruction. Those who reject God and His ways will not stand in the judgment, and they will be separated from the congregation of the righteous.
But for those who choose to follow God, there is hope. The Lord knows the way of the righteous, and He will guide and protect them. They will not be put to shame, and they will find joy and peace in His presence.
As believers, we must choose to walk in the way of the righteous. We must strive to live in obedience to God and His Word, and to avoid the ways of the world. This may not always be easy, but we can trust that God will guide us and protect us along the way.
In addition to a warning for us, this passage should encourage us to share the gospel hope that we have with our friends. We can feel embarrassed or nervous about sharing the gospel, especially when our friends seem to be happy or successful without following Jesus. However, we know that any comfort that is experienced outside of Jesus is only temporary and their path leads to ruin. Out of kindness, love, and compassion we need to share the gospel with those who are not following Jesus.
Reflect:
Today, commit to sharing the gospel with someone who doesn't know the Lord!
If you have never shared the gospel before here is some help and encouragement:
Sharing the gospel with friends can feel daunting, but with a practical plan, it can become a natural and fruitful experience. The Three Circles method is a simple and effective way to communicate the gospel message. Here's a practical plan to share the gospel using the Three Circles method with your friends today:
Prepare your heart: Before you share the gospel, take time to pray and ask God to give you the courage and wisdom to share the good news with your friends. Ask Him to guide your words and actions as you seek to bring glory to Him.
Find a time and place to share: Look for opportunities to share the gospel with your friends. You could invite them to join you for lunch or hang out after school. Once you have a time and place, let them know that you would like to share something important with them.
Draw the Three Circles: Draw three circles on a piece of paper or napkin. Explain that the first circle represents God's design for our lives, the second circle represents brokenness caused by sin, and the third circle represents the hope of redemption through Jesus Christ.
Share the gospel message: Using the Three Circles, share the gospel message with your friends. Start with the first circle, explaining how God created us for a purpose and how we were designed to live in a perfect relationship with Him. Move on to the second circle, explaining how sin has broken that relationship and caused pain, suffering, and separation from God. Finally, move to the third circle, explaining how Jesus Christ offers us hope and redemption through His death and resurrection.
Answer their questions: After sharing the gospel message, your friends may have questions or concerns. Take the time to listen to their questions and provide honest, biblical answers.
Follow up: Once you've shared the gospel message, don't be afraid to follow up with your friends. Check in with them and ask how they're doing. Continue to be a source of encouragement and support as they explore the gospel message. Invite them to come and be a part of your local church!