Message Notes

THE FOCUS OF A MAN WHO PRAYS…BEING A GOOD MAN

1. Prayer that is implied in the Psalm

a. Psalm 37 is about the steps of a good man

b. But there is no direct mention of prayer

c. It is implied in this Psalm

d. A man who prays would focus on being a good man

2. Understanding the steps of a good man

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way. though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord upholds him with His hand. ”   Psalm 37:23

a. The good man is identified in the following ways

i. The righteous   (Psalm 37:16)

ii. The upright   (Psalm 37:18)

iii. The blameless   (Psalm 37:37)

b. Determined by the Lord Himself

i. According to the law of God

“The law of his God is in his heart, none of his steps shall slide.”   Psalm 37:31

ii. According to His ways

“Wait on the Lord and keep His ways.”   Psalm 37:34

iii. According to His delight

“He delights in his way.”   Psalm 37:23

IN FACING A WORLD THAT IS EVIL

1. Not to fret over those who seem to prosper   (Psalm 37:1, 7, 8)

2. Not to be envious of those who does all kinds of iniquities   (Psalm 37:1)

a. Plan wicked plots   (Psalm 37:12 )

b. Cast down poor and needy   (Psalm 37:14)

c. Slay those who are upright   (Psalm 37:14)

d. They borrow and not repay   (Psalm 37:21)

THE FEATURES OF A GOOD MAN

1. Trust in the Lord   (Psalm 37:3)

2. Do good   (Psalm 37:3, 27)

3. Feed on His faithfulness   (Psalm 37:3)

4. Delight in the Lord   (Psalm 37:4)

5. Commit your way to the Lord   (Psalm 37:5)

6. Rest in the Lord   (Psalm 37:7)

7. Wait patiently for Him   (Psalm 37:7, 34)

8. Cease from anger   (Psalm 37:8)

9. Being meek   (Psalm 37:11)

10. Speak wisdom   (Psalm 37:30)

PROMISSORY ANSWERS FROM GOD FOR A GOOD MAN WHO PRAYS

1. The promised answers of the Lord’s blessings

a. He will give us the desires of our heart   (Psalm 37:4)

b. He will bring to pass that which is good   (Psalm 37:5)

c. He will cause us to inherit the earth   (Psalm 37:9, 11, 29, 34)

d. He will give us abundance of peace   (Psalm 37:11, 37)

e. The Lord will uphold the righteous   (Psalm 37:17,23)

f. He will not forsake us   (Psalm 37:25, 28)

g. He will bless our descendants   (Psalm 37:25, 26)

h. He will preserve   (Psalm 37:28)

i. He will give salvation   (Psalm 37:39)

j. He will give strength   (Psalm 37:39)

2. In contrast, the wicked will be dealt with by the Lord

a. They will come to an end   (Psalm 37:2, 9, 10, 36)

b. Their day of end will come   (Psalm 37:13)

c. Their sword will enter their ow heart   (Psalm 37:14, 15)

d. Their arms will be broken   (Psalm 37:17)

e. The wicked will perish   (Psalm 37:20, 38)

FOLLOW THE WAYS OF A GOOD MAN

1. Match our prayer life with being a good man

2. Courage to walk as a good man in an evil world

3. Faith to live out the features of a good man

4. Joy in seeing God answer our prayers