Message Notes

INTRODUCTION

1. The good man and the wicked man greatly contrasted

2. This contrast helps to define and distinguish the two different groups of people

THE WICKED ARE DISTINGUISHED BY THEIR DEEDS

1. Evildoers   (Psalm 37:1a, 9a)

a) They do evil

b) They may not think they are doing evil

2. Workers of iniquity   (Psalm 37:1b)

a) Iniquity is another word for sin

b) Except that it is associated with dark sins

3. Wicked schemes   (Psalm 37:7c)

a) They scheme

b) Their schemes perpetuate wickedness

4. The wicked   (Psalm 37:10a, 12, 14, 16, 17, 20, 21, 32, 34, 35, 38, 40)

a) Whole range of wicked activities noted

b) This is not an exhaustive list

5. The transgressors   (Psalm 37:38)

a) They break God’s commandments

b) They do not have much regard for God at all

c) Thus, they transgress God’s laws with impunity

DIFFERENT TERMS USED TO DESCRIBE THE GOOD MAN

1. The meek   (Psalm 37:11)

2. The righteous man   (Psalm 37:16a, 17b, 21b, 25, 29, 30, 32, 39a)

3. The upright   (Psalm 37:18a)

4. The good man   (Psalm 37:23a)

5. The blameless   (Psalm 37:37a)

THE STEPS OF THE GOOD MAN

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD,
And He delights in his way.”   Psalm 37:23

1. The Word of God helps the good man watch the steps that he takes

2. The LORD Himself is there to guide him as to how he should walk

3. The LORD delights in this good man!

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE GOOD MAN

1. Money matters

“The wicked borrows and does not repay,
But the righteous shows mercy and gives.”   Psalm 37:21

2. Mercy practised

“He is ever merciful and lends..”   Psalm 37:26a

3. Speech

“The mouth of the righteous speaks wisdom,
And his tongue talks of justice.”   Psalm 37:30

4. The heart

“The law of his God is in his heart…”   Psalm 37:31a

5. Blamelessness

“Mark the blameless man,
And observe the upright;
For the future of that man is peace.”   Psalm 37:37

GOD’S REGARD FOR THE GOOD MAN

1. Known

“The LORD knows the days of the Upright..”   Psalm 37:18

2. Ordered

“The Steps of a Good Man are ordered by the LORD..”   Psalm 37:23a

3. Upheld

“The LORD upholds him with His hand.”   Psalm 37:24

4. Salvation

“But the salvation of the righteous is from the LORD..”   Psalm 37:39a

5. Strength

“He is their strength in the time of trouble.”   Psalm 37:39b

6. Help

“The LORD shall help them and deliver them..”   Psalm 37:40a

CONCLUSION

1. Do not fret   (Psalm 37:1, 7, 8)

2. Trust in the LORD   (Psalm 37:3, 5, 40)

3. Rest in the LORD   (Psalm 37:7a)

4. Wait on the LORD   (Psalm 37:34a)