PSALMS 1:3
A. 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 been compared in Psalms 1:3 to those of a tree planted by the riverside. This week we shall be discussing the tree by the riverside. Can you name some of the blessing you think a tree by the riverside will have?
B. LESSON OUTLINES
. Lesson Outline 1: BLESSINGS OF A TREE BY THE RIVER SIDE
Some of the blessings to be received by the tree by the riverside are enumerated below:
(a) Abundant supplies of water
(b) Nothing to worry about even in dry seasons
(c) It will always be gloriously green
(d) It will produce plenty of fruits
(e) It will in tum provide shade for animals, birds and the river itself.
Lesson Outline2: DO YOU THINK COMPARISON BETWEEN A BLESSED SAINT AND A TREE BY THE RIVER SIDE 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 blessing to others around him Matt. 5:13-16 and a source a blessing to God tool 1 Cor. 3:9
Lesson Outline 3: IN HOW MANY WAYS CAN WE OBTAIN FRUITS? HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO A 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 saints is grafted by the Lord Jesus Christ Psalm 52: 8-9 that is why He is able to stand Mt. 15:13
Lesson Outline 4: WHAT DOES “RIVER” STAND FOR IN SPIRITUAL TERMS?
“River” is a symbol of spiritual blessings. Ps. 36:8, 46:1-4, Rev. 22: 1-2
Lesson Outline 5: WHAT ARE THE CONDITIONS FOR OBTAINING THESE BLESSINGS AND BEARING FRUITS?
a) Obedience Isa 1: 19, Isa 48:17-19
b) Continuous contact with the ‘River’ John 15:5
c) Understanding of things spiritual Matt. 13:23
d) Death of the old life John 12:24
e) Constant correction (trimming) by God John 15:2
Lesson Outline 6: IS IT POSSIBLE TO REMAIN FRUITFUL TILL THE END OF ONE’S LIFE?
Yes It is possible Jere 17: 7-8, Ps. 92:12-14, Deut. 34:7
All these passages confirm that the answer is yes.
- WHAT ARE THE CONDITIONS FOR REMAINING FOREVER FRUITFUL?
a) Complete severance from sin and Idols Hosea 14:8
b) Continuous waiting on the Lord Isalah 40:31, II Corinthians 5
C. 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.