======================================================================== BLESSED IS THE MAN by A.B. Simpson ======================================================================== Summary: The blessed man is one who avoids the counsel of the ungodly, delights in the law of the Lord, and brings forth fruit in his season, resulting in a happy and prosperous life. Topics: "Spiritual Growth", "Blessed Life" Scripture References: Psalm 1:1-3, Psalm 119:15, Proverbs 3:5-6, Isaiah 58:11, Jeremiah 17:7-8, Matthew 5:6, John 15:5, Romans 12:2, Galatians 5:22-23, Philippians 4:8 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ DESCRIPTION ------------------------------------------------------------------------ A.B. Simpson emphasizes the characteristics of a blessed man, focusing on his associations, thoughts, and the fruitfulness of his life. This man avoids the influence of the ungodly and finds joy in meditating on God's law, leading to a life that is fruitful and prosperous. He is compared to a tree planted by the rivers of water, symbolizing the Holy Spirit's sustaining presence in his life. Simpson illustrates that true happiness stems from spiritual conditions, akin to a sunbeam illuminating a dark space or a nightingale singing in the night. Ultimately, the blessed man's life is marked by continual growth and vitality. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ CONTENT ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Three things are notable about this blessed man: 1. His company. He walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2. His reading and thinking. His delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3. His fruitfulness. 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. The river is the Holy Spirit; the planting, the deep abiding life in which, not occasionally but habitually, we absorb Him. The fruit is not once in a while, but continual and appropriate to each changing season. His life is also prosperous and his spirit fresh, like the unfading leaf. Such a life must be happy. Indeed, happiness is a matter of spiritual conditions. Put a sunbeam in a cellar and it must be bright. Put a nightingale in the darkest midnight, and it must sing. ======================================================================== Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/ab-simpson/blessed-is-the-man/ ========================================================================