SERMON Introduction

Psalm 1 –“M&M”

And how do you feel when you hear the words “Bible memorization”: a) jumping for joy (I can’t wait!) b) yawning widely (I’ve heard this before) c) bewildered (No-one does that any more!) d) guilty and anxious (I know I should, but it all sounds too hard.)?

The M emorization & M editation Of Scripture P assages

DO YOU WANT TO BE HAPPY???

[1] Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; [2] but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. [3] He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.

[4] The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. [5] Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; [6] for the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish. (Psalm 1 ESV)

Prayer and the Word are connected in such a way that if you disconnect them, both die. John Piper But now who is this happy person?

Without the work of Christ on our behalf meditating on the Law will crush us. The law can expose and diagnose our hearts, but it can’t heal them. “ ‘Don’t covet’ for me in Christ is not a condemning command, but it’s a wooing command into joy.”

WHY MEMORIZE & MEDITATE ON SCRIPTURE? Because it the best way to feed on Christ It is the food for transformation and growth It is the on ramp to a life of happiness It is the food of faith It is a lamp to our feet It is like honey to our souls. It is how we become like solid fruitful trees

Jesus is the BLESSED/ HAPPY man who delighted in the Word and meditated on it day and night.