Introduction: This chapter contains a reference to three particular men. In Psalm 37:16 we find “a righteous man”, in Psalm 37:23 we find “a good man”, and in Psalm 37:37 we find “the perfect man”. If we were to argue this from a New Testament viewpoint we might say that the “righteous man” (Psalm 37:16) is a man that is has been saved and has the righteousness of Christ. We would say that the “good man” (Psalm 37:23) is not only a man who has been saved, but he is a man who allows the Lord to lead and direct him through life. As to the “perfect man” (Psalm 37:37), we would have to say that this is a man who not only has the righteousness of God, not only does he allow the Lord to lead him and guide him, but he has reached a level of maturity in the Christian life so that things that might offend the righteous man and the good man will not even phase his fellowship with the Lord. The perfect man is unmovable. The main focus today will be that of the “good man”, but remember this man is not even where we ought to strive to be, he is merely a middle of the road believer.
- THE STEPS OF A GOOD MAN (Psalm 37:23)
- Ordered by the Lord From His Word (Psalm 119:133)
- Ordered by the Lord In Gods Order
- Protected From Slipping (Psalm 37:30-31)
- Cannot Be Designed by Man (Jeremiah 10:23)
- In Danger When His Eyes Go Astray (Psalm 73:2-3)
- Under Constant Attack from the Enemy (Psalm 17:8-12; Psalm 57:4-6)
- THE DELIGHT OF A GOOD MAN (Psalm 37:23)
- He Delights in Gods Way (Psalm 37:23; Philippians 3:7-8)
- He Delights in the Law of the Lord (Psalm 1:2)
- THE FALL OF A GOOD MAN (Psalm 37:24)
- A Possibility Though he fall
- Adam fell when he partook of the fruit.
- Noah fell when he got drunk after the flood.
- Abraham fell when listened to Sarah on the matter of Hagar.
- Lot fell when he went to Sodom.
- Moses fell when he smote the rock instead of speaking to the rock.
- Aaron fell when he made a calf and led the congregation in pagan worship.
- David fell when he sinned with Bathsheba and had her husband murdered.
- Solomon fell because he gave his heart to outlandish women.
- Elijah fell when he ran from Jezebel because of fear.
- Peter fell when he denied the Lord three times.
- The disciples fell when they hid themselves after the death of Christ because of fear.
- Not Permanent He shall not be utterly cast down (Proverbs 24:16; 2 Corinthians 4:8-9)
- Rescued by the Lord for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand
Conclusion: Are your steps being ordered by the Lord? Do you delight in the will and way of the Lord for your life? Have you fallen? Have you risen back up to get back in the fight? These things describe a middle of the road believer. Where does that place you?
