Questions and Answers Based on Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones' Sermon on Psalm 1:1-2

What is the main theme of Psalm 1 according to Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones?

According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, Psalm 1 introduces the basic teaching and philosophy of the entire Bible. He explains that it presents the essential teaching of the Bible with respect to man and his life in this world of time. The psalm distills the core biblical message about man's relationship to God and what God has done for man's salvation. It addresses the fundamental human quest for happiness and provides God's prescription for achieving true blessedness.

How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones explain the two paths to happiness presented in Psalm 1?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that Psalm 1 presents two distinct paths: the way of the righteous and the way of the ungodly. The Bible simplifies life's complexity by presenting only two alternatives. The way of the righteous involves delighting in God's law and meditating on it day and night. The way of the ungodly involves walking in the counsel of the ungodly, standing in the way of sinners, and sitting in the seat of the scornful. The psalm illustrates these two men, their choices, and the different outcomes of their lives.

Why does the Bible begin with negatives according to Lloyd-Jones?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones gives six reasons why the Bible begins with negatives: 1. The Bible is realistic and starts with the world as it is 2. It first teaches that life as it is in this world is evil 3. Like a good physician, it begins with diagnosis before offering treatment 4. The first step to salvation is recognition of evil and repentance 5. It emphasizes that God's way is entirely different from worldly ways 6. It shows that God's path is revolutionary and comes from another world

What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones teach about the relationship between happiness and circumstances?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones emphatically teaches that happiness does not depend on circumstances, events, or happenings. This is contrary to the common belief that our happiness depends on external factors. Instead, he teaches that true happiness depends on two things only: our relationship to God and His righteousness, and what we are internally, not what happens to us externally. He quotes "The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves" to emphasize that happiness depends on who we are, not our circumstances.

How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones explain the progression in Psalm 1:1 (walking, standing, sitting)?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones sees a meaningful progression in the sequence of "walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful." He explains this in two ways: 1. It shows the increasing grip that sin has on a person - first walking (still mobile), then standing (less mobile), and finally sitting (immobile) 2. It illustrates the increasing paralysis produced by sin - how evil practices cause a person to degenerate, becoming increasingly inactive and ineffective, until they are just "sitting in the corner" scoffing at everything

What is the true source of happiness according to this sermon?

According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, the true source of happiness is delighting in the law of the Lord and meditating on it day and night. He emphasizes that happiness is not found by directly pursuing it, but rather as a byproduct of seeking God and His righteousness. He quotes Jesus: "Blessed are they who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled." The source of happiness is not found in worldly pleasures or following human wisdom, but in knowing God, experiencing forgiveness of sins, and receiving the abundant life that Christ provides.

How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones contrast biblical wisdom with worldly wisdom?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones contrasts biblical wisdom with worldly wisdom by showing that the world's wisdom is constantly changing, uncertain, and produces restlessness. He notes that scientific theories considered true in one generation are laughed at in the next. In contrast, God's wisdom is unchanging, certain, and produces peace. The world's wisdom leads to cynicism and despair, viewing life as "a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing." Biblical wisdom offers hope, purpose, and true happiness through relationship with God.

What does it mean to "delight in the law of the Lord" according to this sermon?

According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, delighting in the law of the Lord means more than merely taking an intellectual interest in the Bible or reading it out of fear or for utilitarian purposes. It means finding genuine pleasure and joy in God's Word. The person who delights in God's law sees it as wonderful, superior to all worldly wisdom, and the source of true happiness. This delight leads to meditation on God's Word "day and night" - a continual, enjoyable contemplation of divine truth that transforms the inner person and produces happiness regardless of circumstances.