Psalm 1:1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

When I read Psalm 1.1 this morning I immediately thought of Romans 8:1. Paul being a student of excellence in the Old Testament would reveal Christ to the synagogues using scriptures that were familiar. Paul was able to go beyond the obvious prophetic verses that foretold of the coming Christ.

So much of what was written in the OT was wisdom without the ability to walk upright. Failure was the norm for any human effort in trying to achieve the blessings promised. Psalm 1:1 spoke to the blessings which would become available if you were able to keep the law. Romans 8:1 tells us how to obtain those blessings.

The giving of the Holy Spirit only comes thru faith in Christ. The ability to obtain the promises spoken of in the OT are only possible by walking in the Spirit, in obedience to faith, not obedience to the law or legalistic precepts.

Daniel 9:9 To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses, though we have rebelled against him;

Obtaining the blessings of mercy and forgiveness for sin was never found in obeying the laws which were so strict that no superhuman effort could ever obtain them.

Deuteronomy 21:8 Be merciful, O Lord, unto thy people Israel, whom thou hast redeemed, and lay not innocent blood unto thy people of Israel’s charge. And the blood shall be forgiven them.

Ephesians 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

God said it, then God did it.

1 John 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

Have you ever had someone play that old kid prank on you? “Made you look you dirty crook?” Childish is it not? Sure it is but the world does this to us every day. The problem is that it is not a game nor is it childish.

It is on the cover page of every publication on the rack at your store checkout lane. It is on billboards, fliers, circulars and television commercials. Most just want to sell you something. Some want to take advantage of your weakness.

My spam filter fills my e-mail box with unwanted ads and worse. It is amazing how brazen some of the come-on’s are in content. Some do not even hide their intentions.

The internet is more dangerous today than ever. What appears to be a harmless interest can lead to disaster. The true enemy is more cunning than ever. In our opening verse John points out three areas of our lives that need to be guarded with the integrity of a pure heart.

Flesh is flesh and wants because it is flesh. It will desire to be satisfied no matter what you believe. It is the pure heart that knows God’s design, will and deals with natural hungers. It is not a sin to be hungry, it is only a sin to allow the hunger to drive your actions.

The eye takes in everything. Like the “made you look” prank, you are going to see things that are the leading edge of temptation. The pure heart knows when to look away and avoid temptation.

Pride says, I can handle anything, I am in no danger. The pure heart will seek to protect itself and make pride stop at the water’s edge.