Worship – Singing

I. Introduction

A. Over the course of the past month or so we have been studying the various acts of our worship to God

1. We have seen that our worship is more than just outward motions of a physical nature

2. True worship involves both physical actions and a spiritual devotion to God (living sacrifice)

3. Thus far we have studied four of the five actions that the early Christians engaged in

B. We conclude our studies today with a look at possibly the most expressive of all the acts.

1. An act that we spend nearly a third of our assemblies engaged in.

2. It is clear that men of God in the OT delighted in this
(Psa 146:1-2)

Psalm 146:1-2

¹ Praise ye the LORD. Praise the LORD, O my soul.

² While I live will I praise the LORD: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being.

C. For our bible study this morning let’s consider singing as worship to God

II. There is a notable difference between the worship of the true church of Christ and the practices of the religious world. Which cause some to ask, “Why do we sing?”

A. Their worship consist of musical instruments, choirs, and such

1. I do not think it is necessary to go in to a full explanation of why we don’t use Instruments of music or choirs

2. The bible says

a) Eph 5:19

Ephesians 5:19

¹⁹Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

b) Col 3:16

Colossians 3:16

¹⁶Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

B. We sing because it is a command of God

1. We are fulfilling the command.

2. Suffice to say we simply have no authority by command, example, or inference to use instrument of music

III. As we fulfill the command to sing, we realize there is also a purpose for our singing.

A. It is a two fold purpose, as seen in both Eph 5:19 & Col 3:16

B. We sing as a way to praise God

1. Notice what the writer of Hebrews says in Heb 2:12

Hebrews 2:12

¹²Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.

a) A quote of the psalmist (Psa 22:22)

b) For the salvation of Jesus, the blessings of God, for all that he has done

c) We sing the praises of God

2. Examples of songs of Praise

a) 387 – “Glory to His Name”

b) 426 – “Praise Him, Praise Him”

C. Not only do the songs give Praise to God, but also we sing to benefit one another.

1. Notice again the passages

a) “Speaking to yourselves” – Eph 5:19

b) “Teaching and admonishing” – Col 3:16

c) Singing extension of the Bible Study, we are teaching others about the word of Christ (Col 3)

2. Consider some examples of how we instruct one another

a) 179 – “How shall the young secure their hearts”
by the word of God – the Holy Book

b) 536 – “The Old Rugged Cross” – Tells the story of the death of Jesus on the Cross

c) 342- “Jesus is Coming Soon”

3. And up lifting each other

a) 503 – “Swiftly We’re Turning” – reminds of James 4:14 What is your life? What are we doing in this life? With our time and talents?

b) 437 – “Is It Well with Your Soul?”

c) 614 – “We have an Anchor”

IV. Yes, we are to sing, and we sing praise to God and for others and ourselves as well, but how is this accomplished with song?

A. Looking again at Eph 5:19 and Col 3:16 Paul tells these brethren it is with our heart

1. Making melody in your heart (emotions)

a) Melody – Greek word Psallo

(1) In OT play a stringed Instrument, to sing with a harp

(2) In NT became only to sing, make melody

b) It is the strings of the heart that are touched

2. Ever heard a song that touched your heart, maybe a song about children or parents, or even patriotic songs

B. We also sing with our minds or intellect

1. We teach and admonish one another

a) In order to do that we must understand what we are singing

(1) Do not have to know the meaning of each individual word to understand the sentiment expressed

(2) Example 370 – “Night with Ebon Pinion”

(3) Or like some popular songs (“Janie wants a Bass boat”)

b) Understanding the words and the thoughts conveyed in the song

(1) Of praise to God

(2) Of strength for others

(3) Of assurance

c) Give careful attention to the words

V. As we draw to a close, consider some personal application of our songs of Praise during worship

A. Think about the words of the songs that are sung

1. Focus on the words more than the mechanics

a) R.J. Stevens coming to teach mechanics of music. But that is because of a realization of bettering ourselves in the act of worship

b) It is not that God only hears those that sing well

c) I have a friend who cannot carry a tune in a bucket with the lid snapped on it. But that doesn’t stop him from singing

d) He understands the words, he knows nothing about music but he sings

2. The words of the song, the ideas expressed are what are important.

a) Whether it is praise and glory to the name of God

b) Or reminding us of the sacrifice of Christ on the cross

c) Or giving us encouragement to continue to reach for the beauty of Heaven

B. Sing with feeling, don’t be afraid to let your heart go and show your emotions

1. Not suggesting we must cry or even laugh when we sing, but rather feel the words of the emotions that are described in song.

2. Remember singing is from the heart

a) It is not with some heart, but the whole heart.

b) Psa 86:12

Psalm 86:12

¹² I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore.

3. It is said that “They who wish to sing, will always find a song”

4. James 5:13

James 5:13

¹³Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.

C. Understand what you are singing

1. Remember these songs are written by individuals who were not inspired as the apostles were.

2. Therefore, some poetic license is used to describe or remind us of ideas and thoughts

a) Not necessary to take the songs as strict as the words.

b) But to consider the overhaul meaning of the song.

3. This is an area that song leaders can be of great value.

a) Careful to select appropriate songs

b) Carefully introduce new songs to the congregation

c) Take time to explain words or phrases that may be unusual to some

D. Never forget that we are worshipping God while sing

1. Show the same respect and honor as we would during prayer.

2. Have a similar mind set as when we partake of the Lord’s Supper

3. We give God the praise, honor, and glory that is His

4. As well as helping to teach and lift each other

VI. Conclusion

A. God commands us to sing

1. His commandments are not grievous

2. He delights in those that obey him

3. Let us determine to sing from the heart

a) Giving God the praise

b) Encouraging one another

B. With the close of this Bible study, we bring to a close this series on worship to God

1. Only those who are God’s people can worship Him as He has directed

2. All other is not true worship

C. Remember we worship God with physical actions coupled with our minds

D. True worship is

1. Faithful lives as Christians

2. Actions performed as instructed by the word of God