The Purpose of New Testament Singing
Introduction:
In
Eph. 4:17-32 – Paul contrasts the lifestyle of an unspiritual person with
a spiritual lifestyle. In 5:1-21 – Paul continues the thought by
contrasting imitators of God with people who do not belong to God. Christians
are ambassadors of God & must be holy. Today’s lesson will focus on 5:18-21,
where the concept of New Testament singing is addressed. Singing is only powerful
when it becomes personal. How often do we disengage the brain & simply
mouth the songs we have memorized from our youth?
I. The Basis for New Testament Singing
A.
5:18 –
Paul provides instruction, and then follows it with His only command in the
section.
1.
5:18a –
instruction. God demanded them to
live in a way that they consider His will….not theirs.
2.
Eph. 5:15-21
– NLT
B.
5:18b –
Paul commands for Christians to be filled with the Spirit.
1.
5:19-21- tells
us how we obey the command to be filled with the Spirit.
2.
We speak, sing,
make melody, and give thanks.
C.
Col. 3:16
– another passage that mentions singing in New Testament worship.
1.
Primary command: Let the word of Christ richly dwell
within you.
2.
How? Teaching,
admonishing, singing, giving of thanks.
3.
God wants
singing to be a method of getting the Word into our heart.
II. Why we sing
A.
5:19 – we
speak to one another in song.
1.
Singing connects
us with each other.
2.
We engage in
conversation in song.
B.
Colossians 3:16
– we teach one another in song.
1.
Power of
teaching Bible stories in song. How many of us know the names of the 12
apostles because of a song?
2.
We learn the
Bible from songs. Many are based
upon scripture itself.
C.
Col. 3:16
– Admonish each other in Song
1.
Admonish is not
the same as teaching. It involves
encouragement.
2.
Heb. 10:24-25
– We nurture each other through the songs we sing.
D.
5:19 – we
make melody with our hearts to the Lord.
1.
We sing words of
praise, love, and appreciation for God.
2.
We voice to Him
our struggles & challenges.
E.
5:20 – We
offer thankfulness to God in song.
1.
5:20; Col. 3:16;
1 Corinthians 14:15-17
2.
God is worthy to
be praised & His blessings provide a foundation of thanks.
III. How do we accomplish this?
A.
5:19a –
psalms
1.
Psalms rich in
historical lessons, spiritual principles, reliance upon God.
B.
5:19b –
hymns
C.
5:19c –
spiritual songs
1.
General term
that speaks of songs that have a spiritual focus, and would include the songs
we sing to each other.
Conclusion:
A.
Singing is part
of God’s design for the church.
B.
God wants His
church to be involved in these things.
C.
Do you have joy
in your heart because of Christ?