SHARPER THAN A SWORD

SERMONS

Hebrews 4:12-13 "For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account."

All articles are written using the NKJV, unless otherwise noted! All articles are written by David Hicks, unless specified otherwise.

"A CLOSER WALK WITH GOD!"

Introduction: The Joy of Singing.

 

1. Another important element of our walk with God is the act of singing praises…

a. We spend nearly a third of our assemblies engaged in this activity.

b. It also has a place in our private devotions to God.

-- And rightly so, for it has the potential of reaping great spiritual benefits to those who engage in it properly.

 

2. It is clear that those who walked with God in Old Testament times delighted in
singing – note: Psalm 146:1-2.

 

3. Christians were taught to respond to the goodness of God in a similar way - James 5:13 “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms.”

 

4. But there are indications in many churches which cause me to wonder if some have lost the joy of singing.

a. Many Christians sing with virtually no emotion.

b. Some go one step further, and do not sing at all!

c. I have personally known Christians who….

1) Complained because time available for classes was taken up by the singing of a few hymns.
2) Will not attend a worship service if they know it will be devoted primarily to singing.

d. In contrast, it was common in the past for people to travel some distance to attend a service devoted to praising God in Song.

 

5. WHY DO SUCH CONDITIONS EXIST? I suspect it may be a failure to appreciate:

a. The true purpose of singing.

b. How we can get more out of singing.

[ In an effort to assure that we will experience the JOY of singing, let's first examine… ]

 

I. THE PURPOSE OF SINGING.

A. TO PRAISE THE LORD - Acts 16:25.

1. This is the most popular concept of the purpose of singing.

a. Indeed, this is certainly the idea inherent in the word “HYMN”.

b. Which comes from the Greek Word HUMNOS, meaning “a song in praise of”.

2. Praising God should be “a natural” for Christians!

a. For if David in the Old Testament reacted this way to the blessings God gave him. Psalms 18:6-7.

b. How much more should we?

3. In fact, singing is one of the “spiritual sacrifices” that we are to offer to God – Hebrews 13:15.

a. As “spiritual priests” we are to offer up “spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God” – 1 Peter 2:5, 9.

b. If we are not careful, we might be guilty of offering “defiled” service to God as was the case in Malachi's day! Malachi 1:7-8; 12-13.

 

B. TO TEACH AND ADMONISH ONE ANOTHER – Colossians 3:16; Ephesians 5:19.

1. Our singing is not just directed toward God….

a. Certainly, many songs are.

b. But many of the songs are directed to each other.

2. That's because many songs are designed to teach one another.

a. Teaching and admonishing us to live properly, enjoying the blessings of the Christian life.

b. It might even be said that “congregational singing” is often “congregational teaching”!

c. Thus singing is a way that we can encourage our brethren and ourselves as well!

[ When done properly, singing can be a wonderful blessing; but how can we get the most out of singing? ]   

 

II. GETTING MORE OF OUR SINGING.

A. WE MUST ENGAGE THE “MIND” AS WE SING…..

1. Remember, singing is “teaching and admonishing one another”.

a. This assumes that we UNDERSTAND what we sing.

b. We must be careful that our enjoyment of singing is not like the way many people enjoy their popular music (enjoying the music without necessarily understanding the words).

2. Therefore, give careful attention to the WORDS of the song.

 

B. WE MUST ALSO ENGAGE THE “HEART” AS WE SING…..

1. When we sing, we must do so…..

a. “With grace in our hearts” – Colossians 3:16.

b. “Making melody in your heart” Ephesians 5:19.

2. This assumes that we involve our EMOTIONS as we sing!
3. To sing without emotion (without grace in our hearts)…

a. Will be evident in our countenances! – Proverbs 15:13.

b. Is hypocritical, and condemned by Jesus! Matthew 15:7-8.

 

[ So as we sing, do so with BOTH the emotions of the heart and the understanding of the mind. ]

 

III. QUESTIONS TO EVALUATE YOUR SINGING.

A. DO YOU LIMIT THE SPHERE OF YOUR SINGING?

1. Is your singing limited just to the public assemblies?

 

B. IS THERE LACK OF EMOTION IN YOUR SINGING?

1. Remember, singing is to involve the HEART.

 

C. DO YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU ARE SINGING?

1. Again, singing must also involve the MIND .

 

D. DO YOU STRESS MUSICAL HARMONY TO THE DETRIMENT OF NEW TESTAMENT SINGING?

1. Fortunately, God stresses making melody in our hearts over making
harmony with our voices.

 

Conclusion

1. Have we lost the joy of singing?
2. I believe that if we could see ourselves as song leaders do, we might be
constrained to say “yes”.
3. I hope that by reminding ourselves of the purpose of singing and how to get
more out of it, we might rekindle this act of worship which can do so much for
our walk with God!
4. May David's attitude, a man after God's own heart (Acts 13:22), describe our own”:

 

Psalm 104:33

“I will sing to the Lord as long as I live;

I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.”

 

Psalm 147:1

“Praise the Lord!

For it is good to sing praises to our God;

For it is pleasant, and praise is beautiful.”