"A CLOSER WALK WITH GOD!"
Introduction: The Joy of Singing.
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.
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….
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.
a. The true purpose of singing.
b. How we can get more out of singing.
I. THE PURPOSE OF SINGING.
A. TO PRAISE THE LORD - Acts 16:25.
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”.
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?
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.
a. Certainly, many songs are.
b. But many of the songs are directed to each other.
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!
II. GETTING MORE OF OUR SINGING.
A. WE MUST ENGAGE THE “MIND” AS WE SING…..
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).
B. WE MUST ALSO ENGAGE THE “HEART” AS WE SING…..
a. “With grace in our hearts” – Colossians 3:16.
b. “Making melody in your heart” Ephesians 5:19.
a. Will be evident in our countenances! – Proverbs 15:13.
b. Is hypocritical, and condemned by Jesus! Matthew 15:7-8.
III. QUESTIONS TO EVALUATE YOUR SINGING.
A. DO YOU LIMIT THE SPHERE OF YOUR SINGING?
B. IS THERE LACK OF EMOTION IN YOUR SINGING?
C. DO YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU ARE SINGING?
D. DO YOU STRESS MUSICAL HARMONY TO THE DETRIMENT OF NEW TESTAMENT SINGING?
Conclusion
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.”