THE BEAUTY OF SINGING
Introduction:
1. Music is very powerful. Many have recognized its value and
influence.
2. Shakespeare said that a man who does not have music in himself
is not to be trusted. He added that he is "fit for treasons,
stratagems, and spoils."
3. Another said, "All musical people seem to be happy."
4. Still another said, "Let me write the songs of the people and
I will control the nation."
5. And as we view some of the catastrophes of our present society
and ask why do some of our young people become so violent, I
am lead to wonder it the songs they have been hearing have led
them to commit such vile acts.
6. If mankind of all ages testify in almost one voice to the
power and influence of music and songs, why should we be
surprised to learn that Jehovah God has placed music within
the worship of the children of God.
I. WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT MUSIC IN WORSHIP BY CHRISTIANS
1. Mt. 26:30 -- "They sung a hymn...."
2. Mk. 14:26 -- Same statement, same event.
3. Acts 16:25 -- "Praying and singing hymns..."Paul and Silas
4. Rom. 15:9 -- "...sing unto thy name."
5. l Cor. 14:15 -- "I will sing with the spirit...."
6. Eph. 5:19 -- "singing and making melody with your hearts.."
7. Col. 3:16 -- "singing with grace in your hearts unto God."
8. Heb. 13:15 -- "...the fruit of our lips, giving..."
9. Heb. 2:12 -- "In the midst of the church will I sing thy
praise."
10. Jas. 5:13 -- "Is any merry? Let him sing praise..."
NOTE: This is all that God's word says about the music
that took place in the First Century churches.
11. Rev. 14:2-3 -- This is a vision that John saw concerning
Heaven. But notice, even in this, it was a VOICE that
John heard, and it was SINGING.
II. SOME OBSERVATIONS JUST HERE:
1. None can deny that there were mechanical instruments used
in Old Testament times; but, even then, they were not
introduced by Jehovah. There were a number of things that
God permitted the Israelites to do that He did not
necessarily approve of. Mt. 19:8 -- "Because of the
hardness of your heart...." Cf. A KING.
2. Also, a practice in the Old Testament does not authorize
the practice in the New Testament Covenant. There were many
things that they did which are not authorized for today:
animal sacrifices, certain feast days, etc.
3. Those who have studied and testified agree that mechanical
instruments of music were NOT used in the church of the
first century. I wonder Why???
4. There is a vast difference between the cold, formalistic,
ceremonial worship of the Old Testament (that had become
meaningless) and expression of oneself in New Testament
worship before the throne of Jehovah. God has provided us
with the ability to bring the fruit of our lips in total
involvement unto Him.
III. WHY DOES SINGING HAVE SUCH BEAUTY AND POWER WHEN DONE AS THE
LORD AUTHORIZES?
1. Singing allows the Christian to express our convictions and
emotions in visible form.
(1) Acts 16:25 -- Paul and Silas showed their deep faith and
convictions, even before their enemies.
(2) Jas. 5:13 -- A merry heart expresses itself. All in the
house are influenced thereby. A mother who sings in
the home fills the house with merriment.
2. Singing is a means of giving praise unto Jehovah for His many
blessings:
(1) The Christian has something of which to sing about.
(2) Jas. 1:17 -- Every good and perfect gift comes from God.
(3) We have been forgiven of our sins, made right in God's
sight. Surely, that should illicit joy and praise.
(4) Acts 8:39 -- the Nobleman went on his way rejoicing. You
talk about something worthy of our singing. Many songs we
sing express our joy.
3. Singing is a means of teaching others:
(1) Acts 16:25 -- What do you think the other prisoners
thought?? They heard.
(2) Col. 3:16 -- As Christ's words dwells within us, we then
are able to teach others.
(3) All that we do in worship teaches:
(a) 1 Cor. 11:26 -- Lord's Supper proclaims.
(b) 2 Cor. 8:1-7 -- By our giving we become examples,teach
(c) 1 Cor. 1:18-25; Rom. 10:13-17 -- Preaching the word
(d) How wise for Jehovah to include singing as a means of
teaching others.
4. Singing is a means of admonition and encouragement to the
weak, to the wayward, even to the alien.
(1) Col. 3:16 -- "teaching and ADMONISHING one another..."
(2) Songs of comfort to the bereaved...
(3) The invitation song -- words encouraging obedience.
IV. CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS:
1. As a preacher, I have had a lot of questions ask of me. Some
very difficult ones, some with the intent to entrap. For
instance: "If baptism is essential to salvation, what happens
if lightening strikes the candidate on his way to be
baptized?" We all know the intent of such a question.
2. But one question I have not been asked: "If people are to obey
Christ AFTER being baptized, what about Christians who do not
sing? who do not give as prospered? who do not partake of the
Lord's Supper regularly, etc.
3. We listed 10 verses in the beginning of this lesson that had
to do with our singing when we assemble. Are these verses
suggestions, or are they commandments?
4. One last thought for your serious consideration. Wednesday
night is the service set aside for us to spend our time in
worship by songs. Is it possible that the thought has ever
been made, "Well, it is just singing tonight."
5. What a tremendous privilege to be able to come before the
throne of God and mingle our voices together in praise and
adoration.
6. But one says, "I cannot carry a tune." God did not tell us to
sing because we have beautiful voices, but to sing to express
our hearts unto Jehovah. And surely we can do that.
7. I had the privilege of singing with our Mexican brethren. I
was able to follow the words and express them, although not
understanding the language. Most of the songs were familiar
tunes. Now you talk about singing. I wish each one could have
been there. But, perhaps we will watch the Videocassette soon.
Conclusion:
1. There will never be a more appropriate time to obey God than
right now. If you have never responded to do what the Lord
requires of you, why not now. Become and be what He desire of
you and then you, too, can praise Him through songs.
2. You would truly have something to sing about.
Return to Index
Home