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Praising God In Song
Intro:
1. Heb. 13:12-15, writer speaks of Christ’s suffering, privilege provided for man to offer praise to God through Christ. (v. 15)
2. Under Law, there was voluntary peace offering by the worshipper on occasions of special thanksgiving. (Lev. 7:12) We are under a better Covenant; better sacrifices to be offered: not fruit of field and flocks, but of our lips, continually.
3. An often neglected part of our worship is that of singing praise to God. Many have never considered the place of singing, relation to spiritual development.
DISCUSS:
I. SINGING IS A NATURAL EXPRESSION OF THE HEART OF MAN. One of the first impressions on a child. Story in song remains in heart for years.
A. History of singing in worship goes back to early days of man. Thanksgiving of the early patriarchs. This was not “singing” as we know today, but more of poetry.
1. Moses, sons of Israel sang the song of deliverance. (Ex. 15:1-18)
2. Miriam, led women in singing. (v. 20)
3. Deborah, Barak. (Judges 5) Sang at overthrow of Jabin of Hazor.
4. During time of kings David, Solomon there were singers in the courts. David introduced singing of people, rather than of priest only. The priest who spent time in praise were greatly envied by David.
B. N.T. period places great importance on singing in worship.
1. Lord sang a hymn with disciples on night of betrayal. (Mt. 26:30) WHY?
2. Paul and Silas. (Acts 16:25) No doubt but received courage, overcome depression.
3. Instructions to Christians to be filled with the spirit, word of Christ to dwell in richly. (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16)
C. Secular historians write of early Christians gathering before dawn to sing hymns of praise to Christ as God.
II. SINGING EXERTS A POWERFUL INFLUENCE OVER MAN.
· A uniting influence. (see Ex. 16) Brings people closer together in time of crisis, war, etc.
· B. Power over Reformation Movement. Contributions of men such as M. Luther, Charles Wesley, brother to John Wesley, the preacher. These men wrote over 3,000 songs.
· C. Songs people sing are a reflection of their character. One wrote, “If I could have one power over a nation, I would choose to write the songs a nation sings.”
1. Influence has been seen on our nation. Not a coincidence in songs which glorify drink, drugs, “free love,” rebellion, profanity and the decline of the moral standard of our nation. “Heavy metal” has influence on violence, crime of great proportion.
2. All the more reason for Christians to sing proper songs. Such helps to build defense against the evil in our world. This is one way for the word to dwell richly in our hearts. (Col. 3:16)
3. Singing has much to contribute to spiritual development. As with prayer, Bible study; these are means of growth. Let such fill our hearts rather than the latest hits which promote immorality, produce impure thoughts and imagination.
III. SINGING IS A VITAL PART OF PUBLIC WORSHIP;
A. KIND OF SONGS: Not songs of merriment of drunkard. (Eph. 5:18,19)
1. PSALMS: Sacred music, containing words of Psalms, poetry. Such to glorify, praise, offer thanksgiving. “Psallo,” “originally a song sung to the harp.” “To pull with fingers, twitch.” Instrument of melody identified as the heart.
a. Book of Psalms rich in material setting forth reasons for praise, thanksgiving: Goodness, mercy. (Psa. 107:1); Redemption (v. 2); Judgment (101:1); Guidance, protection (Psa. 23); BLESS HIS HOLY NAME (Psa. 100:4); When we study Psalms, become more thankful for what He has done; personal feeling for what God IS.
b. Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah; Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow; Our God Is Alive, etc.
2. HYMNS: “Ode, poem written to be sung; addressed to God, characterized by lofty feeling, dignified style.”
3. SPIRITUAL SONGS: Songs for edification, teaching, admonishing. In N.T. days, inspired songs. (I Cor. 14:15,19) Lessons now drawn from inspired word. Requirement for such songs is that they teach truth, result in edification.
IV. MANNER OF SINGING IS IMPORTANT:
A. Knowing how to sing is not only thing. Should study, do best we can. Such is a means to an end. Has it edified others, self? Is God pleased when we put forth little effort?
B. “Melody in heart,” “Grace in heart.” (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16) SINCERITY. Prompted by goodness of God. Melody on lips coming from and filling the heart. (Illus., “All to Jesus I Surrender,” “Where He Leads Me,” “I Need Thee Every Hour,” etc.
C. From heart involves EMOTIONS, FEELINGS. “When I Survey Thy Wondrous Cross,” “How
Great Thou Art,” When I think God, His Son not sparing,” etc.
D. To be with JOY, GLADNESS. (How expressed by many?)
1. A joyful noise. (Psa. 100:1) “A glad shout, as loyal subjects given when their king appears among them.”
2. Reason: He is God; We are His people: Good, mercy everlasting; Truth (faithfulness) endures for all generations.
3 Illus., difference in expression of “Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah.”
E. Heart Fixed. (Psa. 108:1) “Steadfast”–Help of men vain (v. 12); Defeat, difficulties (v. 10,11). Yet, “I will sing and give praise.”
1. Defense against depression, temptation. “If skies above are gray…”
“I Need thee Every Hour…” “In the Hour of Trial.”
Conc. 1. Let us sing praise as we should; give glory due to God. Remove from life hindrances so that we may offer sincere praise.
2. Greatest promise to faithful; sing New song, praise God eternally. “It thrills my soul to hear the songs of praise we mortals sing below…”
