BY WORSHIP THROUGH SONG • 10 FEBRUARY 2022

A band leads the 2023 TMAI Conference in song (Photo by Ben Ditzel)

Why does the Biblical Christian place such emphasis & magnitude on singing? The primary reason for this is simply because the Word of God does the same. With over 50 commands to sing throughout Scripture, it is evident that this is an action we are created to do consistently and in all circumstances. So, does any song do? Is it simply the act of making music with our words? No, Ephesians informs us that we must be, ‘speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord'. (Ephesians 5:19b) Memorizing the truths from Scripture is closely associated with teaching and admonishing one another through song. (Colossians 3:16) The human mind has an incredible capacity to memorize and recall tunes and the words set to them. Applying Scripture and rich theology to melodies enable us to bring to mind truths with which to inform our hearts in times of reflection, suffering, despair, rejoicing, temptation, thankfulness, and praise to God for His attributes.

So, where & when do we sing? The simple answer is anytime & anywhere! The very next verse in Ephesians 5 shows believers are ‘always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father’ (Ephesians 5:20). Jesus & His disciples sang a hymn at the Last Supper. (Mark 14:26) Paul & Silas sang hymns of praise to God in prison. (Acts 16:25) It is important to note that a song’s effectiveness for worship doesn’t depend on the year it was written but rather the attributes of praise found within its lyrical content.

We sing with the church.

‘I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.’ (1 Corinthians 14:15b)

Worship through song is a vital component, not a suggestion, for our regular gathering together as a church family. Songs of truth that are rich in theology and exalt Christ above all things unify the assembly and glorify our Lord. As such, we must never take lightly the content of what we are teaching & preaching through song to one another. When we sing with disregard or offer corrupted, careless, or meaningless lyrics in our worship to the Lord together with the saints, we profane the name of God.

We sing with our family.

‘Then it will be, when many evils and troubles have found them, that this song will answer them as a witness (for it shall not be forgotten from the mouths of their seed) (Deuteronomy 31:21a)

As Scripture points out, singing is not relegated to church, your commute, or the shower. Husbands & fathers, we must teach our families Scripture saturated songs of truth & hope. Leading our families in this way gives them (and us) a priceless defense in times of trials, accurate words of praise in times of joy, and Biblical truths that these traditional & modern hymns, psalms, and spiritual songs can plant deep in their hearts.

We sing when we are alone.

‘…by night, His song will be with me’ (Psalm 42:8)

Just like countless others before us, including the Psalmist, we are to speak the truths from the Word of God to our hearts including in the music we expose ourselves to. The point of this individual worship through song is to reframe the heart, encourage the soul, and glorify our Savior. Listening to ambiguous or mindless lyrics can often lead us to believe we are giving God sincere worship when we are, instead, simply riding on emotional highs. True praise and worship to God comes from the heart. We are warned not to simply go through the motions but to truly honor God with our heart when we sing. (Matthew 15:8; 1 Corinthians 14:15b) 'I called out to Him with my mouth, and He was exalted with my tongue' (Psalm 66:17)

Has the Son of God died to take away
Your sin and set you free?
Has the Conqueror trampled over death?
Is Christ enthroned? Then sing, O sing!

Morning and evening! Everything breathing
Must sing, O sing!
All of creation rise up and praise
The King of kings and sing!

Sing 

(David Zimmer & Nathan Stiff - Sovereign Grace Music)