The Heart of Worship

Ephesians 5:19

Today we see extreme’s in Worship:

You will have pragmatic singing that only focuses on emotionalism, abandon and euphoria.

You will have dry lifeless singing devoid of any emotion.

Both of these extremes are to be avoided.

In recent years there has been a movement bent on calling any form of emotional worship excess or emotionalism. I believe this to an overreaction to the hyper emotionalism found in some Charismatic or Pentecostal worship services. Yet this movement in my opinion swings the pendulum to far back into static, stagnant and purely religious ritual.

Verse 19:

Firstly before we expound on this verse we need the context that leads us here.

In verses 1-5 we are told

to be imitators of God.

to walk in love.

That sexual immorality, any impurity or greed should not be heard of among us.

No obscene or foolish talking, crude joking - but rather giving thanks.

Then it says that they know and recognize that Every sexually immoral, impure, greedy, idolater has no inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and God.

In verses 6-14 we are told

Don’t be deceived because of these things God is sending his wrath.

Don’t become partners or partakers with them in these things.

You used to be like this, but no longer.

The fruit of light is in all goodness, righteousness and truth.

These test what is pleasing to God.

Don’t participate in these things, but expose them.

The light of Christ makes all these things clear and visible.

In verses 15-18 we are told

Pay careful attention then how you live. Be Wise.

Make the most of your time, because our days are evil.

Don’t be foolish but understand what the will of the Lord is.

Then we are warned not to be drunk with wine, which leads to excess, or reckless living: But we are to be filled with the Spirit.

What we see leading up to verse 19 is a contrast of Godly living and Worldly living, Godly desires and Worldly desires, Godly speech and Worldly speech.

In verse 19 we are told

To speak to each other in

Psalms - More than likely what is in view is the Psalms themselves set to music as the Jewish people did.

Hymns - Songs of Praise or Worship meant to Glorify God, recount His works or to deepen the faith and devotion of the singers.

Spiritual Songs - According to Matthew Poole - these were of various matter, doctrinal, prophetical, historical sung to the Glory of God.

Singing and making music in our hearts to the Lord.

Before we go any further I think that it would be helpful to look at a few more places this topic is mentioned in Scripture.

1 Corinthians 14:26 “What then, brothers and sisters? Whenever you come together, each one has a hymn, a teaching, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Everything is to be done for building up.”

Colossians 3:16 “Let the word of Christ dwell richly among you, in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”

James 5:13 “Is anyone among you suffering? He should pray. Is anyone cheerful? He should sing praises.”

Hebrews 13:15 “Therefore, through him let us continually offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of lips that confess his name.”

From these statements we can conclude: True godly worship is sung to God, but not solely for the purpose of singing to God if we read these texts correctly. Another reason is for the edification or the building up of the Saints (the Church). Therefore, I must conclude that any form of worship that does not have people engage their whole heart singing and making melody in their heart and with their lips is not true worship. Any form of worship whether it is hymn singing or modern contemporary worship that disengages the mind or the emotions is incomplete worship!

Looking at the two verses that follow 20-21, we see

A call to always give thanks

In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ

To God the Father

This reinforces the theme of worship being a heartfelt, continual act.

And mutual submission to one another. This extends worship into the realm of relationships within the body of Christ. This highlight the communal aspect of worship also being edifying to one another. This submission promotes humility and love for one another.

Application

Embrace Balanced Worship: Avoid the extremes of lifeless ritualism and unchecked emotionalism in worship. True worship engages both the mind and heart, fostering a spirit of gratitude and reverence for God. Pursue true worship that honors God with thoughtful, heartfelt praise.

Anchor Worship in God's Character and Works: Worship flows from a deep recognition of God's greatness, His redemptive work through Christ, and His ongoing presence in our lives. Worship is a response to God's unchanging character and the incredible things He has done. Keep the focus where it belongs—on God as the ultimate foundation of worship.

Edify and Encourage One Another Through Worship: As Ephesians 5:19 and related scriptures suggest, worship should foster unity and encouragement within the body of Christ. Sing and make music not only as an offering to God but also as a means of mutual edification.

Live Out Worship in Every Aspect of Life: View worship as more than singing—it encompasses living in obedience, love, and gratitude toward God. By reflecting His character in their daily actions and choices, believers can make their entire lives a continuous act of praise that honors Him.