The Influential Power of Music Pt 2
Notes
Transcript
Handout
Have you ever noticed how a single song can take you back in time, evoking vivid memories and emotions? Take a moment to think back when a particular song brought back vivid memories. Perhaps your wedding day, a special occasion, your birthday, or a farewell to a loved one. I’m sure each of us can think of that specific song, and guess what? It probably excites a specific feeling in each of us. The lead singer of U2, Bono once said: “Music can change the world, because it can change people.”. The truth is that music has a very powerful influence over our lives. We listen to certain songs when we are feeling up and when we are feeling down. Often in a way to escape the feeling or hold onto the feeling we are currently experiencing. Johann Sebastian Bach famously stated that "the aim and final end of all music should be none other than the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul". Music has the power to change our feelings and our mood, whether for the good or the bad.
To understand music and it’s origins we must first go back to the beginning, like a bit before the beginning to gain a greater context to the origins of music.
11 Moreover the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, 12 Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyrus, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord God; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. 13 Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created.
Who is the bible talking about here in this passage?
The King of Tyre.
The prophet is lamenting the fall of the King of Tyre in this passage after he prophesied against the King of Tyre.
The prophet is comparing the fall of the king of Tyre to the fall of who?
Lucifer/Satan/Devil.
It should be mentioned here that the ‘name’ Lucifer is a Latin translation of the Hebrew phrase: “morning star” or “star of the morning”.
Isaiah 14:12-19
Anyone know what planet is associated with Lucifer?
Venus, when appearing as the morning star before sunrise, is called Lucifer, meaning "light-bringer" in Latin
In Roman folklore, "Lucifer" was the name for the planet Venus, often personified as a male figure bearing a torch. The Greek name for this planet was variously Phosphoros (also meaning "light-bringer") or Heosphoros (meaning "dawn-bringer").
The term "Lucifer" is indeed linked to Venus in ancient texts and mythology. In Isaiah 14:12, the Hebrew word "hēlēl," translated as "Lucifer" in some versions, refers to the "light-bearer" or "shining star," which is commonly associated with the planet Venus[1][2]. Venus, when appearing as the morning star before sunrise, is called Lucifer, meaning "light-bringer" in Latin[2][3]. This association stems from Venus's brightness in the sky, making it a prominent celestial object[1][2]. However, it's important to note that in Christian tradition, the term "Lucifer" later became erroneously connected with Satan, stemming from a misinterpretation of the Isaiah passage and its linkage to Jesus' statement in Luke 10:18 about Satan falling from heaven[3][4][5].
[1] E. W. Maunder, “Astrology,” in The International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia, ed. James Orr et al. (Chicago: The Howard-Severance Company, 1915), 299.
[2] E. Cobham Brewer, ed., Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (London; Paris; Melbourne: Cassell and Company, Limited, 1895), 778.
[3] Paul J. Achtemeier, Harper & Row and Society of Biblical Literature, Harper’s Bible Dictionary (San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1985), 582.
[4] James M. Efird, “Lucifer,” in The HarperCollins Bible Dictionary (Revised and Updated), ed. Mark Allan Powell (New York: HarperCollins, 2011), 572.
[5] John D. Barry et al., eds., “Lucifer,” in The Lexham Bible Dictionary (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2016).
Venus, known for its brightness in the sky, is visible as both a morning and evening star, appearing before sunrise or after sunset depending on its position in its orbit[1]. As an inner planet, Venus has a maximum elongation (angular distance from the Sun) of 48°, which allows it to be seen in the sky for months at a time[1]. During its morning apparition, Venus can be observed rising before the Sun, making it visible in the eastern sky before sunrise[1]. Interestingly, Venus has a unique rotation, spinning in the opposite direction of most planets, which results in the Sun rising twice during its 225-day year, traveling from west to east[2]. However, the articles do not explicitly state whether Venus always rises before the Sun, as its visibility depends on its current position relative to Earth and the Sun[1][3].
[1] Govert Schilling, The Astronomy Handbook: The Ultimate Guide to Observing and Understanding Stars, Planets, Galaxies, and the Universe (New York, NY: Black Dog & Leventhal, 2024), 130.
[2] Christopher G. de Pree and Sarah Scoles, Astronomical Mindfulness: Your Cosmic Guide to Reconnecting with the Sun, Moon, Stars, and Planets (HarperOne, 2024), 163.
[3] Will Kalif, See It with a Small Telescope: 101 Cosmic Wonders Including Planets, Moons, Comets, Galaxies, Nebulae, Star Clusters and More (New York, NY: Ulysses Press, 2022), 58.
If you were to Google the god of Venus, you would probably see the Roman goddess Venus which would be the Greek goddess Aphrodite's. This is because Venus in the Greco Roman culture was depicted as the ‘evening star’ where as Lucifer is depicted as the ‘morning star’.
Venus is usually visible in the morning between April 1 - November 20. This year, they estimate that around April 21,2025 Venus is be the most visible in the morning.
All this information may sound strange, but know that Jesus is called the bright and morning star in Revelation 22:16
16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.
Satan is always a counterfeit, and lacks the glory of the LORD. Lucifer may be the morning star, but Jesus is the bright and morning star!
This passage is very difficult, and the Hebrew here is not certain to some extent.
What does this have to do with music?
What is a tabret?
It is a hand drum, or a tambourine.
It should be noted that the 17 times this verse is translated it means drum or tambourine. So it would not make much sense to change it’s translation here.
I do think the word for ‘pipes’ means gem socket as the Hebrew seems to indicate. Some render the word ‘tabrets’ as a ‘setting’ or ‘frame’ which would be the only time it is rendered anything other than timbrel, or tabret.
The root word here means hand drum or tambourine. The Hebrew word here for ‘pipes’ is more like a gem socket. Some scholars believe that Satan had a role in music before his fall.
According to this passage:
Did God create Satan?
No. He created the anointed Cherub.
Many scholars believe that Lucifer was the highest ranking angel before his fall, powerful enough to convince more than 1/3 of the angels to rebel against God.
In fact most will agree that satan had a prominent role in his previous position, many believe that he led the worship of God and the reference here of him being in the mountain of God refers to that holy place of worship and where God’s presence would be.
To me, it would make sense that the one leading the worship would soon desire the worship for themselves.
In fact he is so feared that even Michael the archangel would not stand against him Jude1:9.
9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.
This speaks to the power satan has and even to his previous position.
I want to make it clear that we are not bragging about Lucifer or making him a highlighted character for the sake of exalting him, but to show how far he truly fell and how that fall caused so much corruption.
This is important as all that God has created was perfection.
What happened to all of the perfection?
It was corrupted.
If satan was corrupted and he had some participation in music, then the music he once played has been corrupted.
If the music that Lucifer once played to worship God is corrupted, then what music does he now produce?
Music to exalt himself, or music that is in rebellion towards God, God’s character, or anything pertaining to the worship of God.
All of the music he now produces is about exalting self, violence, or all forms of immorality.
Notice that we started by remembering a song that brings us to a moment or memory?
Music is powerful. It changes how we think and feel.
When I tell you I am a Christian, what music would you expect me to be listening to?
I think this is the question we should be asking ourselves in relation to music.
There are several other factors that we should consider when it comes to music.
19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
Let’s look at the three types of music mentioned here.
What is a psalm?
These are not simply from the book of Psalms, but they are poetic compositions.
These can range from poetic songs of emotion, praise, or prayers that are sung or spoken aloud.
What are hymns?
Typically, hymns are metrical compositions adapted for singing in religious services.
"Metrical composition" refers to the structured arrangement of words in poetry, emphasizing rhythm and meter (a pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables).
Typically these forms of songs range from praise, celebrating God’s attributes or actions, and teaching biblical truth.
Good hymns are typically God-centered, focusing on His attributes and mighty acts rather than on human introspection
What are spiritual songs?
A spiritual song is a form of lyrical expression inspired by the Holy Spirit, these are not limited to biblical text and can include personal testimonies about God’s work in one’s life.
Spiritual songs offer more freedom than psalms or hymns, allowing for a broader range of topics and styles.
A spiritual song is a form of lyrical expression inspired by the Holy Spirit, used to convey religious devotion and spiritual experiences[1]. These songs are not limited to biblical texts and can include personal testimonies about God's work in one's life, declarations of God's truth, and celebrations of His power and majesty[2]. Spiritual songs offer more freedom than psalms or hymns, allowing for a broader range of topics and styles[2]. They can be spontaneous expressions of joy[3] or more structured compositions, such as the exhortative songs from the 19th century[4]. In the New Testament context, spiritual songs (odai pneumatikai) are specifically mentioned in Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16, suggesting their importance in Christian worship alongside psalms and hymns[1][5].
[1] Dwight M. Pratt, “Spiritual Songs,” in The International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia, ed. James Orr et al. (Chicago: The Howard-Severance Company, 1915), 2845.
[2] Bradley D. Newbold and Steve Green, The Worship Target: Growing Gracious and Holy Affections through Congregational Worship (Eugene, OR: Wipf and Stock, 2024).
[3] Adrian Rogers, “The Marks of the Spirit-Filled Life,” in Adrian Rogers Sermon Archive (Signal Hill, CA: Rogers Family Trust, 2017), Eph 5:18–21.
[4] Joe Nesom, “Singing in the Holy Spirit,” The Founders Journal: An Attempt at Self-Identification, Spring, no. 8 (1992): 28.
[5] Arnfield Cudal, “Music Apotheosis: Usurping the Ministry of the Gospel,” in Biblical Sufficiency Applied, ed. Christopher Cone (Ft. Worth, TX: Tyndale Theological Seminary, 2011), 214.
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Here we see again this language.
What is similar in the context of theses verses?
Instruction about the home.
Our home, should be a place where we are giving praise through psalm, hymn, and spiritual song. It must start in our homes and then extend into every part of our lives.
In ancient Israel, when did they begin singing the psalms on the way to the temple?
They began at home and then proceeded to the temple.
It is important to remember that music affects our attitude and can influence our actions and thoughts.
Scriptural
Scriptural
If I were to preach or teach something that was not taught by scripture, many would call me out or challenge what is being taught, as one should.
Why do we not have the same standard for music?
We seem to allow music to get a pass as simply being the work of an artist and not challenge the scriptural truths that the music contains.
Notice this is not simply me telling you, but Colossians 3:16 tells us to let the ‘word of Christ dwell in you richly’ and then begins to talk about music. I don’t think it is a coincidence.
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
We should really consider more the scriptural truths of the music and not take for granted that the artist or writer has take excessive creative liberties to include things that would be erroneous doctrines.
Spiritual
Spiritual
Why do we listen to music?
Typically because we want to create a certain mood or atmosphere. It could be for a memory or a feeling that we want to have.
With that being said, music should be spiritually uplifting.
If our music does not encourage or excite our spirit, what then is it fulfilling?
Music should bring us to a place where we are ready to worship the LORD.
We could even translate the word ‘grace’ here in Col 3:16 as with ‘gratitude’ in your hearts.
How should music make me feel?
Encouraged, refreshed, renewed, grateful.
Music should excite the Holy Spirit within us and we should be ready to give God worship and praise. We should feel filled with the Holy Spirit.
Where in scripture did is music found and God did a great work before, during, or after?
The easiest place is in the New Testament when Paul and Silas are in the Philippian Prison Acts 16:25.
25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.
Notice that God delivered them in the middle of them singing praise to God.
Music should create in us a desire to grow in our walk with God.
Substance
Substance
When dealing with the substance of a song, we are considering several factors:
The Artist
The lyrics
The meaning of the song
Why is the artist important?
The artist is a brand and often they will have influence on their fans.
When I ask you of a popular musician today who has a lot of influence, who would you think of?
Taylor Swift.
Love or hate her, she has a lot of influence and her fans are beyond serious about her. In fact she is a person you either love or hate, there is no real middle ground here.
For me, I am the type of person that when I find out a person has several Christian albums and sang Christian music for a long time. I get excited. But when I find out that same artist renounced their faith in God and pursued secular music, I renounce them and their music.
What brand identity is the artists we listen to promoting? Is it good or bad for the cause of Christ?
Why are lyrics important?
They tell the story of the song being sung. The lyrics are the message whether veiled or unveiled.
Why is the meaning of a song important?
It is the message the artist wants to convey
Take the song "Hotel California" by The Eagles it is a complex song with multiple interpretations, but generally, it's understood as a commentary on the dark underbelly of the American Dream, excess, materialism, and the loss of innocence, particularly within the context of the entertainment industry and the Californian lifestyle which many see as the American Dream.
The song critiques the hedonistic and self-indulgent aspects of the 1970s California lifestyle, particularly the entertainment industry, which is often associated with drugs, sex, and materialism.
The song “You’re Beautiful” by James Blunt sounds like a romance song when first heard, but it is actually about a man who is high on drugs in the subway and stalking after another man’s woman while the man is present in the subway with her.
The hymn “I Need Thee Every Hour” was written by Annie Hawks in 1872 when she was 37 years old. She was a housewife and mother of three living in Brooklyn, NY at the time. One bright June morning, while engaged in her regular household tasks, she was suddenly filled with a sense of nearness to God and wondered how anyone could live without Him. This experience inspired her to write the lyrics, which she quickly jotted down. Hawks' pastor Dr. Robert Lowry, composed the tune and added the refrain. The hymn was first published in a pamphlet for the National Baptist Sunday School Convention in Cincinnati, Ohio, that same year. The song was based off Jesus’ words in John 15:5 “He that abideth in me, and I in him”.
The hymn "I Need Thee Every Hour" was written by Annie Sherwood Hawks in 1872 when she was 37 years old[1][2][3]. Hawks, born in 1835 in Hoosick, New York, was a housewife and mother of three living in Brooklyn[2][3]. One bright June morning, while engaged in her regular household tasks, she was suddenly filled with a sense of nearness to God and wondered how anyone could live without Him[1][3]. This experience inspired her to write the lyrics, which she quickly jotted down[1][2]. Hawks' pastor at Hanson Place Baptist Church, Dr. Robert Lowry, composed the tune and added the refrain[2][3]. The hymn was first published in a pamphlet for the National Baptist Sunday School Convention in Cincinnati, Ohio, that same year[2]. Unlike many hymns born from grief, Hawks described this one as being written and sent out into the world in love and joy[4]. The song is based on Jesus' words in John 15:5, emphasizing the need to be constantly connected to the Lord[4]. Years later, after experiencing the loss of her husband, Hawks came to understand the comforting power of her own words[1].
[1] Kenneth W. Osbeck, Amazing Grace: 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 1996), 248.
[2] Julia Ann Flora, “North American Women Hymn Writers,” Priscilla Papers Volume 11 11, no. 3 (1997): 14.
[3] Robert J. Morgan, Then Sings My Soul: 150 of the World’s Greatest Hymn Stories (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2022).
[4] Thomas Nelson Gift Books, 100 Favorite Hymns: Devotions for Worship and Reflection (A 100-Day Devotional) (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2020).
Horatio Gates Spafford was a successfully lawyer and businessman, a friend of the great Evangelist DL Moody. He was blessed with 5 children and owned numerous properties within the Chicago area. In 1870, tragedy struck the family when their 4 year old son died of scarlet fever. One year later in 1871, the great Chicago fire would destroy the city causing 300 deaths and leaving over 100,000 homeless. The fire would destroy most of Spafford's properties and the family would suffer a devastating financial loss. Despite the loss Spafford aided those who were in great need.
Two years later, in 1873, Spafford's wife and four daughters were aboard the Ville du Havre when it collided with another ship in the mid-Atlantic. The ship sank within twelve minutes, and all four of Spafford's daughters drowned, while his wife miraculously survived. As Spafford later sailed to join his grieving wife, passing the spot where his daughters had perished, he was inspired to write the words "It is well," which became the basis for this famous hymn. The hymn's lyrics express a profound trust in God's presence despite personal calamity, and it has since ministered to countless individuals for over a hundred years
Music is powerful, the message of music is powerful, and the stories behind music are powerful.
To echo the words of Bono:
“Music can change the world, because it can change people.”
The question we must ask ourselves:
Does the music we listen to change us for God’s glory?
