Singing – An Expression of Devotion and Love

I. INTRODUCTION: The Universal Language of Music

A. Opening Acknowledgment

Dismiss kids/elders prayer

Sensitive subject: singing and music in worship

People get defensive about music preferences

B. Music's Universal Appeal

Many genres exist (opera, country, heavy metal, rap, classical, jazz, hip hop, blues)

Amazing how people love one genre and hate another

Common ground: we all love music

C. Music's Power and Purpose

Music speaks where words cannot

Adds joy to life

Natural expression of faith for believers

II. BIBLICAL FOUNDATION: Music Throughout Scripture

A. Old Testament Examples

Song of Moses and Miriam (Exodus)

Deborah's song (defeat of Midianites)

David's dozens of Psalms

Heavenly worship scenes

B. New Testament Examples

Paul and Silas singing in prison

Early church worship practices

C. Historical Evidence

Pliny the Younger's letter to Emperor Trajan (AD 111-112)

Non-believers observing Christian singing

Quote about early Christian worship practices

D. Church Identity Statement

What would church be like without singing?

"It's not church unless we sing!"

III. THE CENTRAL QUESTION

A. Not Whether We Sing (that's established)

B. Two Key Questions:

What type of songs do we sing?

How expressive should/can we be when singing?

C. The Parishioner's Pick Challenge

"How can we sing 'throw up your hands' and not do it?"

"How can we sing 'stand up for Jesus' while sitting?"

Have we become robotic in worship?

D. Comic Relief

Tim Hawkins video clip

IV. THREE BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES ABOUT SINGING

A. Principle #1: Everyone Should Participate

The beauty of a cappella singing

You are the choir

Unique opportunity for all involvement

Biblical support:

Ephesians 5:19 - singing and making music in hearts

Colossians 3:16 - teaching through psalms, hymns, spiritual songs

Heart vs. performance

Emphasis on what's happening in our hearts

Not about how good we sound

Blessing of voices blending together

B. Principle #2: The Songs Should Be Spiritual

Dual impact needed:

Hit us emotionally AND intellectually

Lyrics establish spiritual truths, inspire devotion, elevate God

Contemporary song criticism addressed

Some less theological songs exist

Often unjustified criticism

Historical perspective:

St. Augustine quote about balance between pleasure and soundness

Danger of being moved by singing more than by what is sung

Paul's teaching:

1 Corinthians 14:15 - sing with spirit AND understanding

Always digest the words of our songs

C. Principle #3: Singing Should Not Be Disruptive

Biblical foundation:

1 Corinthians 14:40 - decently and in order

1 Corinthians 14:33 - God of peace, not disorder

Corinthian church problems:

Worship had become a free-for-all

Prophesying, tongues, communion divisions

So bad that meetings did "more harm than good"

The balance question:

Can we overreact to these warnings?

Risk of suppressing emotion and power of singing

V. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Expression in Worship

A. Specific Questions for PACOC

Can we raise hands, clap, kneel, stand during songs?

B. Romans 14 Principle Applied

Paul's teaching about differences of opinion (meat, holy days)

Same principle applies to worship expression

C. Mutual Respect Required

Romans 14:3-4 - don't judge each other

Hand-raisers shouldn't look down on non-hand-raisers

Non-hand-raisers shouldn't judge hand-raisers

VI. PERSONAL CONFESSION AND INSIGHT

A. Pastor's Admission

Used to judge hand-raisers

Questioned their motives and spirituality

"Shame on me"

B. Understanding Different Personalities

Some more expressive (in worship and life)

Some less expressive (naturally)

Both authentic to their nature

C. Encouragement for All

Move as the Spirit leads

Trust our reactions without judgment

VII. BIBLICAL EXAMPLE: David's Dancing

A. The Story (2 Samuel 6:16, 20-21)

David dancing before the Lord

Michal's disgust and criticism

David's response: "I will celebrate before the Lord"

B. Application

We're "a long way from" being too expressive

Pastor will let us know if we get close to disorder

VIII. CONCLUSION: Worship as Celebration

A. Questions for Reflection

Shouldn't worship be filled with emotion?

Shouldn't others see our love for God?

Shouldn't worship be celebration?

B. God's Character Demands Response

Majestic, merciful, kind, powerful, holy

Like no one else

Should inspire emotion in our lives and singing

C. Final Challenge

If you don't know God, we want to tell you about Him

If you know Him, celebrate Him as we stand and sing