God Seeks to Be Worshiped Through Singing (John 4:23-24)
Introduction:
1. According to John 4:23, God seeks "true worshipers" to worship Him. 2. True worshipers as those who worship God "in spirit and in truth." 3. Today we are resuming our series of lessons on worship. 4. In this lesson we are showing that "true worship includes singing." 5. The first point we need to make is that . . . Discussion: I. THE NEW TESTAMENT AUTHORIZES CHRISTIANS TO SING IN WORSHIP
A. This is where we need to begin because we are to only say and do those things that Christ has authorized us to say and do (Colossians 3:17, 16a). B. The New Testament repeatedly teaches Christians to "sing" in worship. 1. 1 Corinthians 14:15 2. Ephesians 5:19 3. Colossians 3:16 C. The New Testament clearly teaches that "true worship includes singing." D. Since this is the case, we must sing "in spirit and in truth." E. Let us consider several . . . II. PRINCIPLES THAT RELATE TO SINGING "IN SPIRIT" [from the heart, sincerely, having the proper attitude and disposition]
A. Our hearts must be in our singing. 1. (Ephesians 5:19) We are to sing and make melody "in the heart." 2. (Colossians 3:16) We are to sing with grace "in our hearts." B. We must also sing "with the understanding" (1 Corinthians 14:15). 1. We must concentrate on the words of the songs we sing. 2. We must carefully consider the messages taught in the songs we sing. 3. We must mean what we sing. C. To motivate us to sing as the Lord desires, let us remember that He is present (Matthew 18:20). D. Let us turn our attention to several . . . III. PRINCIPLES THAT RELATE TO SINGING "IN TRUTH" [according to God's revealed will in the New Testament]
A. We must sing the proper kinds of songs, including: 1. "psalms" [sacred songs, many of which are in the Old Testament] 2. "hymns" [songs of praise to God] 3. "spiritual songs" [songs that promote greater devotion to God]. B. We must sing the right kinds of songs to the proper individuals, including: 1. God -- we are to sing "to the Lord" (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16) 2. others in the assembly. a. (Ephesians 5:19) "Speaking to yourselves" b. (Colossians 3:16) "Teaching and admonishing one another" C. Since we teach others when we sing, we must sing songs that teach the truth. D. We must sing in the manner prescribed in the New Testament. 1. There are 2 types of singing: a. "vocal" [a cappella] b. "vocal accompanied by mechanical instruments." 2. The New Testament authorizes "vocal" singing. 3. Instruments were used in the Old Testament, but that covenant has been taken away and replaced by the new covenant (Colossians 2:14). 4. Seeking justification from the law is a serious offense (Galatians 5:4). Conclusion:
1. In His Word God has revealed the way He wants us to worship Him. 2. "Singing" is one of the authorized acts of Christian worship. 3. Let us be sure that we follow these principles that relate to singing "in spirit and in truth."
