Sunday, November 29, 2015 am
GOING ON TO PERFECTION 2015 (37)
Our Public Worship (4)
Singing
a.
Singing is an act of
worship.
There is little debate as to whether or not singing is an act of
worship. It is almost
universally accepted as such. In fact, in some modern churches, it is
considered the focus of their worship (designed to stir the emotions and
prepare them for the rest of the service which they may or may not call
worship).
The Bible gives several passages that address our singing in worship -
Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16, 1 Corinthians 14:15 – specifically
relate singing to our worship.
b.
What is the purpose of
singing in worship?
i.
It is NOT to entertain
us or to display and challenge our musical talents.
ii.
To praise God – Hebrews
13:15, 2:12
iii.
We are teaching and
admonishing one another – (Colossians 3:16, Ephesians 5:19)
This is why our songs must be 1) scriptural and 2) designed to teach us
in some way.
Do not let the tune detract from the message.
c.
Singing only
– in the New Testament we are commanded only to sing.
There is no authority for instrumental music.
There are two types of music – vocal and instrumental.
Singing ONLY fits in the category of vocal – it is using our
voices. Instrumental music
is a different kind!
i.
The above 3 verses all
mention only singing.
ii.
Consider New Testament
examples of brethren together – Matthew 26:30, when they had sung a
hymn; Acts 16:25, at midnight Paul and Silas were singing – in the
examples of singing that we have, nothing of instruments is mentioned.
iii.
Other passages to
consider:
1.
Romans 15:9 -
from either 2 Samuel 22:50 or Psalm 18:49
2.
Hebrews 2:12 – a quote
from Psalm 22:22
3.
Hebrews 13:15 – the
sacrifice of praise, the fruit of our lips (would include singing)
4.
James 5:13, is any among
you cheerful? Let him sing
5.
Notice how in each of
these texts, the command is simply to sing.
NOTICE also that occasionally, the Old Testament is quoted.
There are many passages in the Old Testament that address using
instrumental music (it was a part of Old Testament worship), but not ONE
of those passages was referenced in the New Testament addressing our
worship to God.
d.
Singing to one another –
i.
It is congregational
singing - Colossians 3:16 (teaching and admonishing one another),
Ephesians 5:19 (“one another” in most versions, but the KJV which says,
“speaking to yourselves”, but even that is a plural word indicating that
each one is involved in the singing)
ii.
As noted, scriptural
singing is not about entertainment – choirs, special groups, “praise
bands”, beat-bopping and imitating the sounds of instruments, etc.
It is simply congregational singing to one another.
e.
What are we to sing?
i.
Psalms, hymns and
spiritual songs. Colossians 3:16, Ephesians 5:19
ii.
Psalms are
songs of praise (some equate psalms to songs based directly upon
inspired text), such as the hymns we have in the book of psalms (and
others of like quality);
iii.
Hymns are
described as a song of praise and thanksgiving to God;
iv.
Spiritual songs are songs designed to teach and build us up.
The word song (ode) is generic.
f.
These qualities are a
summary of HOW we are to worship God with singing.
a.
Every act of worship is
unique and has its own qualities.
Singing is unique in that it is something we all actively do
together. As such, it
behooves us to recognize our part in this act of worship and to ensure
that it is done with a proper spirit.
We need to have a proper attitude in our singing.
b.
It is making melody in your heart – Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16 – it is singing with grace
in your hearts to the Lord.
This implies that while we are singing together, EACH of us needs
to strive to have our hearts attuned to the songs we sing.
c.
We are teaching and
admonishing one another
– Colossians 3:16. One of
the things that can be accomplished in our singing is that we encourage
each other toward faithful living.
d.
1 Cor. 14:15 – we
sing with the spirit and with the
understanding. We must consider the words being sung.
We need to understand the words we are singing and they need to
convey truth in some way.
(This is one reason we examine songs from time to time).
It is in this, that singing is a form of edification (cf. 1 Corinthians
14).
e.
How is your attitude
when it comes to singing?
a.
The leader –
i.
Since we are to be
singing together, we need the resources to do so (to avoid confusion,
i.e. 1 Cor. 14:26 – it is NOT a competition).
This is why we use song books (and their authority) and a song leader to
LEAD US in this act of worship.
ii.
As a leader, he has
responsibilities. He sets
the tone often for the rest of worship since we begin with (or once we
begin) singing. That he
should be striving to do his best is without question (Colossians 3:23)
– as we have been noting throughout this study of worship (and all that
we do).
iii.
There are things he can
do to help our singing be its very best.
The following are some SUGGESTIONS (not commands) to consider:
1.
Have a desire to lead
singing – not everyone can lead singing.
Some do not have the ability to do so, and others do not have the
desire. But if he does, he
should seek to be the very best he can.
Be willing to learn and to improve.
There are ways to develop your talents in these areas.
2.
Prepare before you lead – determine what songs and verses are going to be sung.
Make sure they are scriptural and understandable.
Are there words or thoughts you need to clarify.
Are the songs appropriate for the occasion?
Is it really a song preparing our minds for the Lord’s Supper?
Is it really an invitation song?
It is designed for Sunday?
Etc.
Are they “themed” either on your own or to the lesson at hand?
(NOTE: Such is not mandatory – it can be beneficial in directing
the minds of the congregation, but ultimately as you lead, you must lead
what you are comfortable with)
3.
Practice as needed
– as you choose which verses and special instructions (chorus at the
end, slow down or change volume, etc), make sure you can lead ALL the
verses – e.g. sometimes there are words (or syllables of a word) that
need to be combined with a certain note.
Practice helps you find these trouble spots and work through
them.
Also consider learning new songs (to you) so that you can expand the
number of songs you leads.
Considering how much we sing (at least 11 songs per week – more than 500
songs a year), variety can help our songs from becoming “vain
repetition.” Try to learn
and incorporate one or two songs that are not frequently led into your
rotation. That will add more
variety to our songs.
4.
Lead them for the audience, not just you.
You get to pick which songs, but you must still make sure they
are appropriate for the audience.
NOTE: The MESSAGE of the song is most important!
Is it scriptural?
However, singing is not just the
words. Remember
singing involves a tune – and we are authorized (even commanded) to sing
– to one another. SO, the
tune needs to also be appropriate for the audience you are leading.
a.
Announce the song to be
led (and any special instructions).
It is recommended that such is done at least twice and said in a
different way (e.g. 59, pause, five – nine).
This ensures all are there.
SPEAK UP! In every act of
worship, speak up and lead the congregation!
Lead so that the person in back can follow along!
b.
Consider the pitch
– there are reasons songs are pitched to certain key signatures.
IF the author of the book has done his job, he has tested these
songs and determined what is most comfortable for most people.
If a song is pitched too high or too low it can become difficult
to follow and the straining of voices can distract from the message of
the song.
c.
Consider difficulty of the song – there are some songs that have a wonderful message, but the
tune or harmonization is difficult and thus it is avoided.
Other songs are more about the melody (with little substance) and/or
require so much mental effort to sing properly that the message becomes
secondary. NOTE: This does
not mean we cannot use songs with responsive parts or more than simple
melodies. But it DOES mean
that we should learn them as a congregation BEFORE we start
incorporating them into our worship (hence song nights, home singings,
etc.)
d.
Consider your volume!
Again you are LEADING the congregation.
Your volume (and other abilities) can control the tempo (how slow
or fast) of a song.
Practice.
b.
As we sing –
i.
Participate –
singing is not something all do naturally.
Not everyone enjoys singing (while others sing all the time), but
it is STILL something we are commanded to participate in and we
should do so to the best of our ability.
Seek to “blend in”!
ii.
Give your best
– NOT perfection, but the best you can do.
iii.
Follow the leader (don’t drag him down) – look up.
iv.
Sing with understanding – follow along with the words.
Seek to apply them to your life.
v.
Sing with enthusiasm and joyfully. Singing is a
commanded act of worship, but it is also an expression of your gratitude
for how God has blessed you.
Let you singing reflect this!