Why We Sing - Part 3 [Notes]

You’re invited to join us for "Why We Sing," a six-week series about worshiping God through music. On any given Sunday, we sing three, four, sometimes five songs together. At home, in the car, or in our earbuds, we turn on worship music or put a favorite song on repeat. But have you ever stopped to ask: why do we sing? Why lift our voices in praise to God? How and why does singing bless God and stir our own souls? What if we don’t feel like singing? Or don’t feel worthy to sing to God? Or maybe we feel like our voice isn’t good enough to really sing out? In this series, we’ll explore six biblical reasons why we sing. Our prayer is that each of us will grow in our theological understanding of musical worship – and as a community, feel more free and empowered to lift our voices in praise to God on Sundays and throughout the week.

Sing to the LORD, all the earth. Proclaim His salvation from day to day. Declare His glory among the nations, His wonderful works among all peoples.
– 1 Chronicles 16:23–24 (HCSB) 

Let the message about the Messiah dwell richly among you, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, and singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
– Colossians 3:16–17 (HCSB) 

“The words of the Bible, God’s written Word, are to dwell in believers. That is, by study, meditation, and application of the Word, it becomes a permanent abiding part of one’s life. When the words of Christ become part of a believer’s nature, they spring forth naturally and daily in psalms (songs from the Book of Psalms), hymns (other songs of praise), and spiritual songs (as opposed to secular odes) with gratitude.”
– Dr. Norman Geisler, The Bible Knowledge Commentary

How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping Your Word.
I have sought You with all my heart; don’t let me wander from Your commands.
I have treasured Your Word in my heart so that I may not sin against You.
Lord, may You be praised; teach me Your statutes.
With my lips I proclaim all the judgments from Your mouth.
I rejoice in the way revealed by Your decrees as much as in all riches.
I will meditate on Your precepts and think about Your ways.
I will delight in Your statutes; I will not forget Your Word.
– Psalm 119:9–16 (HCSB)

Obedience. To hear God’s Word and act accordingly. The word translated “obey” in the Old Testament means “to hear” and is often so translated. In the New Testament several words describe obedience. One word means “to hear or to listen in a state of submission.” Another New Testament word often translated “obey” means “to trust.” The person’s obedient response to God’s Word is a response of trust or faith. Thus, to really hear God’s Word is to obey God’s Word (Exodus 19:5; Jeremiah 7:23). The Bible views disobedience as a failure to hear and do God’s Word. Israel’s story was one of a nation who failed to hear or to listen to God (Jeremiah 7:13; Hosea 9:17). Jesus warned: “Anyone who has ears should listen!” (Matthew 11:15).
– Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary

If you love Me, you will keep My commands.
– John 14:15 (HCSB) 

For this is what love for God is: to keep His commands. Now His commands are not a burden.
– 1 John 5:3 (HCSB)

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
– 1 John 1:9 (HCSB) 

Dear God, I acknowledge that I have sinned and need a Savior. I believe that Jesus died on the cross for my sins and rose from the dead. Today, I place my trust in Jesus for the forgiveness of sins and the gift of eternal life. I come to you in Jesus’ name and because of what He did for me. Amen.

Let the People Sing // My Eyes Have Seen // Trust In God // Worthy of My Song, I Love You Lord

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