Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs
The more I read Ephesians, the more I'm amazed by the depth of it's theology and application to our lives. Theologians refer to it as a "mini-Romans" as it tackles some of the foundational truths of our faith. Anyway, I was reading in Chapter 5 today and checking out a Piper sermon on it and I thought I'd share some thoughts.
Ephesians 5:18-20
18)And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, (19) speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; (20)always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father.
A few interesting things to point out.
Why does Paul mention three different types of prose here?
The view many hold is that "Psalms" are speaking of songs from the old testament psalter, the writings of David, Asaph, etc. "Hymns" are longer, adapted, possibly updated pieces that might incorporate new testament material as well. "Spirital songs" are the spontaneous praise that may have arisen from their corporate gatherings or personal expressions of worship. So, the old, the new, and the personal. Whatever he is speaking of, he purposes that God's word and our praise is the context that our Christian fellowship is based on.
What is the object of our singing?
God, our hearts, and one another. Musical worship glorifies God, edifies our hearts, and builds up our community. Now, worship is all about God, it begins and ends with him. If we were to give true worship to God for who he is and what he has done and receive no personal benefit or pleasure, worship would be complete in it's purpose. But God, in his goodness, has designed worship to minister to us as well. Personally we experience intimacy with God and healing from our brokenness. Corporately we are reminded of Scriptural truths and encouraged by one another's faith. Piper says:
There are reasons for this corporate dimension to worship. Being together and singing to each other, and not just alone, intensifies our emotions for God, communicates our witness to God, and unifies our corporate life around God(Romans 15:6).
Our hearts are involved in the process.
This may be a no-brainer, but honestly, when I look around on Sundays and see some blank stares, I feel like some of us view WORSHIP as a no-brainer. or at least a "no-heart-er" excuse the pun. We are not only to make melody with our mouths, but that melody must also resound in our heart. If not, it is an act that God actually calls detestable. Thats why it's important for worship leaders and pastors to teach worship to their congregations. Piper says:
God glorifies Himself toward the creatures in two ways:
1. By appearing to . . . their understanding.
2. In communicating Himself to their hearts,and in their rejoicing and delighting in, and enjoying, the manifestations which He makes of Himself. . . God is glorified not only by His glory's being seen, but by its being rejoiced in. When those that see it delight in it, God is more glorified than if they only see it. His glory is then received by the whole soul, both by the understanding and by the heart.*
So worship in song is more than what we take it for. It does not rest on our musical preferences or vocal ability. Our songs rest on the truth of God, the praise due his name, and healing and fellowship of our community. Like the wise old sage once said:
"Sing with me, sing for the years, Sing for the laugher sing for the tears. Sing with me just for today, maybe tomorrow the good Lord will take us away...eee...yay...eee...yay."
