Thoughts About Singing in Worship

by Ken Thomas

Most members of the church are familiar with Colossians 3:16 and Ephesians 5:19 which indicate that our singing is a means of "teaching and admonishing one another" as well as "making melody in our heart to the Lord." The lyrics we sing should be appropriate words with which to address either God or our fellow worshiper. If they are not, then the song is probably not appropriate for worship.
Saturday I attended a wedding in a denominational house of worship and browsed through the hymnal. In it was a song which declared that Jesus will come to earth again, Satan will be bound for 1000 years, and we will live peacefully without any temptation. I am not convinced that this is the proper interpretation of scripture, thus I could not conscientiously sing this song if it were to be led. Some sing a song which says "Only trust Him...He will save you now." If I believed in salvation by "faith only,” I could sing this; but is this true doctrine?
We need to think about the implications of our songs. I would hate to think that someone would judge our beliefs by some of the songs we sing.
If I sing "Jesus is coming soon,” do I know that? Jesus said, "Watch . . . ye know not the day nor the hour wherein the son of man cometh" Matthew 25:13, cf. Matthew 24:36 and
1 Thessalonians 5:1-10. We are to be ready at all times, but we cannot know when He is coming.
In regard to another song "Just a Little Talk with Jesus,” we certainly know that Jesus as our mediator 1 Timothy 2:5 heard the prayers that we address to the Heavenly father, but do we actually talk to Jesus or do we obey his instruction and example to address the Father in prayer ( Matthew 6:9, John 17:1)? The apostle Paul said that he "bowed his knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" ( Ephesians 3:14) as he prayed for the saints at Ephesus.
What is the point? There are some songs that have great music and great words. Other songs are inferior in some aspects. If we have to compromise, let it be in the "music" rather than in the "meaning." Sing that which you consciously believe is true, edifying, and worshipful, but do not sing that which you believe to be false doctrine or irreverent."Whatsoever is not of faith is sin" Romans 14:23.

January 14, 1990

Related Articles:

An Application of Apostolic Authority to the Instrumental Music Issue -Jul 25, 1999
Does the New Testament Authorize the Use of Instrumental Music in Worship? -Dec 05, 1991
Scriptual Singing -Oct 21, 1990

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Thoughts About Singing in Worship by Ken Thomas Most members of the church are familiar with Colossians 3:16 and Ephesians 5:19 which indicate that our singing is a means of "teaching and admonishing one another" as well as "making melody in our heart to the Lord." The lyrics we sing should be appropriate words with which to address either God or our fellow worshiper. If they are not, then the song is probably not appropriate for worship. Saturday I attended a wedding in a denominational house of worship and browsed through the hymnal. In it was a song which declared that Jesus will come to earth again, Satan will be bound for 1000 years, and we will live peacefully without any temptation. I am not convinced that this is the proper interpretation of scripture, thus I could not conscientiously sing this song if it were to be led. Some sing a song which says "Only trust Him...He will save you now." If I believed in salvation by "faith only,” I could sing this; but is this true doctrine? We need to think about the implications of our songs. I would hate to think that someone would judge our beliefs by some of the songs we sing. If I sing "Jesus is coming soon,” do I know that? Jesus said, "Watch . . . ye know not the day nor the hour wherein the son of man cometh" Matthew 25:13, cf. Matthew 24:36 and 1 Thessalonians 5:1-10. We are to be ready at all times, but we cannot know when He is coming. In regard to another song "Just a Little Talk with Jesus,” we certainly know that Jesus as our mediator 1 Timothy 2:5 heard the prayers that we address to the Heavenly father, but do we actually talk to Jesus or do we obey his instruction and example to address the Father in prayer ( Matthew 6:9, John 17:1)? The apostle Paul said that he "bowed his knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" ( Ephesians 3:14) as he prayed for the saints at Ephesus. What is the point? There are some songs that have great music and great words. Other songs are inferior in some aspects. If we have to compromise, let it be in the "music" rather than in the "meaning." Sing that which you consciously believe is true, edifying, and worshipful, but do not sing that which you believe to be false doctrine or irreverent."Whatsoever is not of faith is sin" Romans 14:23. January 14, 1990 Related Articles: An Application of Apostolic Authority to the Instrumental Music Issue -Jul 25, 1999 Does the New Testament Authorize the Use of Instrumental Music in Worship? -Dec 05, 1991 Scriptual Singing -Oct 21, 1990 Print this Article Discuss this Article Back to the Sermon Page	Mt. Juliet Church of Christ 1940 N. Mt. Juliet Road P.O.Box 248 Mt.Juliet, TN 37122-0248 (615)758-2274 Fax:615-754-2351 Email Worship Services: Sunday Early Worship: 8AM Sunday Bible Study: 9:15AM Sunday Late Worship: 10:15AM Night Worship: 6PM Wednesday Bible Study: 7PM