WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.339 It is a joy to be here with you all this morning. 00:00:05.600 --> 00:00:11.460 We're taking a small break from our regular exposition of the gospel according to John. 00:00:12.140 --> 00:00:15.980 ! Over the past couple weeks, Nathan has preached on elders and deacons. 00:00:16.820 --> 00:00:21.620 And this morning, as Nathan mentioned, we're going to be in the book of Colossians to consider 00:00:21.620 --> 00:00:27.100 the command, the purpose, and the design of singing within the church. 00:00:27.100 --> 00:00:30.940 So if you would, go ahead and turn with me to Colossians 3. 00:00:31.040 --> 00:00:33.899 We'll be reading and looking at verse 16. 00:00:43.079 --> 00:00:44.620 Our text reads, 00:00:44.880 --> 00:00:51.520 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, 00:00:51.520 --> 00:00:58.700 singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 00:00:58.820 --> 00:00:59.440 Let's pray. 00:01:02.080 --> 00:01:06.140 Father, we praise you for your word this morning, for the gathering of your saints. 00:01:06.700 --> 00:01:07.820 And yes, Lord, for the singing. 00:01:07.960 --> 00:01:12.719 We pray that you would enlighten the eyes and the ears of our hearts, 00:01:12.760 --> 00:01:15.560 that we may come to know you more deeply this morning. 00:01:15.920 --> 00:01:17.260 We pray these things in Christ's name. 00:01:17.580 --> 00:01:17.800 Amen. 00:01:17.799 --> 00:01:20.560 All right. 00:01:20.859 --> 00:01:27.239 Throughout the book of Colossians, Paul and Timothy are focusing a lot on the person and work of Christ. 00:01:27.759 --> 00:01:30.780 He spends a bulk of his time leading into chapter 3, 00:01:30.920 --> 00:01:36.239 reemphasizing that Christ is preeminent and rightly to be worshiped. 00:01:36.239 --> 00:01:41.259 They are correcting the worship of man and imparting the worship of Jesus, 00:01:41.900 --> 00:01:44.280 which, to be clear, is not just through singing. 00:01:44.280 --> 00:01:47.260 Worship is much more expansive than singing. 00:01:47.780 --> 00:01:52.980 But as we come into chapter 3, Paul describes Christian living in light of God, 00:01:53.079 --> 00:01:57.120 creating a new man from death to life in Christ. 00:01:57.820 --> 00:02:03.060 And not only is he producing new individuals, but he is building his church. 00:02:03.740 --> 00:02:08.139 Those in Christ are to be putting off the old man with its practices 00:02:08.139 --> 00:02:11.979 and putting on the new man with Christ's likeness. 00:02:11.979 --> 00:02:12.979 All right. 00:02:13.019 --> 00:02:18.019 And then Paul goes to give us some commands to achieve that and what that might look like. 00:02:18.199 --> 00:02:22.519 And we find ourselves this morning focusing on one of these commands in verse 16. 00:02:23.839 --> 00:02:30.479 So the first part of our text, it starts with an objective and a precondition, 00:02:31.000 --> 00:02:36.399 dwelling on the word that guides us to the rest of our text, teaching through singing. 00:02:36.400 --> 00:02:41.480 So we exhorted to dwell on the word and one way to do that. 00:02:41.740 --> 00:02:44.939 And as a result of doing that, we sing. 00:02:46.259 --> 00:02:49.099 To begin with, the command to let the word of Christ. 00:02:49.219 --> 00:02:54.640 In our English language, the word let is often used to like allow or permit. 00:02:55.300 --> 00:03:00.460 The Greek, however, is a little trickier than that to give the English a clear translation. 00:03:00.460 --> 00:03:04.879 The word in Greek, the word let actually isn't even there. 00:03:05.379 --> 00:03:07.159 It just starts with the word of Christ. 00:03:07.680 --> 00:03:11.640 It's more of an exhortation than asking permission. 00:03:12.159 --> 00:03:15.540 Paul's not asking us to give permission for the word of Christ to dwell richly. 00:03:16.480 --> 00:03:19.700 Piper brought to memory how we might start off the Olympic Games. 00:03:20.200 --> 00:03:21.060 Let the games begin. 00:03:21.060 --> 00:03:26.159 That announcement is not asking the crowd to convene on when or how to start the games. 00:03:26.780 --> 00:03:29.099 But it's more commanding, start the games. 00:03:29.719 --> 00:03:34.340 So the English doesn't have a true one-to-one for how this text reads, but he is being exhortative here. 00:03:35.080 --> 00:03:41.680 There's some debate on what the word of Christ actually is, whether it is the canon of Scripture, 00:03:42.240 --> 00:03:47.819 the words Jesus actually said, or the general message of Christ the gospel. 00:03:47.819 --> 00:03:56.379 Later in chapter 4, verse 3, Paul is talking about sharing the gospel, and he uses the word there to communicate that. 00:03:56.840 --> 00:04:02.019 And in Romans 10, he says, faith comes from hearing through the word of Christ. 00:04:02.459 --> 00:04:08.159 So I believe he's specifically referring to the gospel here, and that's what I want our hearts to be thinking about. 00:04:08.979 --> 00:04:14.439 But since Scripture is ultimately one metanarrative of the gospel message of Christ, 00:04:14.439 --> 00:04:20.100 it's breathed out by God, I think we can take this either way and not lose too much of the intent. 00:04:20.259 --> 00:04:23.899 But I do want to specifically be meditating on Christ and the gospel, 00:04:24.339 --> 00:04:25.980 since that's the main focus throughout the book. 00:04:27.220 --> 00:04:29.399 So the word of Christ is foundational. 00:04:29.839 --> 00:04:34.500 I mean, it is its utmost importance to anything we do, 00:04:35.019 --> 00:04:37.019 and that particularly includes our singing. 00:04:37.019 --> 00:04:41.439 And I'll explain more why it's a particularly important singing later, 00:04:41.579 --> 00:04:45.639 but as God himself birthed human history with his words, 00:04:46.159 --> 00:04:50.500 the Christian is born again through the word of Christ, the gospel. 00:04:51.139 --> 00:04:55.359 And at all times, we should be immersed in this truth. 00:04:55.919 --> 00:05:02.099 It is our identity once the gospel has taken its regenerating effect in our hearts. 00:05:02.100 --> 00:05:07.320 And this message, to be clear, is that God created all things. 00:05:07.720 --> 00:05:11.200 The first humans, Adam and Eve, fell to temptation. 00:05:12.060 --> 00:05:15.120 They disobeyed God and introduced sin into the world. 00:05:15.939 --> 00:05:19.420 And the sin of our first parents is now inerrant to all of us. 00:05:20.439 --> 00:05:24.980 Therefore, we all now disobey God, and this separates us from fellowship with him. 00:05:25.640 --> 00:05:29.920 We stand condemned for breaking his good and moral law. 00:05:29.920 --> 00:05:34.240 And the sentence being eternal destruction, 00:05:34.800 --> 00:05:38.699 away from the presence of the Lord and the glory of his might. 00:05:39.860 --> 00:05:43.540 But praise the Lord, Christ came to uphold the law perfectly, 00:05:44.120 --> 00:05:46.240 and then dying the death that we deserved, 00:05:46.620 --> 00:05:48.220 so that we would not have to. 00:05:48.720 --> 00:05:52.520 Through faith and repentance of sin, this can be true for anyone. 00:05:53.080 --> 00:05:57.500 For you and your household, for the Jew, the Greek, the male, the female, the slave, the master, 00:05:57.500 --> 00:06:03.360 anyone confessing and believing leaves you justified instead of being condemned. 00:06:04.199 --> 00:06:09.800 And being justified, we are reconciled to God and adopted into his family as his children. 00:06:10.860 --> 00:06:12.560 And I love that this is the beginning of our text. 00:06:12.800 --> 00:06:16.720 I mean, it truly sets the foundation for what proceeds. 00:06:17.839 --> 00:06:21.439 And this word of Christ, this gospel message, is to dwell in us richly. 00:06:21.439 --> 00:06:27.959 Our goal in singing is to draw nearer to Christ and into deeper fellowship with him. 00:06:28.600 --> 00:06:32.139 And we're going to focus a lot on music today, but our musical worship is not worship, 00:06:32.680 --> 00:06:36.139 unless it is aimed and set upon Christ in his glory, 00:06:36.600 --> 00:06:39.240 not the glory of the music itself. 00:06:39.879 --> 00:06:42.980 Paul does not say, let the music dwell in us richly, 00:06:43.139 --> 00:06:45.560 but rather the word of Christ. 00:06:45.560 --> 00:06:52.360 So the word dwell here alludes to God's dwelling place amidst the Israelites 00:06:52.360 --> 00:06:55.579 and now in his covenant people. 00:06:56.120 --> 00:07:00.600 And 1 Corinthians 4, or 3, excuse me, 1 Corinthians 3, 00:07:00.680 --> 00:07:03.420 Paul interprets Ezekiel by saying, 00:07:03.720 --> 00:07:07.279 you are God's temple and God's spirit dwells in you. 00:07:07.639 --> 00:07:10.600 So the heart of the believer is now the dwelling place of God. 00:07:10.720 --> 00:07:12.680 Christ has torn the veil. 00:07:12.680 --> 00:07:16.300 And so now his word, the word of Christ, 00:07:16.480 --> 00:07:19.660 is harbored in the hearts of Christians by the spirit. 00:07:20.340 --> 00:07:23.459 And as God dwelled in the Holy of Holies, his word now dwells in us. 00:07:24.120 --> 00:07:28.180 And the glories of the word of Christ, they're rich. 00:07:28.360 --> 00:07:30.600 They are rich in and of themselves. 00:07:31.920 --> 00:07:39.939 And it is like a deep mine with the most precious of jewels to lay hold of. 00:07:39.939 --> 00:07:45.339 And the deeper you go, the more you realize how vast that mine is. 00:07:45.439 --> 00:07:48.300 And those jewels become more and more precious to you. 00:07:48.860 --> 00:07:51.060 It ought to and it does. 00:07:51.120 --> 00:07:55.980 It captivates our whole being, our hearts, our minds, our souls. 00:07:56.199 --> 00:07:58.540 And it produces outward fruit. 00:07:59.279 --> 00:08:04.680 We become more refined and more Christ-like the more the word dwells within us. 00:08:04.680 --> 00:08:07.199 And that means we have to consume it. 00:08:07.639 --> 00:08:09.040 We have to meditate on it. 00:08:09.340 --> 00:08:10.980 We have to marvel at its beauty. 00:08:11.280 --> 00:08:11.759 Study it. 00:08:11.920 --> 00:08:12.560 Practice it. 00:08:13.019 --> 00:08:13.639 Love it. 00:08:14.319 --> 00:08:15.439 And yeah, sing it. 00:08:16.759 --> 00:08:18.139 And for this to be true of us, 00:08:18.660 --> 00:08:21.560 for us to have the word of Christ dwelling in us richly, 00:08:21.600 --> 00:08:26.960 we have to have eyes to see and ears to hear that only the spirit of God can give us. 00:08:27.300 --> 00:08:29.960 So therefore we must pray for the word to dwell in us richly. 00:08:29.959 --> 00:08:34.240 And we must believe it like our life depends on it because it does. 00:08:35.000 --> 00:08:36.240 So this word is rich. 00:08:36.679 --> 00:08:39.299 And if the eyes and the ears of our heart have been opened to it, 00:08:39.600 --> 00:08:42.500 it will produce wisdom with its knowledge. 00:08:43.120 --> 00:08:45.480 It's not just enough to know it. 00:08:45.699 --> 00:08:48.419 As James tells us, you believe God is one, you do well. 00:08:48.519 --> 00:08:50.199 Even the demons believe and they shudder. 00:08:50.200 --> 00:08:56.160 You can know all about the gospel, the word of Christ, but not truly grasp it. 00:08:56.420 --> 00:08:58.680 And therefore it be worthless to you. 00:08:59.320 --> 00:09:06.580 And perhaps worse than worthless, leaving you without excuse to worship the right God rightly. 00:09:07.660 --> 00:09:10.720 But if the gospel is dwelling richly within you, it will produce wisdom. 00:09:10.840 --> 00:09:15.420 And this wisdom should characterize how we teach and admonish one another. 00:09:15.419 --> 00:09:19.399 In our text, it specifically moves us to teach and admonish each other through singing 00:09:19.399 --> 00:09:23.819 and teaching wisely through our singing at that. 00:09:26.139 --> 00:09:30.120 So the ESV, it is a very faithful translation. 00:09:30.719 --> 00:09:36.099 But one point of clarity I do want to address is regarding the commas in our text. 00:09:36.100 --> 00:09:45.540 I think it is best understood to add a through or by after those phrases about the dwelling and the teaching. 00:09:46.200 --> 00:09:50.899 The ESV puts these verbs in the present tense to communicate the flow of this verse. 00:09:51.019 --> 00:09:51.639 It's all connected. 00:09:51.800 --> 00:09:52.720 It's happening together. 00:09:53.279 --> 00:09:57.820 But the commas kind of can tempt me to read them as three separate commands. 00:09:58.420 --> 00:10:00.639 So I think it's helpful to read it like this. 00:10:00.639 --> 00:10:07.340 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly by teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom 00:10:07.340 --> 00:10:13.259 with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 00:10:14.199 --> 00:10:20.460 We are actually teaching and admonishing one another through our psalms and our hymns and our spiritual songs. 00:10:20.679 --> 00:10:24.379 And the outcome is that the word of Christ dwells in us more richly. 00:10:24.600 --> 00:10:27.279 It's not just that we have three separate commands. 00:10:27.279 --> 00:10:31.659 Let the word of Christ dwell, teach and admonish, and also sing. 00:10:32.759 --> 00:10:36.779 Instead, we have these three commands that are connected together and influence one another. 00:10:37.379 --> 00:10:41.799 And the big one I want to really harp on to connect is the teaching and the singing, 00:10:42.419 --> 00:10:44.720 teaching one another with psalms. 00:10:45.419 --> 00:10:48.159 So we have a parallel text in Ephesians 5. 00:10:49.019 --> 00:10:50.879 You're probably familiar with it. 00:10:50.879 --> 00:10:56.039 Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 00:10:56.600 --> 00:11:00.919 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, 00:11:01.019 --> 00:11:04.220 singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart. 00:11:04.919 --> 00:11:08.980 Same author, probably written from the same prison, at the same time, 00:11:09.100 --> 00:11:11.080 sent via the same person, Tychicus. 00:11:11.080 --> 00:11:13.900 And notice it starts with being filled, 00:11:14.320 --> 00:11:21.040 and then it goes on to command us to address or to speak to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs. 00:11:21.360 --> 00:11:26.600 So those lyrics are sung to one another as well as to God. 00:11:27.480 --> 00:11:30.900 And another compelling reason is more systematic to consider it this way. 00:11:31.460 --> 00:11:32.200 2 Timothy, 00:11:32.200 --> 00:11:39.220 All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 00:11:39.520 --> 00:11:43.120 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 00:11:43.759 --> 00:11:47.620 All scripture for teaching, reproof and correction, or admonishment. 00:11:48.740 --> 00:11:49.020 Right? 00:11:49.820 --> 00:11:51.980 Well, the scriptures are filled with songs. 00:11:53.060 --> 00:11:55.940 Have you been taught and admonished by the book of Psalms? 00:11:56.480 --> 00:11:56.740 Yeah. 00:11:57.379 --> 00:11:59.340 Psalms is actually one of the most quoted books. 00:11:59.340 --> 00:12:01.300 It is the most quoted book in the New Testament. 00:12:02.200 --> 00:12:03.980 Also, the Song of Solomon. 00:12:04.340 --> 00:12:07.620 We have Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, the Song of Moses. 00:12:08.220 --> 00:12:12.440 There's 185 songs in God's word. 00:12:12.560 --> 00:12:15.840 And God's word is profitable for teaching and admonition, 00:12:16.300 --> 00:12:17.800 that the man of God may be complete. 00:12:18.240 --> 00:12:23.080 So singing is a means for the words to dwell in us richly, 00:12:23.400 --> 00:12:28.000 as it teaches us and as we teach one another through them. 00:12:28.000 --> 00:12:32.600 And so since we're teaching and admonishing one another through these songs, 00:12:33.240 --> 00:12:37.360 they better be true, soul-sustaining, God-honoring songs. 00:12:38.019 --> 00:12:42.200 It is critical that these songs are informed by the word 00:12:42.200 --> 00:12:48.840 and that those truths run through the lyrics and ring through the musical elements. 00:12:48.840 --> 00:12:52.220 The congregation, the songwriters, the music leaders, 00:12:52.660 --> 00:12:57.899 all need to be dwelling on the word richly to properly teach and admonish one another. 00:12:58.700 --> 00:13:02.660 We want to be sure that we are clinging to the word of Christ, 00:13:02.879 --> 00:13:05.120 not man-made innovation. 00:13:05.120 --> 00:13:10.279 And there is room for heresy to invade the church through the songs we sing, 00:13:10.759 --> 00:13:14.060 as not all of the songs are verbatim scripture. 00:13:14.259 --> 00:13:18.120 False teachers will secretly bring in destructive heresies. 00:13:18.320 --> 00:13:20.700 And it's very easy to do that in singing. 00:13:21.759 --> 00:13:25.299 Destructive songs might say some true things about the gospel, 00:13:25.840 --> 00:13:29.940 but not the full gospel, which leads people astray. 00:13:29.940 --> 00:13:34.260 I've noticed in most of these songs you rarely hear about sin, 00:13:34.720 --> 00:13:37.920 but you do hear all about how much Jesus loves you. 00:13:38.900 --> 00:13:43.640 And sadly, they miss the true grace and love and mercy of Christ 00:13:43.640 --> 00:13:47.700 by singing as if they deserve Christ's love. 00:13:48.360 --> 00:13:50.100 Here's one example from Hillsong. 00:13:51.000 --> 00:13:51.640 It says, 00:13:52.140 --> 00:13:53.940 Don't let your heart be troubled. 00:13:54.600 --> 00:13:55.840 Hold your head up high. 00:13:56.460 --> 00:13:57.840 Don't fear no evil. 00:13:57.840 --> 00:14:01.399 Fix your eyes on this one truth. 00:14:02.379 --> 00:14:04.820 God is madly in love with you. 00:14:06.360 --> 00:14:07.180 Take courage. 00:14:07.480 --> 00:14:08.019 Hold on. 00:14:08.259 --> 00:14:08.780 Be strong. 00:14:09.560 --> 00:14:10.980 Remember where your help comes from. 00:14:13.060 --> 00:14:15.519 There's some scripture thrown in here, 00:14:16.019 --> 00:14:24.080 but where's the magnificent grace that Christ came to cancel the record of debt you owe? 00:14:24.820 --> 00:14:27.120 Where is the assurance being placed? 00:14:27.840 --> 00:14:32.759 Is it on Christ or is it on your loveliness? 00:14:33.820 --> 00:14:38.980 Places that claim the name of Christ are singing songs like that all over this morning. 00:14:39.960 --> 00:14:44.440 And this is why it's particularly critical for the word of Christ to dwell in us richly, 00:14:44.480 --> 00:14:46.820 with all wisdom, as we consider singing. 00:14:47.220 --> 00:14:51.420 It's either teaching us to glorify Christ or to glorify man. 00:14:51.419 --> 00:14:56.939 So this also means the lyrics should be clear and not ambiguous. 00:14:58.019 --> 00:15:02.539 Otherwise, we might not be clinging to anything substantial for our souls. 00:15:02.659 --> 00:15:05.779 It can be a mere emotional experience, 00:15:05.959 --> 00:15:10.559 while no instruction or admonishment is actually occurring. 00:15:10.559 --> 00:15:16.939 The Riseners have been on a Lion King kick recently. 00:15:16.940 --> 00:15:21.180 And I was reminded of the song, Can You Feel the Love Tonight? 00:15:22.380 --> 00:15:26.300 And Timon starts that song really vaguely, and he says, I can see what's happening. 00:15:27.620 --> 00:15:28.580 And Pumbaa says, what? 00:15:30.160 --> 00:15:32.200 Timon says, they don't have a clue. 00:15:33.160 --> 00:15:34.260 Pumbaa chimes in, who? 00:15:34.259 --> 00:15:37.759 Pumbaa can't discern what Simone is talking about. 00:15:38.319 --> 00:15:40.240 We don't want anyone to be a Pumbaa when we sing. 00:15:40.580 --> 00:15:45.600 We want the word of Christ to be clear and rich in its presentation as we sing, 00:15:46.139 --> 00:15:50.240 so that we can cling to the Christocentric truths. 00:15:50.580 --> 00:15:56.939 And more than the lyrics, it's also helpful to consider our environment 00:15:56.939 --> 00:16:00.720 and our presentation to effectively teach one another. 00:16:00.720 --> 00:16:03.540 For example, we keep the lights on. 00:16:04.139 --> 00:16:07.700 We are not being mystical or individualistic. 00:16:08.399 --> 00:16:10.120 We are speaking to one another. 00:16:10.899 --> 00:16:13.600 I don't suppose any of you have conversations with the lights off, 00:16:13.759 --> 00:16:15.720 chanting counsel out loud to yourself. 00:16:17.480 --> 00:16:21.860 We do go alone to the Lord in prayer, privately, behind closed doors. 00:16:22.540 --> 00:16:25.120 But that's not the use of singing congregationally. 00:16:25.759 --> 00:16:28.639 It's not always wrong to close your eyes or lift your hands, 00:16:28.639 --> 00:16:30.840 and perhaps that actually can be good sometimes. 00:16:31.740 --> 00:16:34.779 David speaks in this way sometimes, lifting his hands in praise to God. 00:16:35.220 --> 00:16:39.059 But just remember that you are addressing others with these truths. 00:16:39.379 --> 00:16:41.460 You are singing to one another. 00:16:42.960 --> 00:16:45.799 And just because we are singing to others, 00:16:46.299 --> 00:16:49.480 that doesn't mean that the sun rises to hear you crow 00:16:49.480 --> 00:16:52.559 and the church didn't gather to marvel at your singing. 00:16:52.559 --> 00:16:55.239 That's not what verse 16 is teaching. 00:16:56.159 --> 00:16:59.839 We sing, as verse 14 describes, in perfect harmony, 00:17:00.019 --> 00:17:02.439 serving others and not ourselves. 00:17:03.319 --> 00:17:07.740 And the other side of the spotlight coin is maybe distractive singing. 00:17:09.119 --> 00:17:11.679 We should probably practice our singing 00:17:11.679 --> 00:17:16.460 if we find ourselves being a disruption on Sunday. 00:17:16.460 --> 00:17:20.420 I put myself in this camp, but you know who you are. 00:17:21.880 --> 00:17:23.460 We do the same thing for public speaking, 00:17:23.559 --> 00:17:25.059 to better teach and admonish one another. 00:17:25.380 --> 00:17:28.140 I've probably already said um like 20 times this sermon. 00:17:28.819 --> 00:17:30.400 But it is something that we do, 00:17:30.500 --> 00:17:35.640 and we take to heart so that we can more faithfully practice, 00:17:36.000 --> 00:17:37.160 you know, verse 16, 00:17:37.279 --> 00:17:41.220 seeking to deliver these truths in song effectively 00:17:41.220 --> 00:17:43.680 while not being the center of attention. 00:17:43.680 --> 00:17:47.080 But in contrast to this center of attention, 00:17:47.080 --> 00:17:49.480 we also didn't come here this morning 00:17:49.480 --> 00:17:51.120 for the band to be the center of attention, 00:17:51.120 --> 00:17:53.180 to just sit back and entertain us 00:17:53.180 --> 00:17:56.180 while we passively mouth the words 00:17:56.180 --> 00:17:59.420 or just pragmatically sing them 00:17:59.420 --> 00:18:03.460 without actually seeking the edification of one another 00:18:03.460 --> 00:18:04.700 and the worship of God. 00:18:05.720 --> 00:18:09.120 The band is here to facilitate the congregation's role. 00:18:09.640 --> 00:18:11.640 They play in styles and in keys. 00:18:11.860 --> 00:18:12.660 We can all sing. 00:18:12.660 --> 00:18:15.740 They don't have a blaring electric guitar 00:18:15.740 --> 00:18:17.700 and overwhelming volume 00:18:17.700 --> 00:18:19.779 so that we can't hear one another. 00:18:20.240 --> 00:18:22.740 It's a happy medium where we can hear one another 00:18:22.740 --> 00:18:26.779 as the band leads us in the key and melody, 00:18:27.320 --> 00:18:30.480 and therefore the truths of the lyrics are communicated well. 00:18:31.380 --> 00:18:33.040 So we incorporate these practices 00:18:33.040 --> 00:18:36.060 as we sing various kinds of songs, 00:18:36.560 --> 00:18:39.180 psalms and hymns and spiritual songs. 00:18:39.180 --> 00:18:42.259 I'm not convinced of the exact definition 00:18:42.259 --> 00:18:45.580 and distinction between these three different kinds of songs. 00:18:46.240 --> 00:18:48.640 Some who, to be sure, are smarter than me 00:18:48.640 --> 00:18:51.000 do break them down into specific categories, 00:18:51.500 --> 00:18:55.440 but I think the main point is that we're using a variety of songs. 00:18:55.840 --> 00:18:57.100 Songs from Scripture 00:18:57.100 --> 00:19:00.340 and songs composed as a response to Scripture, 00:19:01.100 --> 00:19:01.820 songs of lament, 00:19:02.400 --> 00:19:03.299 songs of rejoicing, 00:19:03.460 --> 00:19:04.340 songs of triumph, 00:19:04.339 --> 00:19:07.419 and so on. 00:19:09.419 --> 00:19:10.439 The psalms, however, 00:19:10.539 --> 00:19:13.000 they do point to using instruments. 00:19:14.119 --> 00:19:15.639 I wouldn't let someone tell you 00:19:15.639 --> 00:19:17.299 that instruments on stage are sin. 00:19:17.839 --> 00:19:19.720 It would be okay if we didn't, 00:19:19.919 --> 00:19:23.599 but it certainly isn't sin to include them faithfully. 00:19:23.599 --> 00:19:26.379 The very word psalm actually means 00:19:26.379 --> 00:19:28.819 to strum or pluck on an instrument. 00:19:29.419 --> 00:19:31.319 So we are to use all kinds of songs, 00:19:31.480 --> 00:19:33.259 some accompanied by musical instruments, 00:19:34.299 --> 00:19:36.399 others perhaps not, 00:19:36.459 --> 00:19:38.500 but to teach and to admonish one another. 00:19:40.859 --> 00:19:43.339 And so that's the gist of what our text is saying 00:19:43.339 --> 00:19:44.699 in this first half, 00:19:44.759 --> 00:19:46.119 but it leads me to the question, 00:19:47.399 --> 00:19:48.279 why singing? 00:19:49.139 --> 00:19:52.319 If the word of Christ is what we want to dwell in us richly, 00:19:52.319 --> 00:19:54.000 why are we not just commanded 00:19:54.000 --> 00:19:56.000 to speak it to one another? 00:19:56.839 --> 00:19:58.500 Why do we go the extra step 00:19:58.500 --> 00:20:00.240 into singing it to one another? 00:20:01.279 --> 00:20:02.960 And this is no new command in Scripture. 00:20:03.539 --> 00:20:06.000 It's actually one of the most frequent commands 00:20:06.000 --> 00:20:07.139 in our Bibles. 00:20:07.819 --> 00:20:08.879 For reference sake, 00:20:09.460 --> 00:20:10.839 Exodus 15 and 18, 00:20:11.099 --> 00:20:11.919 Numbers 21, 00:20:12.619 --> 00:20:14.579 Deuteronomy 31 and 32, 00:20:15.179 --> 00:20:17.639 2 Samuel 1, 22 and 33, 00:20:18.419 --> 00:20:20.700 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, 00:20:20.700 --> 00:20:22.920 Isaiah, Ezekiel, Psalms, 00:20:23.480 --> 00:20:25.380 Ephesians 5, 1 Corinthians, 00:20:26.380 --> 00:20:27.420 it goes on and on. 00:20:27.580 --> 00:20:30.420 It's very frequent in our Bibles. 00:20:31.080 --> 00:20:32.779 And I think there are many reasons 00:20:32.779 --> 00:20:34.039 we seem to glorify God, 00:20:34.460 --> 00:20:36.380 but three significant reasons 00:20:36.380 --> 00:20:37.420 we're going to dwell on today 00:20:37.420 --> 00:20:38.039 are one, 00:20:39.120 --> 00:20:40.400 it's a design feature. 00:20:41.259 --> 00:20:42.740 It's part of creation. 00:20:43.799 --> 00:20:44.539 Number two, 00:20:45.299 --> 00:20:46.700 it's a means of displaying 00:20:46.700 --> 00:20:49.480 displaying our oneness in Christ. 00:20:50.380 --> 00:20:51.340 And three, 00:20:51.860 --> 00:20:53.819 we actually edify one another 00:20:53.819 --> 00:20:56.120 through our response to God 00:20:56.120 --> 00:20:56.920 in song. 00:20:58.220 --> 00:20:59.200 So number one, 00:20:59.319 --> 00:21:00.299 singing is founded upon 00:21:00.299 --> 00:21:02.720 a design feature in creation. 00:21:03.840 --> 00:21:06.140 The first song recorded in Scripture 00:21:06.140 --> 00:21:08.319 isn't until Exodus 15, 00:21:08.880 --> 00:21:11.400 but we have reference to music and song 00:21:11.400 --> 00:21:12.860 all the way back to Genesis 4. 00:21:12.859 --> 00:21:15.959 A few generations after Adam and Eve, 00:21:16.379 --> 00:21:17.979 we have Lamex children 00:21:17.979 --> 00:21:20.359 and their trade recorded for us. 00:21:20.459 --> 00:21:21.779 One is Jubal, 00:21:22.139 --> 00:21:24.359 and he was the father of all those 00:21:24.359 --> 00:21:26.099 who play the lyre and the pipe. 00:21:26.939 --> 00:21:28.319 There was also Tubal Cain, 00:21:28.639 --> 00:21:29.859 and he was the forger 00:21:29.859 --> 00:21:33.159 of all instruments of bronze and iron, 00:21:33.419 --> 00:21:34.859 which may indicate tools, 00:21:35.539 --> 00:21:38.179 but I like to think it includes 00:21:38.179 --> 00:21:40.399 musical metal instruments as well. 00:21:40.400 --> 00:21:41.840 So in the first few chapters 00:21:41.840 --> 00:21:42.620 of human history, 00:21:42.840 --> 00:21:43.920 there's enough business 00:21:43.920 --> 00:21:44.860 for these brothers 00:21:44.860 --> 00:21:47.120 to actually be professional music teachers 00:21:47.120 --> 00:21:48.980 and perhaps instrument makers, 00:21:49.400 --> 00:21:52.280 and we have music being played here 00:21:52.280 --> 00:21:53.000 from the start, 00:21:53.360 --> 00:21:54.000 and I have to assume 00:21:54.000 --> 00:21:55.300 there were songs being sung. 00:21:56.180 --> 00:21:57.100 We start in Genesis, 00:21:57.480 --> 00:21:59.680 and it continues throughout human history 00:21:59.680 --> 00:22:01.920 until Revelation and beyond. 00:22:02.980 --> 00:22:06.320 Singing is baked into creation. 00:22:06.319 --> 00:22:08.980 The Lord was creatively 00:22:08.980 --> 00:22:11.419 and gloriously pleased 00:22:11.419 --> 00:22:13.299 to make it an active part 00:22:13.299 --> 00:22:14.480 of human history, 00:22:14.980 --> 00:22:16.079 and it's not just found 00:22:16.079 --> 00:22:16.759 within the church, 00:22:16.939 --> 00:22:17.599 as we all know. 00:22:17.639 --> 00:22:18.240 It's found everywhere. 00:22:18.539 --> 00:22:19.000 I think most, 00:22:19.159 --> 00:22:20.639 we go to concerts with people 00:22:20.639 --> 00:22:22.240 who appreciate the same music. 00:22:22.960 --> 00:22:25.599 We see Marion Pippen at the pub 00:22:25.599 --> 00:22:27.119 singing their Green Dragon Inn. 00:22:28.079 --> 00:22:29.259 In high school football, 00:22:29.399 --> 00:22:30.539 if we won a game, 00:22:30.619 --> 00:22:32.419 we would gather in the locker room 00:22:32.420 --> 00:22:35.240 and sing a traditional song of triumph. 00:22:36.560 --> 00:22:38.519 It's in the DNA of humans. 00:22:39.160 --> 00:22:41.440 We are singers, music makers. 00:22:42.400 --> 00:22:44.060 Furthermore, creation itself 00:22:44.060 --> 00:22:45.740 is described to be singing a song 00:22:45.740 --> 00:22:47.940 as it displays God's glory 00:22:47.940 --> 00:22:50.720 and his sovereign rule over nature. 00:22:51.600 --> 00:22:52.220 Psalm 98, 00:22:52.420 --> 00:22:53.420 let the sea roar 00:22:53.420 --> 00:22:55.000 and all that fills it, 00:22:55.820 --> 00:22:57.360 the world and those who dwell in it. 00:22:57.400 --> 00:22:59.060 Let the rivers clap their hands. 00:22:59.060 --> 00:23:01.500 Let the hills sing for joy together. 00:23:02.420 --> 00:23:03.200 In Psalm 65, 00:23:03.680 --> 00:23:05.720 the pastures of the wilderness overflow, 00:23:06.100 --> 00:23:07.980 the hills gird themselves with joy, 00:23:08.460 --> 00:23:11.120 the meadows clothe themselves with flocks, 00:23:11.560 --> 00:23:13.380 the valleys deck themselves with grain. 00:23:14.000 --> 00:23:17.200 They shout and sing together for joy. 00:23:18.840 --> 00:23:20.160 So this is all downstream 00:23:20.160 --> 00:23:22.980 from the attributes of our creator. 00:23:23.800 --> 00:23:26.100 God didn't just create a world 00:23:26.100 --> 00:23:28.560 that had mere mechanical function, 00:23:28.559 --> 00:23:31.940 but he created functional systems 00:23:31.940 --> 00:23:32.960 that are beautiful. 00:23:33.559 --> 00:23:35.059 For instance, in Genesis 2, 00:23:35.539 --> 00:23:36.679 God created out of the ground 00:23:36.679 --> 00:23:39.700 every tree that is pleasant to sight 00:23:39.700 --> 00:23:41.960 and good for food. 00:23:42.480 --> 00:23:43.720 So the function of some trees 00:23:43.720 --> 00:23:45.419 were for consuming their beauty 00:23:45.419 --> 00:23:46.980 and other trees, 00:23:47.099 --> 00:23:48.460 their beauty and their fruit. 00:23:49.419 --> 00:23:51.460 The oak tree is beautiful, 00:23:51.460 --> 00:23:53.980 but I had a rough night one time 00:23:53.980 --> 00:23:55.519 after I ate one of its acorns. 00:23:56.240 --> 00:23:58.640 It was not for beauty and food. 00:24:01.079 --> 00:24:02.779 Psalm 19, which is a song, 00:24:03.220 --> 00:24:05.480 the heavens declare the glory of God 00:24:05.480 --> 00:24:08.799 and the sky above proclaim his handiwork. 00:24:08.940 --> 00:24:10.860 Day to day pours out speech 00:24:10.860 --> 00:24:12.880 and night to night reveals knowledge. 00:24:13.200 --> 00:24:15.600 So not only is God's creation functional, 00:24:15.599 --> 00:24:17.399 but it is beautiful 00:24:17.399 --> 00:24:21.179 as it displays the glory of the creator. 00:24:22.399 --> 00:24:23.839 His unique creation, mankind, 00:24:24.480 --> 00:24:27.019 was created in his image. 00:24:28.339 --> 00:24:31.480 The creator created more, 00:24:32.079 --> 00:24:34.299 little c, creators 00:24:34.299 --> 00:24:37.359 to reflect and display, 00:24:37.699 --> 00:24:40.839 to image the glory of their creator. 00:24:41.699 --> 00:24:43.379 It's like Norman Rockwell's 00:24:43.379 --> 00:24:44.279 painting of himself, 00:24:44.279 --> 00:24:45.219 painting himself. 00:24:45.599 --> 00:24:48.740 The great creator or artist or composer 00:24:48.740 --> 00:24:52.000 has created us with a pleasure 00:24:52.000 --> 00:24:54.039 in musical expressions. 00:24:54.719 --> 00:24:57.359 It's one way that we bear God's image 00:24:57.359 --> 00:25:00.439 of creating by creating music. 00:25:01.259 --> 00:25:03.000 God's gift of music and song 00:25:03.000 --> 00:25:05.059 is a means of communication, 00:25:05.619 --> 00:25:08.379 but it's in an artistic and creative way. 00:25:09.279 --> 00:25:10.500 It is both functional 00:25:10.500 --> 00:25:12.419 in presenting information, 00:25:12.719 --> 00:25:14.059 but it's also beautiful 00:25:14.059 --> 00:25:15.599 in the way it is presented. 00:25:15.599 --> 00:25:17.759 It takes words on a page 00:25:17.759 --> 00:25:20.659 and enhances the effect 00:25:20.659 --> 00:25:21.980 of their truths 00:25:21.980 --> 00:25:24.399 by employing our emotions 00:25:24.399 --> 00:25:25.379 and appreciation 00:25:25.379 --> 00:25:26.679 of the musical features. 00:25:27.619 --> 00:25:29.139 God himself seems to be pleased 00:25:29.139 --> 00:25:31.159 with musically communicating deep truths, 00:25:31.619 --> 00:25:32.859 again, as he has given us 00:25:32.859 --> 00:25:34.500 so many songs in his word. 00:25:35.500 --> 00:25:37.539 Harmony, rhythm, pitch, 00:25:38.220 --> 00:25:39.059 poetic lyrics, 00:25:39.059 --> 00:25:40.599 everything about music, 00:25:40.599 --> 00:25:40.619 everything about music, 00:25:40.619 --> 00:25:42.740 when we put them together correctly, 00:25:42.740 --> 00:25:43.799 is pleasing. 00:25:44.859 --> 00:25:47.919 And we will put thematic music 00:25:47.919 --> 00:25:49.440 to our lyrics 00:25:49.440 --> 00:25:51.879 to expound our expression 00:25:51.879 --> 00:25:53.819 of the words we are singing. 00:25:54.099 --> 00:25:56.119 It deepens our experience of it 00:25:56.119 --> 00:25:58.759 so that we can feel the lyrics. 00:25:58.759 --> 00:26:01.859 And although we see God's thumbprint 00:26:01.859 --> 00:26:03.460 in all mankind 00:26:03.460 --> 00:26:05.420 as they create songs, 00:26:05.920 --> 00:26:07.579 it naturally falls short 00:26:07.579 --> 00:26:09.319 of its intended design 00:26:09.319 --> 00:26:10.359 in Adam. 00:26:11.339 --> 00:26:12.500 Singing can be done 00:26:12.500 --> 00:26:13.599 for the glory of man 00:26:13.599 --> 00:26:15.460 or for the glory of God. 00:26:15.519 --> 00:26:17.559 It has been corrupted in Adam, 00:26:17.819 --> 00:26:20.079 but it can be redeemed in Christ. 00:26:21.220 --> 00:26:21.980 If we look back 00:26:21.980 --> 00:26:23.640 in our chapter 3 at verse 10, 00:26:24.019 --> 00:26:25.940 we put on the new self, 00:26:25.940 --> 00:26:29.100 which is being renewed in knowledge 00:26:29.100 --> 00:26:31.380 after the image of its creator. 00:26:31.940 --> 00:26:33.140 So we've already been created 00:26:33.140 --> 00:26:34.519 in the image of God, 00:26:34.620 --> 00:26:36.320 but now we are again 00:26:36.320 --> 00:26:38.820 being made more into the image 00:26:38.820 --> 00:26:40.320 of a creator. 00:26:40.799 --> 00:26:41.820 So setting our minds 00:26:41.820 --> 00:26:42.720 on the things above, 00:26:43.140 --> 00:26:44.720 what we now create 00:26:44.720 --> 00:26:47.360 will reflect God's attributes 00:26:47.360 --> 00:26:48.340 all the more. 00:26:48.460 --> 00:26:50.360 Our songs seek to creatively 00:26:50.360 --> 00:26:52.779 adorn the truths 00:26:52.779 --> 00:26:53.759 that we are speaking 00:26:53.759 --> 00:26:55.799 to glorify our great creator 00:26:55.799 --> 00:26:57.279 as an act of worship. 00:26:58.659 --> 00:27:00.399 So songwriters and music leaders, 00:27:01.119 --> 00:27:02.359 they have the important 00:27:02.359 --> 00:27:03.639 and spiritual task 00:27:03.639 --> 00:27:04.899 of understanding 00:27:04.899 --> 00:27:06.159 what key to play in, 00:27:06.359 --> 00:27:08.000 what volume, pitch, 00:27:08.599 --> 00:27:10.539 so that we can reflect 00:27:10.539 --> 00:27:12.700 God's image as creators. 00:27:13.759 --> 00:27:16.419 They heard us musically challenged 00:27:16.419 --> 00:27:18.059 cats to sound better 00:27:18.059 --> 00:27:19.599 than we would have otherwise. 00:27:20.819 --> 00:27:22.059 They're attempting to make us 00:27:22.059 --> 00:27:23.519 both functional and pleasing 00:27:23.519 --> 00:27:25.940 to experience the lyrical truths 00:27:25.940 --> 00:27:26.799 all the more, 00:27:27.259 --> 00:27:28.180 enhancing the truths 00:27:28.180 --> 00:27:30.619 that they may richly dwell in us. 00:27:31.240 --> 00:27:32.759 It incorporates our emotions, 00:27:33.420 --> 00:27:35.639 our natural attraction to music, 00:27:36.220 --> 00:27:38.500 and our propensity to create, 00:27:39.059 --> 00:27:40.619 and it channels those things 00:27:40.619 --> 00:27:43.639 to present rich truths beautifully. 00:27:43.640 --> 00:27:46.560 And, for instance, 00:27:46.660 --> 00:27:47.800 when we sing, 00:27:48.060 --> 00:27:49.759 great is thy faithfulness, 00:27:50.320 --> 00:27:51.580 there's a line that reads, 00:27:52.300 --> 00:27:53.740 all I have needed, 00:27:54.180 --> 00:27:55.480 and the pitch ascends. 00:27:56.560 --> 00:27:57.980 Where do we look for what we need? 00:27:58.080 --> 00:27:59.440 Seek first the kingdom of God. 00:27:59.620 --> 00:28:00.440 I look to the hills, 00:28:00.520 --> 00:28:02.400 from where does my help come from? 00:28:02.720 --> 00:28:03.880 It comes from above the hills, 00:28:04.080 --> 00:28:05.300 and as our hearts are lifted 00:28:05.300 --> 00:28:07.120 to look for the things we need, 00:28:07.600 --> 00:28:08.880 so does our pitch. 00:28:09.400 --> 00:28:11.080 The conclusion to that line is, 00:28:11.079 --> 00:28:12.819 thy hand hath provided. 00:28:13.119 --> 00:28:14.839 My help comes down from above, 00:28:15.019 --> 00:28:16.220 from the Lord, 00:28:16.740 --> 00:28:17.960 who made the heavens and the earth. 00:28:18.319 --> 00:28:21.139 So as the Lord descends with aid from above, 00:28:21.240 --> 00:28:23.119 so does our voice. 00:28:23.679 --> 00:28:24.779 And that's just a beautiful way 00:28:24.779 --> 00:28:27.159 to further experience the truths 00:28:27.159 --> 00:28:29.419 that we're singing to God. 00:28:30.059 --> 00:28:32.319 There's also the famous Easter hymn, 00:28:32.679 --> 00:28:33.960 Up from the Grave He Arrows. 00:28:34.859 --> 00:28:36.159 That song starts, 00:28:36.740 --> 00:28:39.059 Low in the grave he lay. 00:28:39.059 --> 00:28:42.339 It's really kind of somber and low, 00:28:42.859 --> 00:28:45.559 and you can almost hear the hopelessness 00:28:45.559 --> 00:28:46.440 of the disciples 00:28:46.440 --> 00:28:50.019 as they felt everything was amiss. 00:28:50.279 --> 00:28:51.200 Messiah was gone. 00:28:51.500 --> 00:28:52.379 Death had won the day. 00:28:52.960 --> 00:28:55.440 But then the response is high and fast 00:28:55.440 --> 00:28:56.179 when it sings, 00:28:56.700 --> 00:28:58.599 Up from the Grave He Arrows. 00:28:58.799 --> 00:29:00.559 It's really high and it's triumphant 00:29:00.559 --> 00:29:03.440 because He has triumphed over His foes. 00:29:03.440 --> 00:29:07.039 And it's a way to declare 00:29:07.039 --> 00:29:08.660 the victory of Christ 00:29:08.660 --> 00:29:10.200 over death and sin 00:29:10.200 --> 00:29:12.940 thematically in those lyrics. 00:29:13.580 --> 00:29:16.380 And I remember a few weeks ago, 00:29:16.660 --> 00:29:19.940 Alex led us in Behold Our God one time. 00:29:20.519 --> 00:29:21.960 At the end of that song, 00:29:22.080 --> 00:29:23.080 we repeat, 00:29:23.620 --> 00:29:25.160 You will reign for... 00:29:25.160 --> 00:29:26.800 And I found myself thinking, 00:29:27.040 --> 00:29:27.259 Man, 00:29:28.060 --> 00:29:29.000 He repeated that line 00:29:29.000 --> 00:29:30.060 one too many times. 00:29:30.540 --> 00:29:32.060 How long is this going to go on? 00:29:33.220 --> 00:29:35.180 And it hit me. 00:29:35.860 --> 00:29:36.140 Yeah, 00:29:36.460 --> 00:29:38.140 the Lord will reign forever. 00:29:39.019 --> 00:29:39.580 Forever. 00:29:40.279 --> 00:29:41.220 And ever. 00:29:41.820 --> 00:29:42.600 All the way down 00:29:42.600 --> 00:29:43.620 throughout history and beyond. 00:29:44.140 --> 00:29:45.400 So singing that line again 00:29:45.400 --> 00:29:46.160 and again 00:29:46.160 --> 00:29:48.640 emphasizes the ongoing 00:29:48.640 --> 00:29:50.160 and forever nature 00:29:50.160 --> 00:29:52.519 of God's rule and reign. 00:29:52.519 --> 00:29:55.119 So it's one way 00:29:55.119 --> 00:29:57.359 that we thematically 00:29:57.359 --> 00:30:02.119 present these rich truths 00:30:02.119 --> 00:30:03.119 to one another. 00:30:03.720 --> 00:30:04.960 So the second reason I see, 00:30:05.660 --> 00:30:07.200 and perhaps the sweetest meditation 00:30:07.200 --> 00:30:07.920 of all this, 00:30:08.480 --> 00:30:09.920 is the fact that we are doing this 00:30:09.920 --> 00:30:11.180 as a people 00:30:11.180 --> 00:30:12.200 who have been called 00:30:12.200 --> 00:30:13.599 into one body. 00:30:14.819 --> 00:30:16.400 We, the redeemed, 00:30:16.680 --> 00:30:18.079 are no longer just people. 00:30:18.079 --> 00:30:20.460 We are now God's chosen people. 00:30:21.400 --> 00:30:23.059 Let's look back into our text 00:30:23.059 --> 00:30:24.480 for a little bit of context 00:30:24.480 --> 00:30:25.759 of where we're at, 00:30:25.799 --> 00:30:27.059 where Paul's mind is 00:30:27.059 --> 00:30:28.420 as we come to verse 16. 00:30:28.840 --> 00:30:29.440 We're going to start 00:30:29.440 --> 00:30:31.620 in verse 9. 00:30:34.120 --> 00:30:34.779 It says, 00:30:34.860 --> 00:30:36.120 Do not lie to one another, 00:30:36.680 --> 00:30:37.980 seeing that you have put off 00:30:37.980 --> 00:30:38.620 the old self 00:30:38.620 --> 00:30:39.579 with its practices 00:30:39.579 --> 00:30:40.840 and have put on 00:30:40.840 --> 00:30:41.600 the new self, 00:30:41.840 --> 00:30:43.120 which is being renewed 00:30:43.120 --> 00:30:43.900 in knowledge 00:30:43.900 --> 00:30:44.900 after the image 00:30:44.900 --> 00:30:45.660 of its creator. 00:30:45.660 --> 00:30:47.660 Here there is no Greek 00:30:47.660 --> 00:30:48.460 and Jew, 00:30:48.759 --> 00:30:50.440 circumcised and uncircumcised, 00:30:50.540 --> 00:30:51.180 barbarian, 00:30:51.640 --> 00:30:52.080 Scythian, 00:30:52.259 --> 00:30:52.720 slave, 00:30:52.860 --> 00:30:53.279 free, 00:30:53.580 --> 00:30:55.180 but Christ is all 00:30:55.180 --> 00:30:56.060 and in all. 00:30:56.480 --> 00:30:57.120 Put on then 00:30:57.120 --> 00:30:59.180 as God's chosen ones, 00:30:59.500 --> 00:31:00.420 holy and beloved, 00:31:00.980 --> 00:31:02.040 compassionate hearts, 00:31:02.640 --> 00:31:04.040 kindness against another, 00:31:04.540 --> 00:31:05.680 forgiving each other 00:31:05.680 --> 00:31:06.560 as the Lord 00:31:06.560 --> 00:31:07.660 has forgiven you. 00:31:08.060 --> 00:31:09.840 So you also must forgive. 00:31:10.360 --> 00:31:11.400 And above all these, 00:31:11.540 --> 00:31:12.420 put on love, 00:31:12.420 --> 00:31:14.900 which binds everything together 00:31:14.900 --> 00:31:16.620 in perfect harmony. 00:31:17.539 --> 00:31:18.720 And let the peace of Christ 00:31:18.720 --> 00:31:19.620 rule in your hearts 00:31:19.620 --> 00:31:20.340 to which indeed 00:31:20.340 --> 00:31:20.960 you are called 00:31:20.960 --> 00:31:22.860 in one body 00:31:22.860 --> 00:31:24.259 and be thankful. 00:31:24.640 --> 00:31:25.640 Let the word of Christ 00:31:25.640 --> 00:31:26.580 dwell in you richly, 00:31:26.700 --> 00:31:27.840 teaching and admonishing 00:31:27.840 --> 00:31:28.259 one another 00:31:28.259 --> 00:31:28.940 in all wisdom, 00:31:29.380 --> 00:31:30.340 singing psalms and hymns 00:31:30.340 --> 00:31:31.200 and spiritual songs 00:31:31.200 --> 00:31:32.000 with thankfulness 00:31:32.000 --> 00:31:33.380 in your hearts to God. 00:31:33.660 --> 00:31:34.460 And whatever you do 00:31:34.460 --> 00:31:35.160 in word or deed, 00:31:35.539 --> 00:31:36.360 do everything 00:31:36.360 --> 00:31:37.080 in the name 00:31:37.080 --> 00:31:38.400 of the Lord Jesus, 00:31:39.180 --> 00:31:40.300 giving thanks to God 00:31:40.300 --> 00:31:40.759 the Father 00:31:40.759 --> 00:31:42.100 through Him. 00:31:43.220 --> 00:31:43.519 Right? 00:31:43.620 --> 00:31:44.539 So this text 00:31:44.539 --> 00:31:45.680 is emphatic 00:31:45.680 --> 00:31:47.039 about our oneness 00:31:47.039 --> 00:31:48.160 in Christ 00:31:48.160 --> 00:31:50.140 and how to glorify Him. 00:31:51.100 --> 00:31:51.980 That's the context 00:31:51.980 --> 00:31:52.680 we find ourselves 00:31:52.680 --> 00:31:53.539 as we consider 00:31:53.539 --> 00:31:54.660 singing together. 00:31:55.519 --> 00:31:56.380 Congregational singing 00:31:56.380 --> 00:31:57.539 is not only 00:31:57.539 --> 00:31:58.720 a means of 00:31:58.720 --> 00:31:59.779 praising God 00:31:59.779 --> 00:32:00.380 individually, 00:32:00.380 --> 00:32:01.500 but it's a way 00:32:01.500 --> 00:32:02.460 of displaying 00:32:02.460 --> 00:32:04.360 and embodying 00:32:04.360 --> 00:32:05.220 our oneness 00:32:05.220 --> 00:32:06.340 in Christ. 00:32:07.279 --> 00:32:08.160 The word church 00:32:08.160 --> 00:32:09.800 is a singular noun, 00:32:10.060 --> 00:32:11.039 but it describes 00:32:11.039 --> 00:32:12.019 a plurality 00:32:12.019 --> 00:32:12.659 of people. 00:32:13.680 --> 00:32:14.420 The word body 00:32:14.420 --> 00:32:15.680 is also a singular noun, 00:32:15.779 --> 00:32:16.619 but we are members 00:32:16.619 --> 00:32:17.879 of one body 00:32:17.879 --> 00:32:18.680 with, 00:32:18.960 --> 00:32:20.180 as Colossians 2 00:32:20.180 --> 00:32:20.720 tells us, 00:32:20.759 --> 00:32:21.359 with Christ 00:32:21.359 --> 00:32:22.720 as the head. 00:32:23.420 --> 00:32:24.180 The church 00:32:24.180 --> 00:32:25.079 is beautifully 00:32:25.079 --> 00:32:25.980 comprised 00:32:25.980 --> 00:32:28.099 of diverse people. 00:32:28.299 --> 00:32:28.839 We come from 00:32:28.839 --> 00:32:29.759 different places, 00:32:30.019 --> 00:32:30.899 we have different 00:32:30.899 --> 00:32:31.779 upbringings, 00:32:32.379 --> 00:32:33.299 we have different 00:32:33.299 --> 00:32:34.440 preferences and opinions. 00:32:34.940 --> 00:32:35.119 You know, 00:32:35.119 --> 00:32:35.579 some of us 00:32:35.579 --> 00:32:36.539 wouldn't have even dared 00:32:36.539 --> 00:32:37.480 to hang out 00:32:37.480 --> 00:32:38.000 with one another 00:32:38.000 --> 00:32:38.940 before Christ 00:32:38.940 --> 00:32:39.879 had called us together. 00:32:40.839 --> 00:32:41.379 But at the end 00:32:41.379 --> 00:32:41.859 of the day, 00:32:42.039 --> 00:32:43.139 the Lord has brought 00:32:43.139 --> 00:32:44.240 us into one 00:32:44.240 --> 00:32:45.359 heavenly family, 00:32:46.099 --> 00:32:47.599 and we with one 00:32:47.599 --> 00:32:49.180 voice glorify 00:32:49.180 --> 00:32:50.379 the same God 00:32:50.379 --> 00:32:50.940 and Father 00:32:50.940 --> 00:32:51.920 of our Lord 00:32:51.920 --> 00:32:53.039 Jesus Christ. 00:32:53.519 --> 00:32:54.519 There is one body 00:32:54.519 --> 00:32:55.440 and one spirit, 00:32:55.839 --> 00:32:56.379 one hope, 00:32:56.639 --> 00:32:57.299 one Lord, 00:32:57.799 --> 00:32:58.420 one faith, 00:32:58.539 --> 00:32:59.119 one baptism, 00:32:59.379 --> 00:33:00.159 one God 00:33:00.159 --> 00:33:00.599 and Father 00:33:00.599 --> 00:33:01.180 of all. 00:33:01.799 --> 00:33:02.159 And we are 00:33:02.159 --> 00:33:03.319 His one chosen 00:33:03.319 --> 00:33:04.000 people 00:33:04.000 --> 00:33:05.759 that metaphorically 00:33:05.759 --> 00:33:07.019 sing the same 00:33:07.019 --> 00:33:07.640 song. 00:33:08.220 --> 00:33:08.859 The word 00:33:08.859 --> 00:33:09.940 of Christ 00:33:09.940 --> 00:33:10.920 is our 00:33:10.920 --> 00:33:11.640 anthem. 00:33:12.799 --> 00:33:13.240 Our sins 00:33:13.240 --> 00:33:13.799 have been paid 00:33:13.799 --> 00:33:14.920 for by the 00:33:14.920 --> 00:33:15.619 blood of King 00:33:15.619 --> 00:33:15.960 Jesus, 00:33:16.119 --> 00:33:16.740 and that's 00:33:16.740 --> 00:33:17.819 our song. 00:33:18.400 --> 00:33:19.220 When we sing 00:33:19.220 --> 00:33:19.680 together, 00:33:19.839 --> 00:33:20.720 we are showing 00:33:20.720 --> 00:33:21.660 this usurping 00:33:21.660 --> 00:33:22.980 power of Christ 00:33:22.980 --> 00:33:24.519 over our 00:33:24.519 --> 00:33:25.640 earthly differences. 00:33:26.500 --> 00:33:27.079 And more than 00:33:27.079 --> 00:33:27.880 calling up people 00:33:27.880 --> 00:33:28.579 from all kinds 00:33:28.579 --> 00:33:29.019 of places, 00:33:29.019 --> 00:33:29.819 we also have 00:33:29.819 --> 00:33:30.460 different and 00:33:30.460 --> 00:33:31.960 unique giftings 00:33:31.960 --> 00:33:32.359 that the Lord 00:33:32.359 --> 00:33:33.440 uses to bless 00:33:33.440 --> 00:33:34.039 the church. 00:33:34.759 --> 00:33:35.360 The church 00:33:35.360 --> 00:33:35.940 in this way 00:33:35.940 --> 00:33:36.980 is like a 00:33:36.980 --> 00:33:38.259 heavenly orchestra 00:33:38.259 --> 00:33:39.720 with Christ 00:33:39.720 --> 00:33:41.059 as its composer. 00:33:41.620 --> 00:33:42.559 And when we're 00:33:42.559 --> 00:33:43.600 using our gifts 00:33:43.600 --> 00:33:44.759 for the greater 00:33:44.759 --> 00:33:45.720 good of the church, 00:33:46.240 --> 00:33:47.600 we play the score 00:33:47.600 --> 00:33:48.860 that the Lord 00:33:48.860 --> 00:33:49.700 wrote for us. 00:33:50.340 --> 00:33:51.059 Our singing 00:33:51.059 --> 00:33:51.860 and harmony 00:33:51.860 --> 00:33:53.340 depicts our 00:33:53.340 --> 00:33:54.700 harmony in Christ. 00:33:55.480 --> 00:33:56.160 It illustrates 00:33:56.160 --> 00:33:56.960 the beauty 00:33:56.960 --> 00:33:57.820 of the church 00:33:57.820 --> 00:33:58.880 using her 00:33:58.880 --> 00:34:00.160 unique roles 00:34:00.160 --> 00:34:01.320 in one accord. 00:34:02.100 --> 00:34:02.759 We give 00:34:02.759 --> 00:34:04.259 our individual 00:34:04.259 --> 00:34:05.019 gifts to 00:34:05.019 --> 00:34:05.640 bless the 00:34:05.640 --> 00:34:06.000 body, 00:34:06.220 --> 00:34:06.980 and we give 00:34:06.980 --> 00:34:07.720 our individual 00:34:07.720 --> 00:34:08.719 voices in 00:34:08.719 --> 00:34:09.400 our songs. 00:34:09.780 --> 00:34:10.079 And when 00:34:10.079 --> 00:34:10.719 everyone plays 00:34:10.719 --> 00:34:11.300 their part, 00:34:11.500 --> 00:34:12.019 it makes 00:34:12.019 --> 00:34:12.699 a joyful 00:34:12.699 --> 00:34:13.199 noise. 00:34:14.260 --> 00:34:14.440 And so 00:34:14.440 --> 00:34:14.840 since we 00:34:14.840 --> 00:34:16.039 have a 00:34:16.039 --> 00:34:16.699 variety of 00:34:16.699 --> 00:34:17.840 people with 00:34:17.840 --> 00:34:18.360 subjective 00:34:18.360 --> 00:34:20.059 experiences coming 00:34:20.059 --> 00:34:20.639 to worship 00:34:20.639 --> 00:34:21.360 in harmony, 00:34:21.360 --> 00:34:22.840 it is good 00:34:22.840 --> 00:34:23.519 to sing a 00:34:23.519 --> 00:34:24.719 variety of 00:34:24.719 --> 00:34:25.219 songs. 00:34:25.659 --> 00:34:26.460 Songs of 00:34:26.460 --> 00:34:27.519 lament for the 00:34:27.519 --> 00:34:28.159 grieving heart, 00:34:28.260 --> 00:34:28.940 as well as 00:34:28.940 --> 00:34:29.519 songs of 00:34:29.519 --> 00:34:30.659 rejoicing for 00:34:30.659 --> 00:34:31.299 those who 00:34:31.299 --> 00:34:31.859 aren't, 00:34:32.879 --> 00:34:33.559 it would be 00:34:33.559 --> 00:34:34.480 somewhat 00:34:34.480 --> 00:34:35.379 self-seeking to 00:34:35.379 --> 00:34:35.839 think that we 00:34:35.839 --> 00:34:36.899 can't sing a 00:34:36.899 --> 00:34:37.940 lament because 00:34:37.940 --> 00:34:38.679 we're feeling too 00:34:38.679 --> 00:34:39.639 cheerful that day, 00:34:40.279 --> 00:34:40.759 or that we 00:34:40.759 --> 00:34:41.839 can't sing some 00:34:41.839 --> 00:34:43.699 lively carol because 00:34:43.699 --> 00:34:44.980 we're feeling a 00:34:44.980 --> 00:34:45.599 little gloomy. 00:34:46.480 --> 00:34:47.480 But we sing those 00:34:47.480 --> 00:34:48.460 songs genuinely 00:34:48.460 --> 00:34:49.519 for the one who 00:34:49.519 --> 00:34:50.539 may be in a 00:34:50.539 --> 00:34:51.359 different season 00:34:51.359 --> 00:34:51.879 than we are. 00:34:52.099 --> 00:34:52.980 We weep with 00:34:52.980 --> 00:34:53.639 those who weep, 00:34:53.659 --> 00:34:54.319 and we rejoice 00:34:54.319 --> 00:34:55.019 with those who 00:34:55.019 --> 00:34:55.480 rejoice. 00:34:56.679 --> 00:34:57.779 And if you're 00:34:57.779 --> 00:34:58.319 feeling down, 00:34:58.320 --> 00:34:58.960 maybe you need 00:34:58.960 --> 00:34:59.420 to sing a 00:34:59.420 --> 00:35:00.920 joyful song so 00:35:00.920 --> 00:35:01.640 you can practice 00:35:01.640 --> 00:35:02.420 being joyful 00:35:02.420 --> 00:35:04.160 always and 00:35:04.160 --> 00:35:05.000 giving thanks in 00:35:05.000 --> 00:35:05.840 all circumstances. 00:35:06.620 --> 00:35:07.220 Maybe you've 00:35:07.220 --> 00:35:08.120 been living a 00:35:08.120 --> 00:35:08.640 little too 00:35:08.640 --> 00:35:09.559 lightheartedly, 00:35:09.800 --> 00:35:10.539 and you need 00:35:10.539 --> 00:35:11.080 to be brought 00:35:11.080 --> 00:35:11.800 back to the 00:35:11.800 --> 00:35:12.480 sincerity of 00:35:12.480 --> 00:35:13.300 following Christ. 00:35:13.420 --> 00:35:14.420 We can do 00:35:14.420 --> 00:35:15.019 those things 00:35:15.019 --> 00:35:15.460 through our 00:35:15.460 --> 00:35:15.880 songs. 00:35:16.580 --> 00:35:16.860 And whatever 00:35:16.860 --> 00:35:17.440 your circumstances 00:35:17.440 --> 00:35:18.100 are, we put 00:35:18.100 --> 00:35:19.360 on love, and 00:35:19.360 --> 00:35:19.960 we submit to 00:35:19.960 --> 00:35:20.960 one another out 00:35:20.960 --> 00:35:21.500 of reverence 00:35:21.500 --> 00:35:22.100 for Christ. 00:35:23.100 --> 00:35:23.840 So this leads 00:35:23.840 --> 00:35:24.640 us into our 00:35:24.640 --> 00:35:25.440 third reason. 00:35:26.440 --> 00:35:26.900 Singing 00:35:26.900 --> 00:35:28.880 exemplifies how 00:35:28.880 --> 00:35:29.380 the heart 00:35:29.380 --> 00:35:30.320 responds to 00:35:30.320 --> 00:35:30.880 the truth. 00:35:32.079 --> 00:35:32.820 We are 00:35:32.820 --> 00:35:33.320 teaching and 00:35:33.320 --> 00:35:33.960 admonishing one 00:35:33.960 --> 00:35:35.200 another as we 00:35:35.200 --> 00:35:36.360 are exemplifying 00:35:36.360 --> 00:35:37.440 the worship of 00:35:37.440 --> 00:35:38.180 God through 00:35:38.180 --> 00:35:38.940 song. 00:35:40.280 --> 00:35:41.260 When you see 00:35:41.260 --> 00:35:42.039 a brother or 00:35:42.039 --> 00:35:43.039 sister truly 00:35:43.039 --> 00:35:44.280 singing and 00:35:44.280 --> 00:35:45.119 praising the 00:35:45.119 --> 00:35:46.980 Lord, doesn't 00:35:46.980 --> 00:35:47.780 that edify you? 00:35:49.079 --> 00:35:49.700 I remember 00:35:49.700 --> 00:35:50.240 one Sunday 00:35:50.240 --> 00:35:51.780 morning, several 00:35:51.780 --> 00:35:52.539 years ago, as we 00:35:52.539 --> 00:35:53.480 were singing, I 00:35:53.480 --> 00:35:54.119 was standing next 00:35:54.119 --> 00:35:55.420 to a brother, and 00:35:55.420 --> 00:35:55.980 he was just 00:35:55.980 --> 00:35:56.700 passionately 00:35:56.699 --> 00:35:57.239 singing. 00:35:57.899 --> 00:35:58.399 He then 00:35:58.399 --> 00:35:58.859 threw his 00:35:58.859 --> 00:35:59.319 arm around 00:35:59.319 --> 00:36:00.139 my shoulder, and 00:36:00.139 --> 00:36:01.259 he brought 00:36:01.259 --> 00:36:02.000 me into this 00:36:02.000 --> 00:36:03.299 praise of our 00:36:03.299 --> 00:36:04.480 mutual Savior. 00:36:05.599 --> 00:36:06.879 His transparent 00:36:06.879 --> 00:36:08.059 clinging to 00:36:08.059 --> 00:36:09.619 Christ, you 00:36:09.619 --> 00:36:10.199 know, belting 00:36:10.199 --> 00:36:10.759 these truths 00:36:10.759 --> 00:36:12.099 out amidst the 00:36:12.099 --> 00:36:12.879 church, it was 00:36:12.879 --> 00:36:13.779 edifying to me. 00:36:14.000 --> 00:36:14.460 Even this 00:36:14.460 --> 00:36:15.059 morning, as I 00:36:15.059 --> 00:36:15.619 hear you guys 00:36:15.619 --> 00:36:16.779 sing, it is 00:36:16.779 --> 00:36:19.239 edifying, exemplary 00:36:19.239 --> 00:36:19.980 to me, to my 00:36:19.980 --> 00:36:20.239 heart. 00:36:21.599 --> 00:36:22.279 And when we 00:36:22.279 --> 00:36:23.579 compose a song 00:36:23.579 --> 00:36:24.579 in response to 00:36:24.579 --> 00:36:25.919 scripture, it 00:36:25.920 --> 00:36:26.960 can teach and 00:36:26.960 --> 00:36:27.920 admonish us by 00:36:27.920 --> 00:36:29.400 artists who we 00:36:29.400 --> 00:36:29.840 should trust 00:36:29.840 --> 00:36:30.300 again. 00:36:30.300 --> 00:36:31.659 We're dwelling 00:36:31.659 --> 00:36:32.360 on the word of 00:36:32.360 --> 00:36:32.760 Christ. 00:36:33.820 --> 00:36:34.480 God has gifted 00:36:34.480 --> 00:36:35.200 many with the 00:36:35.200 --> 00:36:36.180 ability to consume 00:36:36.180 --> 00:36:37.519 scripture and 00:36:37.519 --> 00:36:38.380 experience the Lord 00:36:38.380 --> 00:36:39.000 working in their 00:36:39.000 --> 00:36:39.579 hearts and then 00:36:39.579 --> 00:36:40.880 output, creative, 00:36:41.420 --> 00:36:43.700 encouraging, and 00:36:43.700 --> 00:36:45.019 convicting songs. 00:36:46.119 --> 00:36:47.039 Psalm 51, for 00:36:47.039 --> 00:36:48.680 example, David 00:36:48.680 --> 00:36:49.340 singing the song 00:36:49.340 --> 00:36:50.039 of repentance, 00:36:50.260 --> 00:36:51.320 exemplifies how a 00:36:51.320 --> 00:36:52.380 man, after God's 00:36:52.380 --> 00:36:53.660 own heart, responds 00:36:53.660 --> 00:36:55.220 to committing that 00:36:55.220 --> 00:36:56.460 grievous sin with 00:36:56.460 --> 00:36:57.019 Bathsheba. 00:36:57.960 --> 00:36:58.720 And we come 00:36:58.720 --> 00:36:59.400 together to both 00:36:59.400 --> 00:37:00.420 sing praises to 00:37:00.420 --> 00:37:01.780 God and to teach 00:37:01.780 --> 00:37:02.420 one another to 00:37:02.420 --> 00:37:03.559 worship the Lord. 00:37:04.039 --> 00:37:04.440 It is something 00:37:04.440 --> 00:37:05.019 that the Lord has 00:37:05.019 --> 00:37:06.360 ordained that 00:37:06.360 --> 00:37:07.720 supplements the 00:37:07.720 --> 00:37:09.079 exegesis of the 00:37:09.079 --> 00:37:09.400 scriptures. 00:37:10.460 --> 00:37:11.599 Singing teaches and 00:37:11.599 --> 00:37:12.119 admonish one another 00:37:12.119 --> 00:37:13.800 by showing us the 00:37:13.800 --> 00:37:14.680 work of the spirit 00:37:14.680 --> 00:37:15.640 through the way that 00:37:15.640 --> 00:37:17.220 we sing and through 00:37:17.220 --> 00:37:18.320 the lyrics of the 00:37:18.320 --> 00:37:20.140 songs we compose in 00:37:20.140 --> 00:37:21.320 response to the 00:37:21.320 --> 00:37:22.000 indwell word. 00:37:23.940 --> 00:37:25.000 So the very end of 00:37:25.000 --> 00:37:26.600 our text, it 00:37:26.600 --> 00:37:28.039 almost comes a bit 00:37:28.039 --> 00:37:29.519 naturally to me. 00:37:30.160 --> 00:37:31.800 After considering 00:37:31.800 --> 00:37:33.559 the glory of God 00:37:33.559 --> 00:37:35.400 in our singing, it 00:37:35.400 --> 00:37:36.320 nearly goes without 00:37:36.320 --> 00:37:37.100 saying with 00:37:37.100 --> 00:37:38.080 thankfulness in your 00:37:38.080 --> 00:37:39.160 hearts to God. 00:37:40.059 --> 00:37:41.019 But I think it goes 00:37:41.019 --> 00:37:42.420 with saying because 00:37:42.420 --> 00:37:43.940 it directs our heart 00:37:43.940 --> 00:37:45.260 posture as we 00:37:45.260 --> 00:37:45.680 sing. 00:37:46.340 --> 00:37:47.660 There is a duality 00:37:47.660 --> 00:37:49.000 that we are singing 00:37:49.000 --> 00:37:51.059 to one another, to 00:37:51.059 --> 00:37:52.940 teach one another, and 00:37:52.940 --> 00:37:54.579 to God with 00:37:54.579 --> 00:37:55.259 thankfulness in your 00:37:55.259 --> 00:37:56.480 hearts to God. 00:37:57.400 --> 00:37:59.000 You can't just check 00:37:59.000 --> 00:38:00.619 this cognitive box. 00:38:01.119 --> 00:38:01.940 Sing good lyrics, 00:38:02.380 --> 00:38:03.259 mission accomplished, 00:38:04.119 --> 00:38:05.000 congregation has 00:38:05.000 --> 00:38:05.619 been taught. 00:38:06.139 --> 00:38:07.519 It needs to be from 00:38:07.519 --> 00:38:08.519 your heart and 00:38:08.519 --> 00:38:09.239 sincerity with 00:38:09.239 --> 00:38:09.779 thankfulness from 00:38:09.779 --> 00:38:11.199 your heart and for 00:38:11.199 --> 00:38:11.880 the hearts of 00:38:11.880 --> 00:38:12.279 others. 00:38:12.940 --> 00:38:13.779 The goal of our 00:38:13.779 --> 00:38:14.340 teaching through 00:38:14.340 --> 00:38:15.519 song is to affect 00:38:15.519 --> 00:38:16.340 the hearts of one 00:38:16.340 --> 00:38:18.059 another as our 00:38:18.059 --> 00:38:19.539 hearts are affected. 00:38:19.539 --> 00:38:21.259 as this heart 00:38:21.259 --> 00:38:22.139 change isn't from 00:38:22.139 --> 00:38:24.039 the music or the 00:38:24.039 --> 00:38:24.800 smoke and mirrors. 00:38:25.320 --> 00:38:26.820 It's the truth of 00:38:26.820 --> 00:38:28.279 the word of Christ. 00:38:29.039 --> 00:38:30.119 Christ has consumed 00:38:30.119 --> 00:38:30.719 the wrath. 00:38:31.340 --> 00:38:32.619 We deserve to save 00:38:32.619 --> 00:38:33.219 a people who 00:38:33.219 --> 00:38:34.119 rejected him. 00:38:34.659 --> 00:38:35.300 And this should 00:38:35.300 --> 00:38:36.539 move you spiritually 00:38:36.539 --> 00:38:38.840 and emotionally to 00:38:38.840 --> 00:38:40.320 sing praises to God 00:38:40.320 --> 00:38:41.360 and proclaim his 00:38:41.360 --> 00:38:42.519 goodness to one 00:38:42.519 --> 00:38:42.840 another. 00:38:43.759 --> 00:38:44.840 I think this is 00:38:44.840 --> 00:38:45.340 going to look 00:38:45.340 --> 00:38:46.320 different than just 00:38:46.320 --> 00:38:46.800 singing. 00:38:46.800 --> 00:38:48.820 What we sing and 00:38:48.820 --> 00:38:49.900 the way we sing 00:38:49.900 --> 00:38:51.640 reveals what's 00:38:51.640 --> 00:38:52.320 inside. 00:38:53.000 --> 00:38:54.019 Out of the mouth 00:38:54.019 --> 00:38:54.820 flows the heart. 00:38:56.160 --> 00:38:57.160 We are called to 00:38:57.160 --> 00:38:57.980 dwell on the word 00:38:57.980 --> 00:38:58.500 richly. 00:38:59.340 --> 00:39:00.160 Our hearts are 00:39:00.160 --> 00:39:00.600 turned to 00:39:00.600 --> 00:39:01.400 thankfulness. 00:39:02.300 --> 00:39:02.920 And then that 00:39:02.920 --> 00:39:03.680 sentiment is 00:39:03.680 --> 00:39:04.940 displayed outwardly 00:39:04.940 --> 00:39:05.620 in singing. 00:39:06.240 --> 00:39:07.340 It is a spiritual 00:39:07.340 --> 00:39:08.400 and emotional 00:39:08.400 --> 00:39:09.940 expression. 00:39:11.940 --> 00:39:13.200 Women aren't 00:39:13.200 --> 00:39:13.980 immune from 00:39:13.980 --> 00:39:14.940 failing in this, 00:39:15.060 --> 00:39:15.539 but they are 00:39:15.539 --> 00:39:16.120 typically more 00:39:16.119 --> 00:39:17.000 inclined to 00:39:17.000 --> 00:39:18.440 emotionally express 00:39:18.440 --> 00:39:18.900 themselves. 00:39:19.099 --> 00:39:20.579 Whereas men 00:39:20.579 --> 00:39:21.119 have a harder 00:39:21.119 --> 00:39:21.579 time. 00:39:22.239 --> 00:39:22.719 Our culture 00:39:22.719 --> 00:39:23.559 often tells us 00:39:23.559 --> 00:39:23.920 that men are 00:39:23.920 --> 00:39:24.519 to be tough 00:39:24.519 --> 00:39:25.440 and that means 00:39:25.440 --> 00:39:26.779 we are to 00:39:26.779 --> 00:39:27.940 not show our 00:39:27.940 --> 00:39:29.259 hearts outwardly. 00:39:29.719 --> 00:39:30.559 We need to be 00:39:30.559 --> 00:39:32.299 steady and 00:39:32.299 --> 00:39:33.259 stable and 00:39:33.259 --> 00:39:33.799 objective. 00:39:35.179 --> 00:39:35.619 Colossians, 00:39:35.779 --> 00:39:35.980 however, 00:39:36.059 --> 00:39:37.420 tells us that 00:39:37.420 --> 00:39:38.039 we need to be 00:39:38.039 --> 00:39:39.159 displaying the 00:39:39.159 --> 00:39:39.900 influence of the 00:39:39.900 --> 00:39:40.440 word in our 00:39:40.440 --> 00:39:41.639 hearts outwardly 00:39:41.639 --> 00:39:43.019 as we worship 00:39:43.019 --> 00:39:44.460 God and edify 00:39:44.460 --> 00:39:46.019 the church with 00:39:46.019 --> 00:39:46.679 thankfulness in 00:39:46.679 --> 00:39:47.179 your hearts to 00:39:47.179 --> 00:39:47.420 God. 00:39:48.920 --> 00:39:49.659 Vulnerability and 00:39:49.659 --> 00:39:50.460 outward expression 00:39:50.460 --> 00:39:51.699 is not just 00:39:51.699 --> 00:39:52.880 for the 00:39:52.880 --> 00:39:53.579 subjective 00:39:53.579 --> 00:39:55.720 relativists or 00:39:55.720 --> 00:39:56.639 the emotional 00:39:56.639 --> 00:39:57.500 flutty-duddies. 00:39:58.780 --> 00:39:59.880 Art, the 00:39:59.880 --> 00:40:00.400 ordinances, 00:40:00.740 --> 00:40:01.159 imagery, 00:40:01.720 --> 00:40:02.240 allegory, 00:40:02.420 --> 00:40:02.679 metaphor, 00:40:03.440 --> 00:40:04.139 all these things 00:40:04.139 --> 00:40:04.800 when informed 00:40:04.800 --> 00:40:06.139 by the word 00:40:06.139 --> 00:40:07.720 can be used as 00:40:07.720 --> 00:40:09.079 a means of 00:40:09.079 --> 00:40:09.659 worshiping 00:40:09.659 --> 00:40:10.319 God. 00:40:11.179 --> 00:40:11.500 Worship 00:40:11.500 --> 00:40:12.379 through song 00:40:12.379 --> 00:40:13.539 is for those 00:40:13.539 --> 00:40:14.500 strong in 00:40:14.500 --> 00:40:14.960 Christ, 00:40:15.420 --> 00:40:16.179 willing to, 00:40:16.659 --> 00:40:17.239 as Matthew 00:40:17.239 --> 00:40:17.799 records, 00:40:18.159 --> 00:40:19.000 to acknowledge 00:40:19.000 --> 00:40:20.039 Jesus before 00:40:20.039 --> 00:40:21.980 men so that 00:40:21.980 --> 00:40:23.199 Jesus will 00:40:23.199 --> 00:40:24.179 acknowledge us 00:40:24.179 --> 00:40:25.399 before the 00:40:25.399 --> 00:40:25.759 Father. 00:40:27.440 --> 00:40:27.779 And I 00:40:27.779 --> 00:40:28.279 confess, I 00:40:28.279 --> 00:40:28.799 used to think 00:40:28.799 --> 00:40:29.440 I was too 00:40:29.440 --> 00:40:30.000 tough to be 00:40:30.000 --> 00:40:30.579 transparent, 00:40:30.960 --> 00:40:32.079 to outwardly 00:40:32.079 --> 00:40:32.839 display the 00:40:32.839 --> 00:40:33.980 inward work of 00:40:33.980 --> 00:40:34.960 the Spirit in 00:40:34.960 --> 00:40:35.960 my heart through 00:40:35.960 --> 00:40:36.759 various means. 00:40:37.960 --> 00:40:38.420 The Lord 00:40:38.420 --> 00:40:39.139 started to 00:40:39.139 --> 00:40:39.920 sanctify me 00:40:39.920 --> 00:40:40.400 in this when 00:40:40.400 --> 00:40:41.000 I got married. 00:40:41.759 --> 00:40:42.579 It was such a 00:40:42.579 --> 00:40:42.960 beauty in 00:40:42.960 --> 00:40:43.759 displaying Christ 00:40:43.759 --> 00:40:44.379 in the church 00:40:44.379 --> 00:40:45.079 through marriage. 00:40:45.599 --> 00:40:46.279 I probably never 00:40:46.279 --> 00:40:47.139 cried in front of 00:40:47.139 --> 00:40:47.719 y'all until that 00:40:47.719 --> 00:40:48.579 day, but I 00:40:48.579 --> 00:40:50.059 wept that day. 00:40:52.019 --> 00:40:52.719 Yeah, since 00:40:52.719 --> 00:40:53.239 then I've grown 00:40:53.239 --> 00:40:54.000 exponentially in 00:40:54.000 --> 00:40:54.599 being influenced 00:40:54.599 --> 00:40:55.259 by the beauty 00:40:55.259 --> 00:40:56.379 of God 00:40:56.379 --> 00:40:57.460 illustrating his 00:40:57.460 --> 00:40:58.199 word in 00:40:58.199 --> 00:40:59.119 various ways. 00:40:59.500 --> 00:40:59.859 And now I 00:40:59.859 --> 00:41:00.460 probably cry 00:41:00.460 --> 00:41:01.259 most in church 00:41:01.259 --> 00:41:01.659 through our 00:41:01.659 --> 00:41:02.000 singing. 00:41:02.519 --> 00:41:03.179 That's when my 00:41:03.179 --> 00:41:03.699 heart is 00:41:03.699 --> 00:41:05.460 affected deeply. 00:41:06.019 --> 00:41:06.460 And singing, 00:41:06.659 --> 00:41:07.940 it just brings 00:41:07.940 --> 00:41:08.900 a felt weight 00:41:08.900 --> 00:41:10.099 to the 00:41:10.099 --> 00:41:10.820 doctrines we 00:41:10.820 --> 00:41:11.619 are confessing 00:41:11.619 --> 00:41:12.059 together. 00:41:12.820 --> 00:41:13.680 The underlying 00:41:13.680 --> 00:41:14.840 power of that 00:41:14.840 --> 00:41:15.960 all is certainly 00:41:15.960 --> 00:41:16.639 the words, 00:41:16.760 --> 00:41:17.180 the lyrics, 00:41:17.340 --> 00:41:18.039 the truths in 00:41:18.039 --> 00:41:18.300 them. 00:41:18.980 --> 00:41:20.559 But there's an 00:41:20.559 --> 00:41:21.380 influence of the 00:41:21.380 --> 00:41:21.980 heart there, 00:41:22.579 --> 00:41:23.880 and that influence 00:41:23.880 --> 00:41:24.880 is commanded to be 00:41:24.880 --> 00:41:26.280 displayed outwardly. 00:41:27.220 --> 00:41:28.360 So we are to be 00:41:28.360 --> 00:41:29.980 bold and sincere 00:41:29.980 --> 00:41:31.039 and transparent. 00:41:31.780 --> 00:41:32.760 We're to let the 00:41:32.760 --> 00:41:33.860 word of Christ 00:41:33.860 --> 00:41:34.880 have its effect 00:41:34.880 --> 00:41:36.340 and be compelled 00:41:36.340 --> 00:41:37.880 or moved to 00:41:37.880 --> 00:41:38.539 worship him 00:41:38.539 --> 00:41:40.480 with thankfulness 00:41:40.480 --> 00:41:40.980 in your hearts 00:41:40.980 --> 00:41:41.440 to God 00:41:41.440 --> 00:41:42.480 through song. 00:41:44.420 --> 00:41:45.260 We could go 00:41:45.260 --> 00:41:46.019 on, I promise 00:41:46.019 --> 00:41:47.780 you, but time 00:41:47.780 --> 00:41:48.119 is limited. 00:41:49.000 --> 00:41:49.720 I think we hit 00:41:49.720 --> 00:41:50.660 the meat of why 00:41:50.660 --> 00:41:51.300 the Lord commands 00:41:51.300 --> 00:41:51.900 us to sing. 00:41:52.160 --> 00:41:52.720 There are many 00:41:52.720 --> 00:41:55.180 entrees, but he 00:41:55.180 --> 00:41:56.780 himself is a 00:41:56.780 --> 00:41:57.880 singer and a 00:41:57.880 --> 00:41:58.400 composer. 00:41:58.400 --> 00:42:01.240 We, as one, 00:42:01.320 --> 00:42:02.340 yet many, are 00:42:02.340 --> 00:42:03.280 his workmanship 00:42:03.280 --> 00:42:04.880 created in Christ 00:42:04.880 --> 00:42:05.760 Jesus for good 00:42:05.760 --> 00:42:06.119 works. 00:42:06.980 --> 00:42:07.820 He commands us 00:42:07.820 --> 00:42:08.720 to sing because 00:42:08.720 --> 00:42:09.700 he built us to 00:42:09.700 --> 00:42:11.099 sing to experience 00:42:11.099 --> 00:42:12.440 his grace and 00:42:12.440 --> 00:42:13.599 mercy in deep, 00:42:14.180 --> 00:42:15.440 affectionate ways. 00:42:17.300 --> 00:42:18.599 Use this gift of 00:42:18.599 --> 00:42:19.480 singing to bless 00:42:19.480 --> 00:42:20.220 others today. 00:42:20.980 --> 00:42:21.860 Sing with gusto 00:42:21.860 --> 00:42:23.680 and confidence 00:42:23.680 --> 00:42:24.980 in the word of 00:42:24.980 --> 00:42:25.380 Christ. 00:42:26.680 --> 00:42:27.360 We sing with 00:42:27.360 --> 00:42:28.220 thankfulness in our 00:42:28.219 --> 00:42:28.919 hearts to God 00:42:28.919 --> 00:42:29.839 because God is 00:42:29.839 --> 00:42:30.739 due all thanks 00:42:30.739 --> 00:42:31.559 as every good 00:42:31.559 --> 00:42:32.379 gift is from 00:42:32.379 --> 00:42:33.539 above, coming 00:42:33.539 --> 00:42:34.219 down from the 00:42:34.219 --> 00:42:35.199 Father of lights. 00:42:36.079 --> 00:42:36.819 So in closing, 00:42:37.779 --> 00:42:38.759 our application is 00:42:38.759 --> 00:42:39.199 going to be very 00:42:39.199 --> 00:42:39.619 practical. 00:42:40.419 --> 00:42:41.019 We're going to 00:42:41.019 --> 00:42:41.299 sing. 00:42:43.119 --> 00:42:44.339 The first song, 00:42:44.699 --> 00:42:45.480 I know Jordan 00:42:45.480 --> 00:42:46.159 posted these on 00:42:46.159 --> 00:42:46.619 Slack the other 00:42:46.619 --> 00:42:47.359 day, but the 00:42:47.359 --> 00:42:48.679 first song is 00:42:48.679 --> 00:42:49.239 Come Behold the 00:42:49.239 --> 00:42:49.859 Wondrous Mystery, 00:42:49.939 --> 00:42:50.299 and we're actually 00:42:50.299 --> 00:42:51.039 going to do this 00:42:51.039 --> 00:42:51.759 a cappella. 00:42:52.859 --> 00:42:53.599 We chose to 00:42:53.599 --> 00:42:54.939 remove the 00:42:54.939 --> 00:42:55.579 instruments so 00:42:55.579 --> 00:42:56.219 that you all 00:42:56.219 --> 00:42:57.719 can utilize the 00:42:57.719 --> 00:42:58.059 instruments. 00:42:58.059 --> 00:42:58.799 God gave you 00:42:58.799 --> 00:43:00.539 and to use 00:43:00.539 --> 00:43:01.400 them to create 00:43:01.400 --> 00:43:03.139 a joyful noise 00:43:03.139 --> 00:43:04.139 and experience 00:43:04.139 --> 00:43:05.799 the oneness we 00:43:05.799 --> 00:43:06.719 have in Christ. 00:43:07.579 --> 00:43:08.619 This song gives 00:43:08.619 --> 00:43:09.500 us that full 00:43:09.500 --> 00:43:10.299 word of Christ 00:43:10.299 --> 00:43:11.039 in his lyrics. 00:43:11.259 --> 00:43:12.299 We were in 00:43:12.299 --> 00:43:13.279 darkness and the 00:43:13.279 --> 00:43:13.960 light of Christ 00:43:13.960 --> 00:43:14.519 has come. 00:43:15.119 --> 00:43:15.960 He saved the 00:43:15.960 --> 00:43:17.159 hell-bound man 00:43:17.159 --> 00:43:18.420 through his 00:43:18.420 --> 00:43:19.199 propitiation. 00:43:19.860 --> 00:43:20.799 We are bound 00:43:20.799 --> 00:43:21.679 for glory together 00:43:21.679 --> 00:43:22.400 in Christ. 00:43:23.519 --> 00:43:24.199 And for the 00:43:24.199 --> 00:43:24.920 second song, 00:43:25.059 --> 00:43:25.840 we all love to 00:43:25.840 --> 00:43:26.559 sing that one, 00:43:26.559 --> 00:43:27.480 O Christ, 00:43:27.539 --> 00:43:27.820 our hope, 00:43:27.880 --> 00:43:28.179 our heart's 00:43:28.179 --> 00:43:28.480 desire. 00:43:29.340 --> 00:43:30.400 It's a hearty 00:43:30.400 --> 00:43:31.139 and joyful 00:43:31.139 --> 00:43:32.179 and thankful 00:43:32.179 --> 00:43:33.920 song to really 00:43:33.920 --> 00:43:35.039 feel the effect 00:43:35.039 --> 00:43:36.759 of how music 00:43:36.759 --> 00:43:38.360 supplements our 00:43:38.360 --> 00:43:39.119 praises to 00:43:39.119 --> 00:43:39.599 God. 00:43:40.179 --> 00:43:40.599 But I'm going 00:43:40.599 --> 00:43:41.279 to pray for us 00:43:41.279 --> 00:43:41.719 really quick 00:43:41.719 --> 00:43:42.579 before we sing, 00:43:42.980 --> 00:43:43.860 and then as the 00:43:43.860 --> 00:43:44.500 band comes up, 00:43:44.539 --> 00:43:45.199 just take a minute 00:43:45.199 --> 00:43:46.279 to think through 00:43:46.279 --> 00:43:46.900 this text and 00:43:46.900 --> 00:43:47.500 pray through this 00:43:47.500 --> 00:43:48.639 text and put on 00:43:48.639 --> 00:43:50.279 Colossians 3.16 00:43:50.279 --> 00:43:51.079 as you approach 00:43:51.079 --> 00:43:51.840 singing together. 00:43:52.039 --> 00:43:52.360 Let's pray. 00:43:52.360 --> 00:43:52.539 Let's pray. 00:43:52.539 --> 00:43:52.539 00:43:52.539 --> 00:43:52.539 00:43:52.539 --> 00:43:52.539 00:43:52.539 --> 00:43:52.539 00:43:52.539 --> 00:43:52.539 00:43:52.539 --> 00:43:52.539 00:43:52.539 --> 00:43:52.539 00:43:52.539 --> 00:43:52.539 00:43:52.539 --> 00:43:52.539 00:43:52.539 --> 00:43:52.539 00:43:52.539 --> 00:43:52.539 00:43:52.539 --> 00:43:52.539 00:43:52.539 --> 00:43:52.539 00:43:52.539 --> 00:43:52.539 00:43:52.539 --> 00:43:52.539 00:43:52.539 --> 00:43:52.539 00:43:52.539 --> 00:43:52.539 00:43:52.539 --> 00:43:52.539 00:43:52.539 --> 00:43:52.539 00:43:52.539 --> 00:43:52.539 00:43:52.539 --> 00:43:52.539 00:43:52.539 --> 00:43:52.539 00:43:52.539 --> 00:43:52.539 00:43:52.539 --> 00:43:52.539 00:43:52.539 --> 00:43:52.539 00:43:52.539 --> 00:43:52.539 00:43:52.539 --> 00:43:52.539 00:43:52.539 --> 00:43:52.539 00:43:52.539 --> 00:43:52.539 00:43:52.539 --> 00:43:52.539 00:43:52.539 --> 00:43:52.539 00:43:52.539 --> 00:43:52.539 00:43:52.539 --> 00:43:52.539 00:43:52.539 --> 00:43:52.539 00:43:52.539 --> 00:43:52.539 00:43:52.539 --> 00:43:52.539 00:43:52.539 --> 00:43:52.539 00:43:52.539 --> 00:44:22.519 Thank you.