Apr 7, 2019
Scripture Reading: Colossians 3:16
Music is one of the forces that dominates our culture and, perhaps, every culture. That is because human beings were made to respond to music and to make music. The purpose for everything in creation is the honor of God and music is one thing God created as a means to worship Him.
God has given us music as a gracious gift, for His glory and for our enjoyment which, in God's design, merge as one purpose. Music is an important element in worship, both corporate and private. The German reformer, Martin Luther (1483-1546) said, "Next to the Word of God, music deserves the highest praise. The gift of language combined with the gift of song was given to man that he should proclaim the Word of God through music."
With regard to the fellowship of believers, which is in view in Colossians 3, Paul refers to music. ”Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God" (Col 3:16). This verse connects instruction and music. Singing praise should be both instructive to the head and stimulating to the heart.
Worship acceptable to God is worship that is done "in spirit and in truth" (Jn 4:24). It follows that a good worship song has two important elements. First, the content of the hymn should reflect, beautifully and understandably, the great doctrinal truths of the Bible. So a good song teaches us. Second, the beauty of the melody of the hymn should capture the emotions and thus move the heart. This is the "in spirit" part of worship. We should be thankful to God for His creation of and design for music.