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Ephesians 5:15-21 | The What, Why, and How of Singing

LIGHTHOUSE SERMONS

Key Idea: SING!!

1. What is singing? 

Worship: revelation leading to right affection leading to right expression

“Worship is the theme of salvation history, the supreme purpose for which believers were redeemed (John 4:23), and the occupation with which they will be eternally enthralled (Rev. 22:3–4; cf. 19:1–6). To worship the Lord is to ascribe to him the honor, glory, adoration, praise, reverence, and devotion that is due him, both for his greatness (who he is) and for his goodness (what he has done). As the sovereign Creator of the universe, the triune God alone—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—is worthy of worship (cf. Isa. 42:8; 48:11; Matt. 4:10; Rev. 14:7).”  

MacArthur, John, and Richard Mayhue, eds. 2017. Biblical Doctrine: A Systematic Summary of Bible Truth. Wheaton, IL: Crossway.

Music and singing are necessary to Christian faith and worship for the simple reason that the realities of God and Christ, creation and salvation, heaven and hell are so great that when they are known truly and felt duly (properly with depth), they demand more than discussion and analysis and description; they demand poetry and song and music. Singing is the Christian’s way of saying: God is so great that thinking will not suffice, there must be deep feeling; and talking will not suffice, there must be singing. John Piper

2. Why should I sing? (vv15-18)

  • Because singing is commanded
  • Because singing is the evidence of being filled with the Spirit

Filled with the Spirit:

3. How should I sing? (vv.19-21)

  1. Sing to one another: “addressing one another”

Participate by Singing: 

Participate by Listening: 

  1. Sing to God: “…making melody to the Lord”

Aside: A Case for Orderly Expressiveness

  • Expression is biblical 
  • Expression is human
  • Expression is glorifying to God
  1. Sing the Scriptures: “… in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs”
  1. Sing with your heart: “making melody…with your heart”

Small Group Questions

  1. Ice-Breaker: What is your favorite musical worship song? Why?
  2. What stood out from the sermon? (a truth, illustration etc.)
  3. What do you think of singing? Do you love it? Is it awkward? Do you regularly sing or not sing? 
  4. Why is it hard for you to sing on Fridays/Sundays?
  5. Are you expressive? What keeps you from being expressive or singing during our corporate gatherings?