Music - An Expression Of Worship

1. Music can be an expression of worship.

A. Then Moses and the Israelites sang this song to the LORD : “I will sing to the LORD, for he is highly exalted. The horse and its rider he has hurled into the sea.” (Exodus 15:1)

B. Music played an important part in Israel’s worship and celebration.

C. Singing was an expression of love and thanks, and it was a creative way to pass down oral traditions.

D. It was a festive epic poem celebrating God’s victory, lifting the hearts and voices of the people outward and upward. After having been delivered from great danger, they sang with joy!

E. Songs and hymns can be great ways to express relief, praise, and thanks when you have been through trouble.

F. Paul sang in Acts when in prison.

2. Music can be a means of peace, opening the way for worship.

A. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your heart to God. (Colossians 3:16)

B. Christians should live in peace. Living in peace does not mean that suddenly all differences in opinion are eliminated, but it does require that loving Christians work together despite their differences.

C. Do problems in your relationships with other Christians cause open conflicts or mutual silence? Consider what you can do to heal those relationships with love.

3. Music can help us focus our attention on God.

A. Sing for joy to God our strength; shout aloud to the God of Jacob! Begin the music, strike the tambourine, play the melodious harp and lyre. (Psalm 81:1-2)

B. David instituted music for the temple worship services (1 Chronicles 25).

C. Music and worship go hand in hand.

D. Worship should involve the whole person, and music helps lift a person’s thoughts and emotions to God.

E. Through music we can reflect upon our needs and shortcomings as well as celebrate God’s greatness.