Songs We Sing: "this Is Amazing Grace" Series

SONGS WE SING: ‘THIS IS AMAZING GRACE’

PSALM 24:1-10

#AmazingGrace

SING ‘THIS IS AMAZING GRACE’

INTRODUCTION

This morning we are continuing a sermon series called: “The Songs We Sing.” Part of worshipping God is singing.

FOCUS ON “WORSHIP”

I realize I am using that word… “worship”… and you may not realize what it means. “Worship” is one of those words that can mean different things to different people and also can have wrong definitions. What is worship? Is worship just singing songs in church? Worship is more than just singing songs in a church service, but is an important attitude of the heart and a total disposition of our soul.

The word most associated with “worship” as we think about what it means is the word “bow.” Bow indicates many times what the people did as they worshipped, but also indicated the direction of humbleness and reverence in their minds and hearts. For example, in Genesis and Exodus, 4 of the first 5 times (80%) the word “worship” is used the word “bow” occurs with it in the same sentence as a description word.

READ GENESIS 24:26 (ESV)

“The man bowed his head and worshiped the Lord”

READ GENESIS 24:48 (ESV)

“Then I bowed my head and worshiped the Lord and blessed the Lord, the God of my master Abraham, who had led me by the right way…”

EXODUS 4:31 (ESV)

“And the people believed; and when they heard that the Lord had visited the people of Israel and that He had seen their affliction, they bowed their heads and worshiped.”

EXODUS 12:27 (ESV)

“You shall say, ‘It is the sacrifice of the Lord's Passover, for He passed over the houses of the people of Israel in Egypt, when He struck the Egyptians but spared our houses.’” And the people bowed their heads and worshiped.”

As we focus on the different songs we sing from now until Easter, understand that the songs are the surface focus, but the real focus is the direction of our hearts and minds when we sing. Worship is actually our focus. The worship of God Almighty is our focus. Our worship claiming the blood of Christ is our focus. Our worship in the Spirit and in Truth is our focus no matter what the songs are that we sing.

SONGS WE SING: “This is Amazing Grace”

“This Is Amazing Grace" is the lead single on Phil Wickham's fifth studio album The Ascension. It was released on August 6, 2013. Billboard named it No. 1 on the Christian Airplay Songs chart for 2014 and is certified platinum by RIAA.

SONGS WE SING: ‘THIS IS AMAZING GRACE’ LYRICS (OPTIONAL)

Who breaks the power of sin and darkness? Whose love is mighty and so much stronger? The King of glory, the King above all kings. Who shakes the whole earth with holy thunder? And leaves us breathless in awe and wonder? The King of glory, the King above all kings.

This is amazing grace; This is unfailing love; That You would take my place; That You would bear my cross; You laid down Your life That I would be set free Oh, Jesus, I sing for All that You've done for me.

Who brings our chaos back into order? Who makes the orphans a son and daughter? The King of glory, the King of glory Who rules the nations with truth and justice Shines like the sun in all of its brilliance The King of glory, the King above all kings.

This is amazing grace; This is unfailing love; That You would take my place That You would bear my cross You laid down Your life That I would be set free Oh, Jesus, I sing for All that You've done for me.

Worthy is the Lamb who was slain; Worthy is the King who conquered the grave; Worthy is the Lamb who was slain; Worthy is the King who conquered the grave; Worthy is the Lamb who was slain; Worthy is the King who conquered the grave; Worthy is the Lamb who was slain; Worthy, worthy, worthy.

BIBLE REFERENCES BEHIND THE SONG ‘THIS IS AMAZING GRACE’

"This Is Amazing Grace" by Phil Wickham (also popularized by Jeremy Riddle) contains strong biblical references throughout its lyrics. The song is a powerful declaration of Christ’s victory, grace, and kingship. The song overall has some strong ties to Psalm 24 which will be our main focus today, but there are other passages that seem to be highlighted in the lyrics which came to mind.

“Who breaks the power of sin and darkness? Whose love is mighty and so much stronger?” brings to mind passages like the beginning of Colossians which reminds us of the power of God over darkness, sin, and the draw of this world.

READ COLOSSIANS 1:13-14 (ESV)