As we continue in Ephesians 5, Paul talks about being filled with the Holy Spirit, and particularly how that will lead us to sing. Providentially, as we prepare to come together again in person, this is a wonderful reminder of God's goal to write His joy onto our hearts through singing. How does that work? Let's talk about why we sing.
Discussion Questions
What song have you played the most, because you chose it and love it? What brings you back to it? Why would some be reluctant to share their answer?
What do you look for in music: a message, a hook that you repeat, a story, an emotion? Sure, it depends on your mood or the situation, but why do you think you like or choose your music?
Singing
We’re meant to be a singing people. Do you sing by yourself?
God put His song in us at creation, and music clearly matters to Him throughout Scripture (Job 38:6-7; Psalms; Song of Solomon; Zephaniah 3:17; Hebrews 2:12) Some view music as a distraction from reality, which it can be. But in what sense can music be a reflection of reality?
Music pulls something out of us. Is there a song that has a restoring or healing effect on you? Is there a song that marks a moment in your life that was painful, or a moment that you long to have again? Musicals and soundtracks can grip us more vividly in this way.
And so again, do you sing more than you thought, initially? You have more than a playlist of favorite songs – your life has a soundtrack, and a symphonic, musical score! What story does it tell? What is one of the scenes or acts of your life, expressed well in a song?
Composing
Music reveals diversity and variety in life. Just think about how cultural, even ethnic, music can be! Aside from music itself, are you exploring and discovering, or are you just fine and good with who you are and what you know? Are you more ‘settled’ than you should be, and does this really matter much?
Music brings people together - even camels. What has been your posture and practice regarding worship music in church? Has it been important to you, or not so much? Do you need to make any changes (sing louder, show up on time), having heard all of this?
Listening
God sings a song in our place through Jesus. We don’t have to be a great singer to sing. How can your singing be more God-centered versus you-centered? Is there a worship song that carries you away to His presence?
Singing and dancing are about relationship, not isolation. Is there music you need to stop because it keeps you distant from God? Is there a song that’s been played out, and needs to be replaced with a better one?
Gospel: We sing, not to perform for God or gain His approval. We sing because of His performance for us, through Christ, and because He approves of Jesus in us. Let’s sing, reflecting back to Him what He put in us!
