Faith & Insight: Sing

Ephesians 5:18-21

And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

The concept of emptiness experienced by Christians and its potential link to the act of singing in worship has been a recurring theme in biblical discourse. The emptiness sometimes felt by believers is often associated with the absence of a specific type of worship, particularly that which involves singing.

This notion is supported by Ephesians 5, which emphasizes the correlation between being filled with the spirit and engaging in worship through song. Similarly, Colossians 3 underscores the importance of allowing the word of Christ to dwell richly within believers, which includes singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.

These passages suggest that singing in the presence of the Holy Spirit is integral to the experience of inner fulfillment and the manifestation of the fruit of the spirit, such as love, joy, and peace.

Furthermore, singing is not just an individual act, but a significant communal practice within the context of the Triune God, particularly the Holy Spirit. When believers come together to sing, it is a demonstration of their unity and partnership with the Holy Spirit, who fills each individual in this musical setting.

This communal aspect of singing underscores the Trinity's desire to engage with believers, especially in the context of worship through song. The importance of singing as a means of connecting with God and experiencing the presence of the Holy Spirit is further highlighted by its emphasis in the first-century church, as seen in the writings of Paul in various Epistles.

In 1 Corinthians 14:26, the emphasis on the act of singing as a part of the believers' gatherings further reinforces the idea of its importance in building up the church. This recurring emphasis on singing as an essential component of worship and communal gatherings suggests that it plays a vital role in believers' spiritual and communal growth.

Additionally, the act of singing is portrayed as a means through which the Holy Spirit can work in new and fresh ways, ultimately contributing to the maturity and edification of the church. Given these profound insights, it is clear that singing is not just a mere act, but a powerful tool within the Christian faith.

The scriptural references to singing as a means of experiencing the presence of the Holy Spirit and fostering spiritual maturity highlight the transformative power of this practice in the lives of believers.

Therefore, it is crucial for Christians to recognize the impact of singing in their spiritual lives and to actively participate in this form of worship, as it is a means of experiencing the transformative work of the Holy Spirit.

Brady Roser is lead pastor at The Bridge Church in Carson City.