Singing with the Spirit and the Understanding

1 Corinthians 14:15

Singing is a Spiritual Act

• Our spirits must be involved!• We must sing with the spirit• We must also sing with the understanding• Singing with the spirit but without

understanding violates 1 Cor. 14:14• Singing without the spirit but with the

understanding violates Ephesians 5:19

Singing is the Most Spiritual Act

• Involves the emotional and rational mind• Matthew 22:38• Those who love God will be rewarded James

1:12• No Lord’s Supper in heaven 1 Cor. 11:26• No Bible study in Heaven• No giving in Heaven• Prayer will be different Revelation 22:4• Singing will be eternal

Singing is a Spiritual Sacrifice

• We must offer spiritual sacrifices 1 Peter 2:5• Praise is specifically called a sacrifice Hebrews

13:15• “the fruit of our lips” is specified• When we praise God, He is there! Psalm 22:3• God is everywhere (Psalm 139), but He is with

us in a special way when we praise Him• Matthew 18:20 God is with us when we

assemble as His church

Singing with the Heart

Ephesians 5:19• Music is specified (music that involves

speaking--singing)• The kind of songs is specified• Singing and making melody• Oops! It is more than singing• But the instrument is specified—the heart• God’s creation Ephesians 2:10, Psalm 51:10

Mechanical Music is Not Spiritual

• It does not teach Colossians 3:16• It does not speak Ephesians 5:19• It does not edify 1 Corinthians 14:9• Words are necessary• Instrumental music was required in the old

covenant 2 Chronicles 29:25 as was ceremonial cleanliness Hebrews 9:9-10, and assemblies in Jerusalem John 4:19-24

• Old covenant was not a spiritual covenant

Lessons

• God’s command for instrumental music in the old covenant and the absence of this command in the new covenant reinforces the spiritual nature of the new covenant

• Let us praise God with our hearts now• He will be with us in a special way• Prepare for a chance to praise Him forever