God's Gifts
Prepare for Launch
get ready with these Helpful Resources
Acts 16:25; Colossians 3:16; James 5:13
“Bursting Into Song”
I like musicals, but some people really, really don't. America's founders bursting into song in a tavern? Gang members dancing through a knife fight? And let's not even start on those people dressed up like cats! It's all too much!
We can debate the virtues of Broadway shows, but Scripture leaves no doubt about the value of singing. In songs of victory (Ex. 15:1-21), lament (2 Sam. 1:17-27), and praise (Ezra 3:11), the saints of old opened their hearts and participated in God's gift of singing.
Singing expresses what's inside us — what we believe, feel, and decide.
THE BIG IDEA
God's grace brings out grateful praise (Col. 3:16) as we sing with our "spirit" and our "mind" (1 Cor. 14:15).
Singing is a heavenly art we get to practice on earth (Rev. 5:9; 14:3; 15:3). It can make joyful worship a habit (Phil. 4:4). So God says, "Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise" (James 5:13). But our songs also express our sorrow and help us find hope in the night, like Paul and Silas singing in prison (Acts 16:25), or Jesus before heading to Gethsemane (Mark 14:26).
Melody and harmony can lift or comfort us, but in Scripture, the purposes of singing come from the words. We learn them "by heart," and their messages become portable, guiding wisdom. When we sing — if we mean it — we take a stand for truths we believe in, like, "It is well with my soul." We make and renew commitments, like "I'm not ashamed to own my Lord." We can even discover deeply held longings as we sing of our hope, our need for mercy, and our desire for God's presence. But our songs also challenge, teach, and support one another.
It's great to hear one person teaching, but you know what's better? Singing "together ... with one voice" (Rom. 15:6). It's a uniting bond. And when we sing together, we need to hear each other and heed the teaching (Eph. 5:19).
How have psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs impacted your life?
THE BIG QUESTION
Singing
Open Your Heart to Sing Praises
INTRODUCTION
Launch the study with a CONVERSATION STARTER on the Big Idea.
Read or watch “Bursting Into Song” (above). What do you take from that Big Idea and Big Question? ICE BREAKER — Get everyone engaged and talking.
What song always gets stuck in your head?
ACT I
LIKE THE TEACHER — Mark 14:26
What do you see Jesus doing here?Why do you think it’s recorded in the book? What’s the point of the passage?What insights and applications do you take from this example of Christ? What do we need to get from his example that — if understood and applied — has the power to bless and strengthen us?
ACT II
THE A-TEAM — Praise Songs in Scripture
We’ve found that drafting your “fantasy team” of certain Bible people and topics can make for a fun and edifying way to discuss Scripture. So prepare by making your “draft board” below, listing your favorite examples of praise songs in the Bible. The book of Psalms is a great place to start (there’s 150 songs right there!) but there are praise songs throughout the Bible, from Moses’ Song in Exodus 15 to the Song of Moses and the Lamb in Revelation 15. If you get stuck, you can always use a Bible reference book or a search engine to look for ideas. As you build your list, next to each song, note why you would choose it and what it’s about. #1 #2 #3 #4 #5If you’re studying in a group, break into groups and work together to choose your
“A-Team” of praise songs, tracking each team and discussing each pick as they’re made.
And remember to be ready for the other team to “steal” your top choices!
We recommend doing 3 rounds of “draft picks.” At the end, review the two teams and acknowledge all of the great examples of praise songs in Scripture. Then discuss: Who almost made the cut? What lessons or insights do you take from the exercise as a whole!
If you know of a hymn based on one of the songs drafted, consider singing it together before you move into the final segment of the study (Act III).ACT III
REACH OUT — Connect with each other with this question.
What's a go-to hymn that's helped you?
WRAP UP
THE CHALLENGE — Ready to put it into practice?
Ask a friend to sing a meaningful song with you this week.
REQUEST — Go to God in a closing prayer.
For example: "Listen to our hearts as we make melody to you" (Eph. 5:19).NEXT SESSION — Celebration
Prepare by reading Luke 15:3-10; Eccl. 2:24-25; Rev. 19:1-21