PSALMS, HYMNS AND SPIRITUAL SONGS

PSALMS, HYMNS AND SPIRITUAL SONGS

In my quiet times this week I have been studying Colossians. Throughout Colossians, Paul focuses the readers to the supremacy of Christ contrasted with the emptiness of human philosophy. In the very beginning of the letter Paul reminds us that “by Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers of authority; all things were created by Him and for Him” (1:16). He continues in that chapter and the next to reiterate to us the freedom we have in Christ. Because of what Christ did for us on the cross, we are no longer held captive to the sinful desires of this world. Paul then transitions to a set of rules for Godly living. Since we are free in Christ, this does not give us free reign to live however we want. Instead, we are to live our lives under the power of the Holy Spirit in us which should produce, “compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (3:12).
Paul continues with this thought in what is one of my most favorite passages of scripture in Colossians 3:15-17. Verse 16 has become one of my life verses. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God” (3:16). When Paul wrote concerning the word of Christ, he was specifically referring to the actual teaching of Christ, but by implication, he was including all of the Old Testament as well as the New Testament that they had at the time. When it comes to us, Paul is speaking of the entire word of God. Are you spending enough time in the word of God so that you are letting it “dwell in you richly”? We are also told to teach and admonish one another with the singing. It is interesting to me that Paul uses the terms that he does in verse 16. Some of the most important doctrines that we have as believers are held in our music. Just look at what we are singing this week in corporate worship and you will find such truths as God’s supremacy, God’s holiness, and our response through obedience. When Paul talks about “Psalms,” he is referring to the Old Testament Psalms, some of which may have been set to music by the church. “Psalms” could also describe a song newly composed for Christian Worship. A “hymn” was a song of praise used in celebration much like the Old Testament Psalms that praise God for all that He is. “Spiritual songs” describes a song that recounts the acts of God like the Psalms that praised God for what he had done. I challenge you now to look at everything we sing and put it through the Colossians 3 filter to see if it is worthy to be sung. I believe once you do, you will come to a realization or be reminded that what we do here at FBC Canton is exactly what God requires and makes God smile.

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts. Since as one body you were called to peace.” (Colossians 3:15)

Aaron Hodges