Worship Matters SESSION

SESSION NOTES

Psalms, Hymns & Spiritual Songs

1. The Antioch Context of Paul’s Ecclesiology

Paul’s understanding of church life was formed in Antioch (Acts 13).

• “While they were ministering (leitourgeo) to the Lord…”

• This “ministering” links back to David’s Tabernacle, where Levites were appointed to minister before the ark continually.

• James confirms this connection at the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15:16 quoting Amos 9:11):
  “I will return and rebuild the tabernacle of David…”

Implications

• The Tabernacle of David becomes the prototype for the New Testament church.

• Worship and ministry are not confined to a 1-hour weekly service.

• Paul envisioned the Church as unceasing worship and intercession (cf. Malachi 1:11, 1 Thessalonians 5:17).

• The Church is not a synagogue (a meeting place) but a temple—a dwelling place for God’s presence.

2. The Function of Psalms, Hymns & Spiritual Songs

A. Psalms – Singing the Word

Ephesians 5:19 / Colossians 3:16

• Refers to the book of Psalms — the early church’s hymnal.

• Singing Scripture enables:

• The Word to dwell richly (from head → heart)

• Memory retention and spiritual formation

• Corporate encouragement and teaching (“addressing one another…”)

Illustration: Deuteronomy 31:19–22
God commands Moses to teach Israel a song because: “It will live unforgotten in the mouths of their offspring.”

Takeaways

• Singing Scripture plants truth deeply.

• The voice (singing) is the “highway” from the head to the heart.

• We must ensure songs are Scripture-saturated so that people are discipled through worship

B. Hymns – Creative Expression of Truth

• Hymns are pre-written worship songs expressing biblical truths, not direct Scripture.

• They harmonize multiple Scriptures into poetic or cultural expression.

• Can emerge either from singing the Word (psalms) or capturing spontaneous songs (spiritual songs) and shaping them into enduring form.

Theology Shapes Hymns

Each worship era reflects theological emphasis:

• 1960s–70s: Personal affection (“I love You, Lord”)

• 1970s–80s: Spiritual warfare (“Going up to the high places”)

• 1990s–2000s: The love and cross of Christ

• Today: The throne room and majesty of God

• Coming?: Songs of the Second Coming and eternal hope

Pastoral Warnings

1. Guard against performance

• Don’t write to impress or evoke emotional “salivation.”

• Avoid conditioning people to respond to phrases rather than Presence.

2. Be aware of imported culture

• Songs carry the spiritual DNA of the communities that birth them.

• It’s fine to echo others temporarily—but aim to find your own voice and sound in worship.

C. Spiritual Songs – Singing in and from the Spirit

Ōdias pneumatikais = “songs of the Spirit” or “songs from the Spirit”

Two expressions:

1. Songs from the Holy Spirit – prophetic songs; spontaneous revelation (rhema).

2. Songs from your spirit – overflow from your inner man (can include tongues, melody, or instrumental expression).

“I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with my understanding.” – 1 Corinthians 14:15

Practical Notes

• Spiritual songs often emerge from hymns—create space to linger.

• Don’t rush your worship sets; allow time for spontaneous overflow.

• Everyone can grow in this; it’s a learned skill of listening and responding to the Spirit.

• Sometimes melody alone (without words) can express the Spirit’s song.

“Excellence begins with the wholeness of your heart, not the skill of your hands.”