Worship Songs Teach Theology

How would you define a “worship song”? 

A good definition is: a song that is to and about the Triune God, sung in such a way that encourages corporate participation. 

• Who is the song to?

• What is the song about?

• What is being taught?

Often, songs do not have a clearly defined recipient (Is this to God? The church? Myself? Non-Christians? The enemy?). Sadly, many songs are about our own life hardships or, strangely enough, worship itself. There are many songs that are not worship; they are songs about worship. 

When we write songs or lead songs, we want to be sure of two things:

1. Is the song supported by Scripture and

2. Is the song theologically accurate?

SONGS TEACH THEOLOGY:

Teachers are held to a higher standard. 

“My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.” (James 3:1, NKJV)

Worship leaders should know theology and theory. No excuse.

We will stand before God one day and answer for the songs we lead and wrote.

“So whether we are here in this body or away from this body, our goal is to please him. For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body.” (2 Corinthians 5:9-11, NLT)

Songs are usually remembered and repeated more throughout the week than sermons.

“When you preach, you’re putting words in people’s ears. When you sing, you’re putting words in people’s mouths.”

Our singing not only reveals our theology but shapes it as well.

• Do you know what you are singing

• Do you believe what you are singing

• Is it about the “feels” or about the truth of scripture?

The study of theology is not merely a theoretical exercise of the intellect. It is a study of the living God and of the wonders of all His works in creation and redemption. We cannot study this subject dispassionately!

We must love all that God is, all that He says, and all that He does. “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart” (Deut. 6:5). Our response to the study of the theology of Scripture should be that of the psalmist who said, “How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!” (Ps. 139:17). 

You want the people you lead to sing and declare songs about God and His Character and attributes. Accept nothing less.

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:16-17, ESV)

We cannot go wrong when we write songs and lead songs about God and His attributes. You will never fail or get it wrong.

---