Harmony of Heaven - Dec. 10th, 2023
CJ Walker
Music Messages • Sermon • Submitted • Presented • 1:18:10
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· 7 viewsExploring the biblical significance of music in worship and its role in heavenly harmony.
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Introduction:
Introduction:
Imagine, if you will, a world constantly in flux, a society filled with conflicting voices and choices. In such a world, how does one discern the path of wisdom? Today, we delve into the heart of this question through the Apostle Paul's letter to the Ephesians. In Ephesians 5:15-21, we find a treasure trove of guidance for navigating life's complexities with godly wisdom and Spirit-led discernment.
15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. 18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; 19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; 20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; 21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
As we embark on this journey through Scripture, we will explore four pivotal themes: walking wisely in a world of folly, understanding and embracing God's will, being filled with the Spirit as opposed to worldly indulgences, and fostering a community of mutual encouragement and submission. These principles, while penned centuries ago, speak profoundly into our lives today, offering a beacon of light in a world often shrouded in discord.
Let us open our hearts and minds to the transformative power of God's Word, as we seek to live out these timeless truths in our daily walk with Christ.
Trans: How do we navigate the complexities of our modern world with wisdom?
Walk Wisely (Ephesians 5:15-16)
Walk Wisely (Ephesians 5:15-16)
15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
In Ephesians 5:15-16, Paul exhorts us to "walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil." Here, 'walking' symbolizes our conduct in life. Paul's call to walk 'circumspectly' implies a life marked by carefulness, intentionality, and a keen awareness of our surroundings and the times we live in.
Illustration: A traveler navigating a treacherous mountain path. This traveler, equipped with a map and a compass, carefully chooses each step, avoiding pitfalls and staying on course. This mirrors the Christian journey, emphasizing the need for godly wisdom and discernment in navigating life's complexities.
In a world where folly often masquerades as wisdom, how do we discern and embody true wisdom? The answer lies not just in knowledge but in applying that knowledge with godly understanding and prudence. Wisdom, as depicted in Proverbs, is about making choices that align with God's will and character.
6 For the Lord giveth wisdom: Out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. 7 He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: He is a buckler to them that walk uprightly. 8 He keepeth the paths of judgment, And preserveth the way of his saints.
Note - Wisdom comes from the Lord and He provides guidance and protection.
'Redeeming the time' speaks to the urgency of living wisely. Time, once passed, cannot be regained. In these 'evil days', filled with moral and spiritual challenges, our call is to seize every opportunity to reflect Christ's light and truth in our actions and decisions.
Let us then, as Paul urges, navigate our days not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity to glorify God in our lives.
Trans: As we strive to walk wisely, it becomes essential to align our steps with something greater than ourselves: the will of God.
Understanding God's Will: Ephesians 5:17
Understanding God's Will: Ephesians 5:17
17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
In Ephesians 5:17, Paul delivers a profound yet straightforward directive: "Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is." This verse challenges us to move beyond mere knowledge of scriptural teachings to a deeper understanding and discernment of God’s will in our lives.
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Understanding God's will is not about unlocking a mystical secret; rather, it involves a dedicated pursuit of God through His Word, prayer, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It's about aligning our desires, decisions, and directions with God's revealed will in the Bible.
Illustration: A builder constructing a house. Just as the builder follows the architect's blueprint to ensure the house's integrity, Christians are called to follow God's blueprint — His will — for their lives. This underscores the importance of aligning our choices and actions with God's revealed will.
In a world filled with uncertainty and conflicting messages, this pursuit of God’s will provides a compass for our decision-making and a foundation for ethical and moral clarity. As we seek to understand and embrace God's will, we find ourselves not only guided but also guarded against the snares of folly and the whims of an ever-changing world.
Let us, therefore, commit to this pursuit, seeking not only to know God's will but to live it out daily in every aspect of our lives.
Trans: Recognizing God's will is just the beginning; we also need the power to live it out. This power comes from being filled with the Spirit.
Being Filled with the Spirit: Ephesians 5:18-20
Being Filled with the Spirit: Ephesians 5:18-20
18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; 19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; 20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
In verses 18 to 20 of Ephesians 5, Paul contrasts being 'drunk with wine' with being 'filled with the Spirit'. This metaphor is powerful. Drunkenness leads to a loss of control and moral decay, while being filled with the Spirit signifies a life governed by God’s presence, leading to wisdom, joy, and righteousness.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Being filled with the Spirit is not a one-time event but a continuous process of allowing the Holy Spirit to influence and shape our lives. It involves yielding to God's guidance, engaging in spiritual disciplines like prayer and Scripture study, and fostering a heart of worship and thanksgiving.
Illustration: A sailboat on a vast sea. The sailboat, powered by the wind, smoothly navigates the waters. This illustrates how being filled with the Holy Spirit propels and guides us in our spiritual journey, just as the wind drives the sailboat.
Paul also highlights the communal aspect of this Spirit-filled life. It's not just about individual piety but about building each other up in the faith. As we sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, our hearts are united in praise and worship, strengthening our bond as a community of believers.
This Spirit-led life is marked by gratitude, joy, and mutual edification, creating a harmonious rhythm in the midst of life's discord.
Trans: As we are individually filled with the Spirit, we are called to something beyond ourselves — a community where this Spirit-led life is shared and multiplied.
Mutual Encouragement and Submission: Ephesians 5:21
Mutual Encouragement and Submission: Ephesians 5:21
21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
Verse 21 of Ephesians 5, "Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God," serves as a pivotal conclusion to the preceding verses and an introduction to the subsequent discussion on Christian relationships. This verse underscores a key aspect of Christian life: mutual submission.
Mutual submission is about cultivating a spirit of humility and service toward one another. It's not about losing individuality or suppressing one's needs but about valuing others and prioritizing their well-being. This principle mirrors Christ's own attitude and actions, who, though Lord of all, served with the utmost humility.
Illustration: A symphony orchestra. Each musician, while skilled individually, submits to the conductor and plays in harmony with others to create a beautiful piece of music. This analogy highlights the importance of unity, mutual submission, and working together in the Christian community.
In a church community, mutual submission manifests in various ways: listening to one another, bearing each other's burdens, encouraging one another in the faith, and collaborating for the common good. This creates a harmonious and loving environment, countering the discord often found in the world.
8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. 9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging. 10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
Let us embrace this call to mutual submission, reflecting Christ's love and fostering a spirit of unity and harmony within our church family.
Application
As we reflect on these rich teachings from Ephesians 5:15-21, let us consider how we can apply these principles in our daily lives:
Choosing Wisdom Over Folly: Each day presents us with choices. Let us actively seek God's wisdom in our decisions, big and small, striving to live in a manner that honors Him.
Illustration: My Musical Journey
As I stand before you today, I can't help but reflect on my own journey, one that has been marked by a transformation guided by faith. I grew up in a time when music was a powerful force, and like many of my generation, I was immersed in the sounds of rock, jazz, blues, and more. Music was my escape, my idol, my way of filling a void in my life. I remember the promise my mother made to me—a "real guitar" if I could learn to play a complete composition on my old pawn shop special. And I did just that. I strummed and sang my way through Hank Williams Jr.'s "A Country Boy Can Survive," and though it may have been far from perfect, my mother's love and support were unwavering.
She fulfilled her promise, and we ventured to the pawn shop to acquire an Aria Pro II electric guitar, a beautiful piece of craftsmanship that would become an integral part of my life. With little guidance and the freedom to choose what I wanted to learn, I dove headfirst into mastering various secular rock-and-roll styles, playing rhythm and lead guitar. My teenage years were filled with late-night jam sessions and gigs in local honky-tonks, where I played alongside talented musicians and even shared the stage with "Ricky Hendrix," Jimmy's cousin.
However, despite the applause and camaraderie, I couldn't escape the emptiness that grew within me. The more I delved into worldly music, the more hollow I felt. I tried to write my own songs, but they never seemed to hold any meaning. The thrill of playing my favorite songs faded as quickly as it came, leaving me yearning for something more.
It was then that I experienced a profound transformation in my life. I found solace and fulfillment in drawing closer to Jesus through the simplicity of songs like "Jesus Loves Me." I made a decision to part ways with the world's music and embrace a different path. I have never looked back since that day.
But my musical journey didn't end there. After finding my faith, I faced a new challenge—what to do with my guitar, an instrument I had only known in the context of worldly music.
Discerning God's Will: Regularly engage in prayer and study of the Scriptures. Seek godly counsel and be open to the Holy Spirit's leading, allowing these practices to shape your understanding of God's will.
Being Spirit-Filled: Cultivate a daily habit of spiritual disciplines like prayer, worship, and reading the Word. Seek to be sensitive to the Spirit's prompting in every aspect of life.
Practicing Mutual Submission: Look for opportunities to serve others in your community. Listen attentively, offer help where needed, and approach relationships with humility and a willingness to learn from others.
Conclusion
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ephesians 5:15-21 offers us a compelling blueprint for living as followers of Christ in a complex world. By walking wisely, understanding God's will, being filled with the Spirit, and engaging in mutual submission, we can navigate life's challenges with grace and strength.
Let’s decide to live out Paul’s guidance to the Ephesian believers, and let the light of Christ shine as a beacon of hope and joy to an increasingly pagan world around us, living distinct as God’s children, especially when it comes to our selection of music, and let’s work together toward creating a harmonious melody of faith that resonates in our lives and echoes in our communities.