Thesis: After salvation, the believer doesn't automatically live a perfect, fun-filled life - struggles persist. Jesus gave victory over sin, but it persists daily and we cannot live through it by our own flesh. Must live by the Spirit.
Last week we ended with verse 18 which literally says we should "be being kept filled" with the Spirit. As we pick up in verses 19-21, Paul tells us how :
1. By A Godward Attitude * Spirit filled/controlled people manifest it in singing * Songs are spoken tunes - expression of theology * Singing flows from right attitude, heart and thankfulness * Worship service is picture of Heaven - all peoples praising God * Praise singing is for believers to address one another (v.19) * Not evangelism, but mutual encouragement and worship of God * Greek word "speaking" = make noise (see Psalm 100) * Not religious form, but heart based joy of the Lord * Don't want to sing -- Where is your heart? * Bible shows singing as command in worship
CONCLUSION: Believer should treasure Jesus' person and work to the point where it overflows in expressing itself in singing with others and to the Lord. Do angels look in wonder at your singing, do others around you "hear" a pleasant aroma from your mouth, and is your singing a sweet smell in God's nostrils?
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