Songs Teach

Bible Reading: 1 Timothy 3:16

“Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.” (1 Timothy 3:16)

Everybody has a favorite song. As you go through your day, songs pop into your mind. But they don’t just impact your mind. They impact your heart. Your mood. Your life. Songs are powerful.

It should be no surprise to find songs in the Bible. As Paul closed out a long section on worship and pastors and Christians and churches, he wrote a song. An early Christian hymn. Reading it reveals something important about Christian songs: They teach. Songs teach.

Look at all the deep Christian truths that are beautifully laid out in this short, thymic song: “He appeared in the flesh.” Who? Jesus! This is a song about Jesus. He’s God himself who took on our flesh and “was vindicated by the Spirit.” Don’t let Jesus’ human flesh fool you. He was proved by the Holy Spirit to be true God when he rose from the dead. Jesus humbled himself, but then he was exalted.

That’s when he “was seen by angels” and “was preached among the nations.” Remember who was sitting in Jesus’ empty tomb when he rose from the dead? Angels. They were the first ones to witness the resurrection. But they weren’t the only ones. Jesus’ disciples—more eyewitnesses—preached the gospel throughout the world. Can you see how this little song teaches deep truths?

Jesus “was believed on in the world” and “was taken up in glory.” The gospel message works! It converts hearts from unbelief to faith in Jesus as our Savior. As that gospel message went out into the world, Jesus ascended into heaven—into glory—where he now reigns over all things for our good.

Songs teach. If someone who didn’t know anything about Jesus heard this song, they would learn a lot about Jesus, wouldn’t they? They’d learn about his life and death and resurrection and ascension.

When your church chooses songs to sing in worship, or when you choose Christian music to listen to in your car, you have a lot of different options. Don’t choose songs just for their beautiful music or powerful vocals. Choose songs that teach you about Jesus. What could be better? Songs teach!

Dear Lord God, music is a gift from you. Songs are able to plant powerful truths in our hearts. Fill our ears and hearts with songs that teach us the mystery of your grace and salvation through Jesus. Amen.

Pastor Nathan