Songs to Live By
The sermon emphasizes the importance of hymns in spiritual growth and the value of having a hymnbook alongside the Bible for deeper understanding of scripture.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the power of hymns in softening stubborn hearts and awakening emotions that prayer alone may not reach. He likens the human heart to an orchestra, suggesting that the right influences, like those from great hymn writers such as Watts and Wesley, are essential for guiding our spiritual melodies. Tozer advocates for the integration of hymn singing with Bible reading, highlighting how both can enrich a Christian's faith and understanding. He warns against being led by inappropriate influences and encourages a devotion to the hymnbook as a means of spiritual protection and growth.
Text
Sometimes our hearts are strangely stubborn and will not soften or grow tender no matter how much praying we do. At such times, it is often found that the reading or singing of a good hymn will melt the ice jam and start the inward affections flowing. That is one of the uses of the hymnbook. Human emotions are curious and difficult to arouse, and there is always a danger that they may be aroused by the wrong means and for the wrong reasons.
The human heart is like an orchestra, and it is important that when the soul starts to sound its melodies, a David or a Bernard or a Watts or a Wesley should be on the podium. Constant devotion to the hymnbook will guarantee this happy event and will, conversely protect the heart from being led by evil conductors.
Every Christian should have lying beside his Bible a copy of some standard hymn book. He should read out of one and sing out of the other, and he will be surprised and delighted to discover how much they are alike. Gifted Christian poets have in many of our great hymns set truth to music. Isaac Watts and Charles Wesley (possibly above all others) were able to marry the harp of David to the Epistles of Paul and to give us singing doctrine, ecstatic theology that delights while it enlightens.
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Hymns in Spiritual Growth
- The Role of Hymns in Christian Worship
- The Value of Hymnbooks in Christian Devotion
- Every Christian should have a hymnbook alongside their Bible
- Reading and singing hymns can deepen understanding of scripture
Key Quotes
“That is one of the uses of the hymnbook. Human emotions are curious and difficult to arouse, and there is always a danger that they may be aroused by the wrong means and for the wrong reasons.” — A.W. Tozer
“Constant devotion to the hymnbook will guarantee this happy event and will, conversely protect the heart from being led by evil conductors.” — A.W. Tozer
“Gifted Christian poets have in many of our great hymns set truth to music.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- Make a conscious effort to read and sing hymns regularly to deepen your understanding of scripture.
- Choose hymns that are written by gifted Christian poets who have set truth to music.
- Sing hymns with reverence and understanding to ensure that they are leading you closer to God.