Daily Devotions
Ephesians
"Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord."
Text: Ephesians 5:19
GREAT FELLOWSHIP
Believers are told very strictly that they are to “have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness” (Ephesians 5:11). How then are believers to relate? Paul suggests that believers can have great fellowship with each other.
“Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs”
What is Paul suggesting in this word? Let us ponder his suggestion carefully.
1. Contained within “psalms and hymns and spiritual songs”
a) Wisdom may be found in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.
b) Music can play a significant role in uplifting the heart.
2. Cultivation of a rich musical heritage
a) All believers should be encouraged to cultivate his knowledge of spiritual songs.
b) Much may be shared and much learned from sharing with each other.
3. Contrast to the world’s culture of bawdy and drunken songs
It was a common thing to sing songs at parties in the ancient days. When much wine has been consumed, all personal decorum is in danger of being lost and dissipated. Unwholesome songs were not uncommon. This was the world’s way of having fellowship with each other, over flagons of wine.
“Singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord”
Paul is in full agreement to the apostle John’s definition of fellowship. In his first general epistle, John wrote,
That which we have seen and heard we declare to you,
That you also may have fellowship with us;
and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son
Jesus Christ
1 JOHN 1:3
1. Consciousness of the Lord’s Presence
What sweet joy it is to be so conscious of having fellowship with the Lord! How wonderful to know that in our fellowship with each other, the Lord is present there.
2. Consciousness of worshiping the Lord
Every believer who walks in the Light of the Lord cannot help but desire to worship and adore Him. Even when there is fellowship among brethren, Christ is adored.