Excerpt:

But David was also a musician. His “fingers tuned a psaltery.” Like a man tuning his violin, David prepared his instrument for playing. The writing of poetry, the making of a beautiful instrument, the tuning of it so that its music can be filled with beauty–David did all these things as a spiritual exercise to the praise of God.

There is something exciting here. How can art be sufficiently meaningful? If it offered up merely before men, then it does not have a sufficient integration point. But it can be offered up before God. David says, “And who shall tell my Lord?” That is, “Who shall tell my Lord that I made a beautiful instrument, who will tell Him that I tuned the psaltery, who will tell Him that I have written this poetry? Who will tell Him about my song?” Then David responds, “The Lord Himself, He Himself hears.” Nobody had to go and tell God. God knew. So the man who really loves God, who is working under the lordship of Christ, could write his poetry, compose his music, construct his musical instruments, fashion his statues, paint his pictures, even if no man ever saw them. He knows God looks upon them.

So you might say to David, “David, why do you sing? Just to amuse yourself? Only the little white-faced sheep will hear.” And David will reply, “Not at all. I’m singing and the God of heaven and earth–He hears my song and that’s what makes it so worthwhile.”

Art can of course be put into the temple. But it doesn’t have to be put into the temple in order to be to the praise of God.

–Francis A. Schaeffer, Art and the Bible: Two Essays
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Bibliotheca sacra 140 no 558 Ap-Je 1983, p 117-133.  writes:

The phrase “take up his cross” is a figure of speech derived from the Roman custom requiring a man convicted of rebellion against Rome’s sovereign rule to carry the cross-beam (patibulum) to his place of execution. Thus the proper starting point is the historical basis for the phrase. This starting point, …, leads to an interpretation that cross-bearing means to submit to the authority or rule one formerly rebelled against, or to obey God’s will.

Read Mark 8:31-38

• What is this passage calling us to give up?
• What are the consequences of not giving it up?
• What are the rewards that are promised here?

It hurts to make something special for someone you love – and then to give it and have it go unnoticed and unappreciated. God knows that feeling. There’s not a day that goes by that He doesn’t give us special gifts from His hand. As James 1:17 says, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father.”

Read 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13

• What are the characteristics of those we should be respecting?
• What does it practically look like to hold someone “in the highest regard in love”?
• As we lead others to worship the Lord, how can we cultivate this attitude of high regard?

NIDOTTE writes:

Mention is often made of singing “a new song.” Primarily this phrase presupposes a new experience of God in action, which is reflected in thanksgiving.

Read Psalm 144:1-6

In what ways did God fight for Israel?
In what ways does God fight for us?

Read Psalm 144:7-11

Deliver me and rescue me. Is this the cry of our heart?
How shall we respond to our God who delivers and rescues?
In what new way have we seen God in action?

Read Psalm 144:12-15

In what ways did God provide security and blessing to Israel?
In what ways does God provide security and blessing to us?

Read: Colossians 3:15-17

• What is the relationship between music and theology in this passage?

• How is teaching and singing an expression of God’s Word dwelling within us?

• What does this have to do with our function as a member of the body?

Read: Ezekiel 43:10-12

How did the description of the Temple lead people to worship God?

How can the symbolism of the Temple help us to worship God today?

Read:  Psalm 19:1-6

God’s glory is overflowingly declared by the heavens.  Shining forth in radiance, the story is told, yet not a word is spoken.  Not a syllable, not a single sound.  It goes everywhere, throughout all edges of existence.  The sun which sleeps at night and wakes up in the morning shouts forth God’s glory. There is more joy than a married man on his wedding night.  There is more energy and vigor than an Olympic runner.

Read:  Psalm 19:7-9

What does the law’s perfection have to do with God’s glory declared?  God has revealed Himself in creation (general revelation) and God has revealed Himself in the law (special revelation).  The beauty of the God’s work is surpassed by the perfection of God’s Word.

Read:  Psalm 19:10-14

We crave the law more than all the wealth of the world.  We desire the law more than the tastiest chocolate.  It is the law which warns us.  It is obeying the law which rewards us.

Lord, I do not understand the depths of my sinfulness.  On sins that I’m not aware of, please forgive me.  On sins that I am aware of, please give me victory over them. May everything that I say and think be pleasing to You, O Lord, my Rock, my Redeemer. Amen.