“A Theology of Music” – 1 Corinthians 6:12

DISCUSSION GUIDE:

“All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything. -1 Corinthians 6:12

Supporting scriptures: Psalm 150:1-6, 1 Corinthians 10:31, Isaiah 5:20, Philippians 4:8, Ephesians 5:3-4, Colossians 3:16.

Grasping the concept

Why do you think God made us with the ability to sing, play instruments skilfully, and appreciate all of the different sounds coming together to create beautiful music? Why do you think music inspires us, moves us emotionally and resonates with us when we are sad, happy, and everything in-between?
What does that say about how God sees music? If music is such a powerful and enriching part of life, what do you think God intended it to be used for?
Why does the content of what we listen to matter to God? How does music shape how we think and see the world around us?

Faith in action

How do you decide what you will and will not listen to (lyrics, catchiness, popularity, language, message, etc)? Have you considered your music choices from the perspective of how it might shape your thoughts, heart, affections, and decisions – ie: helpful/unhelpful in your discipleship to Jesus?
Think of some popular music and some of the music you listen to regularly – How do the lyrics glorify things that are sinful and unhelpful, and/or put down things that God says are good?
When might the emotionalism of our music be unhelpful?
Should we only listen to “worship” or “Christian” music? Why or why not?
How could a song that doesn’t have any swears or inappropriate language still be unhelpful or harmful for your discipleship? How could a song that isn’t necessarily obviously “Christian” be encouraging and helpful for you to listen to?
Are there things about your music choices that you would be wise to reconsider in light of God’s intentions for music?