“Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.” 1 Timothy 1:17
This is one of my favorite hymns in scripture. From it comes one of my favorite hymns to sing in church.
Immortal, Invisible by: Walter C. Smith
Immortal, invisible, God only wise, In light inaccessible hid from our eyes, Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days, Almighty, victorious, thy great name we praise.
Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light, Nor wanting, nor wasting, Thou rulest in might; Thy justice, like mountains, high soaring above Thy clouds, which are fountains of goodness and love.
Great Father of glory, pure Father of light, Thine angels adore Thee, all veiling their sight; All praise we would render- O help us to see 'Tis only the splendor of light hideth Thee!
Hymns in Paul’s Writing
Paul includes this in his introduction to the letter to Timothy. Right in the middle of his exhortation to doctrinal accuracy, right after his remembrance of the grace and mercy of God given to him in his salvation Paul includes this hymn.
Let’s not miss this. Paul is writing to someone who is to be an apologist, a belief warrior and he writes in the words of this hymn.
I can imagine Paul sitting at a desk, writing this letter to his son in the Faith, his heart overflowing with praise for the God Who saved him. Committing with the words of this song to honor and glorify God for ever and ever.
Music Teaches
This hymn isn’t out of place. Just the opposite. Music teaches. As a teacher of truth Timothy could harness the power of hymns such as this in leading others to stand for truth. We can teach ourselves and others with the music we choose to let into our minds.
The Power of Music
What we sing to ourselves can strengthen or weaken us. We can pump our brains full of the ideology of a world that is against God. Or we can live in the joy of praise to God. These choices exist in every area of life. But none more than in what music you choose today.
I am blown away by the messages of modern music. The selfishness, sensuality, the disregard of God and his ways. Just last week I was exposed to a country song that basically had the message “God stays in his part of my life and I get the rest”. This isn’t a health perspective of God or life!
Our hymns are a different story. These songs are composed of words that move us to praise. Combined with their music, these hymns present a God worthy of praise and worship.
Your Turn
Make music a part of your worship to God.
What are some of the songs and hymns that lift your heart to praise and worship God? In the comments share some of the music that helps keeps your focus on God and His truth.
Be willing to turn off music that is teaching you things you know to be contrary to scripture.
Find some music that will lift the eyes of your heart to God, and motivate you to praise Him.
Here are a few songs and hymns that have been a blessing to me:
Is He Worthy?
You Alone are God
(To my knowledge this song has not been professionally recorded)
Immortal, Invisible
