Tell Me The Old Old Story 279 Background
Tell Me The Old, Old Story, #279
Background • Written by Catherine Hankey, 1866. During a serious illness, she wrote a 100 verse poem entitled, “The Old, Old Story” in 2 parts – “The Story Wanted” and “The Story Told” • The next year, portions of it was read at a convention. William Doane was in the audience. He put a portion of it to music. • A portion of the second section was also put to music by William Fischer in a song entitled, “I Love to Tell the Story”
Background • Our interest is in the message of the song! • We ought to think about the life of Jesus – simply, slowly, often, softly and always. • It can be a song reminding ME that I need to think of this • AND/OR it can be a song as if spoken of another needing to hear the gospel that I have been entrusted to share with them.
Background • Story – sometimes, thought of as a fictitious telling. However, the word can mean a narrative that is either true or fictitious, which is designed to inform or interest the hearer (or reader). • Often, there is a lesson or application attached to the account. • Clearly, the intent of this song (and many others) is to declare the TRUE account of Jesus (cf. 1 John 2: 22, 4: 3)
Vs. 1 – The Old, Old Story • The old, old story - A well established account – 2000+ years ago, our Lord came to this earth. While not a new account, it is certainly relevant and needed today. • Of unseen things above – God and the heavenly realm. Romans 1: 20, Colossians 1: 15 -16
Vs. 1 – The Old, Old Story • Of Jesus and His glory – 2 Thessalonians 2: 14, 2: 1, cf. Philippians 2: 8 -10 James • Of Jesus and His love – John 15: 13 Romans 5: 6 -8
Vs. 1 – The Old, Old Story • Tell me the story simply – make it understandable, not confusing. Ephesians 3: 3 -4, 1 Corinthians 2: 1 -5 As to a little child – cf. 2 Timothy 3: 15 • For I am weak and weary, helpless and defiled – we need it when we are hurting and struggling – cf. Matthew 11: 28 -30
Vs. 2 – Tell it slowly • Tell it slowly, that I may take it in – make it clear and unmistakable. Ensure it is understood. • That wonderful redemption, God’s remedy of sin – the foundation of the gospel Romans 3: 24 Ephesians 1: 7, 1 Corinthians 15: 1 -4
Vs. 2 – Tell it slowly • Tell it often, for I forget so soon… – we need reminders Philippians 3: 1 2 Peter 1: 12 -15 Hebrews 3: 13 – exhort one another daily
Vs. 3 – Tell it softly • Tell it softly, with earnest tones and grave – seriously and with effect. Our salvation is no laughing matter – 2 Corinthians 5: 11, Jude 22 -23, Matthew 10: 16 • Remember I’m the sinner, who Jesus came to save – how do we view our friends? John 3: 16, Romans 6: 23, 1 Timothy 1: 15
Vs. 3 – Tell it softly • Tell it always, if you would really be, in any time of trouble, a comforter to me – continually on our minds, especially in troubling times – 2 Timothy 4: 2, Matthew 11: 28 -30, cf. 1 Thessalonians 5: 14
Vs. 4 – Tell the same, old story • Tell me the same old story – don’t’ change it! Respect it as it is 1 Corinthians 4: 6, Galatians 1: 6 -9, 2 Peter 3: 16 Jude 3, 1 Peter 1: 24 -25 • When you have cause to fear that this world’s empty glory is costing me too dear – remind us about the decaying nature of this world – Matthew 9: 36 -38, 16: 26; 1 John 2: 15 -17
Vs. 4 – Tell the same, old story • Yes, and when that world’s glory, is dawning on my soul – our life is a vapor James 4: 13 -14, Hebrews 9: 27 • Tell me the old, old story, Christ Jesus makes thee whole – He is the source of our salvation Acts 4: 12, John 14: 6 • How? Romans 6: 3 -4
The chorus • A continual emphasis - to hear this story over and over – of Jesus and His love!
May we desire to hear the message of our Lord and Savior often!
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