Worship in the New Testament
Worship in the New Testament • Sermon • Submitted
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Worship in the New Testament
Worship in the New Testament
15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
INTRODUCTION:
INTRODUCTION:
A. Lesson texts:
A. Lesson texts:
1. – “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.”
1. – “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.”
15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
2. – “For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”
2. – “For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”
17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
3. – “God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth.”
3. – “God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth.”
24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
a. Herein we find the correct object of worship . . . God Who is Spirit.
a. Herein we find the correct object of worship . . . God Who is Spirit.
b. Herein we find the correct attitude of worship . . . Worship in spirit.
b. Herein we find the correct attitude of worship . . . Worship in spirit.
c. Herein we find the foundation for correct worship . . . Truth. – “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.”
c. Herein we find the foundation for correct worship . . . Truth. – “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.”
17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
B. The word “worship” . . .
B. The word “worship” . . .
1. Occurs some 185 times in the Bible.
1. Occurs some 185 times in the Bible.
2. Is engaged in a minimum of some 156 times by faithful Christians.
2. Is engaged in a minimum of some 156 times by faithful Christians.
3. Four kinds of worship are mentioned in the New Testament.
3. Four kinds of worship are mentioned in the New Testament.
a. VAIN worship.
a. VAIN worship.
– “– “These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. 9 And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.”
8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. 9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
b. IGNORANT worship.
b. IGNORANT worship.
– “Then Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, ‘Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious; 23 for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore, the one whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you.’”
22 Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars’ hill, and said,
Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious. 23 For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.
c. TRUE worship.
c. TRUE worship.
– “God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth.”
24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
4. What is worship? “To honor or reverence a divine being.” (Websters)
4. What is worship? “To honor or reverence a divine being.” (Websters)
a. The object of worship is God!
a. The object of worship is God!
b. True worship of God does not happen without effort on out part.
b. True worship of God does not happen without effort on out part.
c. Worship is an active response to God whereby we declare His worth.
c. Worship is an active response to God whereby we declare His worth.
d. In fact, the word, “worship” is a modification of an older word, “worth-ship.”
d. In fact, the word, “worship” is a modification of an older word, “worth-ship.”
e. In worship . . .
e. In worship . . .
1. We attribute praise, worth, honor, and glory to God.
1. We attribute praise, worth, honor, and glory to God.
2. It is limited to things that God has told man to do to worship Him.
2. It is limited to things that God has told man to do to worship Him.
3. It requires a proper attitude by man towards God while doing what God has directed in the Bible.
3. It requires a proper attitude by man towards God while doing what God has directed in the Bible.
C. Worship is not merely a physically exercise, but rather, it is spiritual as well.
C. Worship is not merely a physically exercise, but rather, it is spiritual as well.
1. Many go through the physical aspects of worship without concentrating on the spiritual aspects.
1. Many go through the physical aspects of worship without concentrating on the spiritual aspects.
2. You can have the right physical aspects but the wrong spiritual aspects.
2. You can have the right physical aspects but the wrong spiritual aspects.
D. The Bible is God’s mind in print . . . and the Bible guides us in the right way of Worshipping God.
D. The Bible is God’s mind in print . . . and the Bible guides us in the right way of Worshipping God.
E. As we discuss New Testament worship, let us remember that we do not live under the Old Testament.
E. As we discuss New Testament worship, let us remember that we do not live under the Old Testament.
1. – “Having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.”
1. – “Having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.”
14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
2. – “Then He said, ‘Behold, I have come to do Your will, O God.’ He takes away the first that He may establish the second. 10 By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”
2. – “Then He said, ‘Behold, I have come to do Your will, O God.’ He takes away the first that He may establish the second. 10 By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”
9 Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. 10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
3. Worship by Christians today comes from the New Testament and not from the Old Testament.
3. Worship by Christians today comes from the New Testament and not from the Old Testament.
F. God has revealed these items of worship for us.
F. God has revealed these items of worship for us.
WHY DO WE SING IN WORSHIP TO GOD?
WHY DO WE SING IN WORSHIP TO GOD?
A. The act of singing is an important part of worshipping God.
A. The act of singing is an important part of worshipping God.
1. At least one thousand times each year we participate in the singing of a Christian hymn.
1. At least one thousand times each year we participate in the singing of a Christian hymn.
2. The word “sing” in one of its forms, appears approximately 150 times in the Bible.
2. The word “sing” in one of its forms, appears approximately 150 times in the Bible.
B. Purposes of Singing:
B. Purposes of Singing:
1. It is a means of teaching.
1. It is a means of teaching.
2. It is a means of encouragement or admonition.
2. It is a means of encouragement or admonition.
3. It is a means of expressing thanksgiving to God.
3. It is a means of expressing thanksgiving to God.
4. It is a means of communion with God.
4. It is a means of communion with God.
5. On funeral occasions . . . It is a means of expressing sympathy.
5. On funeral occasions . . . It is a means of expressing sympathy.
C. Nine New Testament passages speak of singing.
C. Nine New Testament passages speak of singing.
1. – “And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.”
1. – “And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.”
30 And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.
2. – “But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.”
2. – “But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.”
Worship in the New Testamentd for His mercy, as it is written: ‘For this reason I will confess to You among the Gentiles, And sing to Your name.’” 4. – “What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding.” 5. – “Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.” a. Sing to one another in: 1. Psalms: The Psalms of David were sung by the Jews at the temple as well as by early Christians. 2. Hymn: A song or ode in honor to God. 3. Spiritual Songs: Odes or songs relating to spiritual things. 4. Melody for these “psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs” is assigned a source . . . The hear God has created. a. Melody is to be made by those singing. b. The Bible tells us where the melody is to be made. c. The Bible tells us that the instrument is the heart and the melody is to be made there. 1. Melody is to be made by that which God made. 2. Mechanical instruments are made by man. 6. – “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” 7. – “. . . I will declare Your name to My brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to You.” 8. – “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms.” 9. – “Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.” D. Every Christian should sing in worship. 1. Sing your best . . . It is for God. 2. Sing only that which is Biblically true. 3. Concentrate on and understand the words and thoughts you are singing.
25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.
3,d for His mercy, as it is written: ‘For this reason I will confess to You among the Gentiles, And sing to Your name.’”
3,d for His mercy, as it is written: ‘For this reason I will confess to You among the Gentiles, And sing to Your name.’”
3. – “And that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy, as it is written: ‘For this reason I will confess to You among the Gentiles, And sing to Your name.’” 4. – “What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding.” 5. – “Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.” a. Sing to one another in: 1. Psalms: The Psalms of David were sung by the Jews at the temple as well as by early Christians. 2. Hymn: A song or ode in honor to God. 3. Spiritual Songs: Odes or songs relating to spiritual things. 4. Melody for these “psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs” is assigned a source . . . The hear God has created. a. Melody is to be made by those singing. b. The Bible tells us where the melody is to be made. c. The Bible tells us that the instrument is the heart and the melody is to be made there. 1. Melody is to be made by that which God made. 2. Mechanical instruments are made by man. 6. – “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” 7. – “. . . I will declare Your name to My brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to You.” 8. – “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms.” 9. – “Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.” D. Every Christian should sing in worship. 1. Sing your best . . . It is for God. 2. Sing only that which is Biblically true. 3. Concentrate on and understand the words and thoughts you are singing.
4. – “What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding.”
4. – “What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding.”
15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.
5. – “Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.”
5. – “Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.”
19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
a. Sing to one another in:
a. Sing to one another in:
1. Psalms: The Psalms of David were sung by the Jews at the temple as well as by early Christians.
1. Psalms: The Psalms of David were sung by the Jews at the temple as well as by early Christians.
2. Hymn: A song or ode in honor to God.
2. Hymn: A song or ode in honor to God.
3. Spiritual Songs: Odes or songs relating to spiritual things.
3. Spiritual Songs: Odes or songs relating to spiritual things.
4. Melody for these “psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs” is assigned a source . . . The hear God has created.
4. Melody for these “psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs” is assigned a source . . . The hear God has created.
a. Melody is to be made by those singing.
a. Melody is to be made by those singing.
b. The Bible tells us where the melody is to be made.
b. The Bible tells us where the melody is to be made.
c. The Bible tells us that the instrument is the heart and the melody is to be made there.
c. The Bible tells us that the instrument is the heart and the melody is to be made there.
1. Melody is to be made by that which God made.
1. Melody is to be made by that which God made.
2. Mechanical instruments are made by man.
2. Mechanical instruments are made by man.
6. – “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”
6. – “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
7. – “. . . I will declare Your name to My brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to You.”
7. – “. . . I will declare Your name to My brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to You.”
12 Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.
8. – “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms.”
8. – “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms.”
13 Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.
9. – “Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.”
9. – “Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.”
15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
D. Every Christian should sing in worship.
D. Every Christian should sing in worship.
1. Sing your best . . . It is for God.
1. Sing your best . . . It is for God.
2. Sing only that which is Biblically true.
2. Sing only that which is Biblically true.
3. Concentrate on and understand the words and thoughts you are singing.
3. Concentrate on and understand the words and thoughts you are singing.
WHY DO WE NOT USE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC IN
WHY DO WE NOT USE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC IN
OUR WORSHIP TO GOD?
OUR WORSHIP TO GOD?
A. The question is often raised, “Why doesn’t the Church of Christ not use mechanical instruments of music in their worship services?”
A. The question is often raised, “Why doesn’t the Church of Christ not use mechanical instruments of music in their worship services?”
B. Basically there are four reasons.
B. Basically there are four reasons.
1. There is no command to use it.
1. There is no command to use it.
2. There is no example of it in Christian worship when the church was first established and for centuries thereafter.
2. There is no example of it in Christian worship when the church was first established and for centuries thereafter.
3. The word of history is unanimous that musical instruments were not used in Christian worship during the period of direct divine direction of the church.
3. The word of history is unanimous that musical instruments were not used in Christian worship during the period of direct divine direction of the church.
4. Bible scholars of all ages and from different religious groups have believed it to be out of harmony with the Scriptures and have so expressed it.
4. Bible scholars of all ages and from different religious groups have believed it to be out of harmony with the Scriptures and have so expressed it.
C. We have noted and read all nine verses in the New Testament that has to do with singing.
C. We have noted and read all nine verses in the New Testament that has to do with singing.
D. QUESTION: Does such a “little thing” like a piano, organ, guitar, drums, etc. really matter to God? This is indeed a significant question that deserves a Biblical answer.
D. QUESTION: Does such a “little thing” like a piano, organ, guitar, drums, etc. really matter to God? This is indeed a significant question that deserves a Biblical answer.
1. In three strategic places (Near the beginning of the Bible . . . Near the middle of the Bible . . . And near the end of the Bible) God warns the ages about tampering with His commandments.
1. In three strategic places (Near the beginning of the Bible . . . Near the middle of the Bible . . . And near the end of the Bible) God warns the ages about tampering with His commandments.
a. – “You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.”
a. – “You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.”
2 Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you.
b. – “Do not add to His words, Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.”
b. – “Do not add to His words, Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.”
6 Add thou not unto his words,
Lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.
c. – “For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; 19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book”
c. – “For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; 19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book”
18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
2. As we further answer our question, “Does such a ‘little thing’ like a piano, organ, guitar, drums, etc. really matter to God?, let us note from the Bible…
2. As we further answer our question, “Does such a ‘little thing’ like a piano, organ, guitar, drums, etc. really matter to God?, let us note from the Bible…
a. In , the “little matter” of fire from an unauthorized source condemned two nephews of Moses, Nadab and Abihu. Fire from Heaven came down and devoured them.
a. In , the “little matter” of fire from an unauthorized source condemned two nephews of Moses, Nadab and Abihu. Fire from Heaven came down and devoured them.
14 And the Lord spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, saying,
b. In , the “little matter” of a few sheep and good intentions condemned King in the matter concerning God’s command for him to utterly destroy all of the Amalekites. He was rejected from being King over Israel.
b. In , the “little matter” of a few sheep and good intentions condemned King in the matter concerning God’s command for him to utterly destroy all of the Amalekites. He was rejected from being King over Israel.
13 And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the Lord thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would the Lord have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever. 14 But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the Lord hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the Lord hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the Lord commanded thee.
d. In , the “little matter” of adding tradition to worship condemned the Pharisees. “And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.”
d. In , the “little matter” of adding tradition to worship condemned the Pharisees. “And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.”
9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
e. – “Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son.”
e. – “Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son.”
9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.
E. QUESTION: hasn’t there always been instrumental music in the churches?
E. QUESTION: hasn’t there always been instrumental music in the churches?
1. The answer is no!
1. The answer is no!
a. According the the American Encyclopedia, vol. 12, p. 688, in the first apostate church, Pope Vitalian is believed to have introduced organs into the churches of Western Europe somewhere around 670.
a. According the the American Encyclopedia, vol. 12, p. 688, in the first apostate church, Pope Vitalian is believed to have introduced organs into the churches of Western Europe somewhere around 670.
b. It is significant that there were no instruments used in worship for over 650 years after the church was established and its introduction caused great turmoil.
b. It is significant that there were no instruments used in worship for over 650 years after the church was established and its introduction caused great turmoil.
c. In the minds of early Christians instrumental music was associated with paganism.
c. In the minds of early Christians instrumental music was associated with paganism.
2. Mechanical instruments of music are made by the hands of men. The heart is made by God. – ““Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and MAKING MELODY IN YOUR HEART to the Lord.”
2. Mechanical instruments of music are made by the hands of men. The heart is made by God. – ““Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and MAKING MELODY IN YOUR HEART to the Lord.”
19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
F. Early religious leaders condemned instrumental music in worship.
F. Early religious leaders condemned instrumental music in worship.
1. John Wesley . . . Methodist . . . “I have no objection to the organ in our chapels provided it is neither seen nor heard.”
1. John Wesley . . . Methodist . . . “I have no objection to the organ in our chapels provided it is neither seen nor heard.”
2. John Calvin . . . Presbyterian . . . “Musical instruments in celebrating the praises of God would be no more suitable than the burning of incense, the lightning up of lamps, and the restoration of other shadows of the law.”
2. John Calvin . . . Presbyterian . . . “Musical instruments in celebrating the praises of God would be no more suitable than the burning of incense, the lightning up of lamps, and the restoration of other shadows of the law.”
3. Joseph Bingham . . . Church of England . . . “Music in the church is as ancient as the apostles; but instrumental music is not.”
3. Joseph Bingham . . . Church of England . . . “Music in the church is as ancient as the apostles; but instrumental music is not.”
4. Adam Clarke . . . Methodist . . . writing on page 686 in Vol. 4 of Clark’s Commentary, said: I am an old man, and an old minister; and I here declare that I never knew them (musical instruments) productive of any good in the worship of God; and have had no reason to believe that they were productive of much evil. Music as a science I esteem and admire, but instruments of music in the house of God I abominate and abhor.”
4. Adam Clarke . . . Methodist . . . writing on page 686 in Vol. 4 of Clark’s Commentary, said: I am an old man, and an old minister; and I here declare that I never knew them (musical instruments) productive of any good in the worship of God; and have had no reason to believe that they were productive of much evil. Music as a science I esteem and admire, but instruments of music in the house of God I abominate and abhor.”
G. The early church used only vocal music.
G. The early church used only vocal music.
1. Dr. Curt Sachs, Columbia University, and one of the most eminent musicologists of our time, said: “All ancient Christian music was vocal.”
1. Dr. Curt Sachs, Columbia University, and one of the most eminent musicologists of our time, said: “All ancient Christian music was vocal.”
2. Richard Wagner, quoted in the Catholic Encyclopedia, Vol 10, said: “There is no doubt but that those qualities absolutely necessary to church music, namely, modesty, dignity, and soulfulness, are most inherent in the vocal style than in any other. Reserve and humble restraint befits the house of God . . . That vocal music is in general more expressive than the mechanically produced tones of instruments is undeniable. Religious feeling finds its most natural expression in vocal utterance for the human heart is the source of both devotion and song.”
2. Richard Wagner, quoted in the Catholic Encyclopedia, Vol 10, said: “There is no doubt but that those qualities absolutely necessary to church music, namely, modesty, dignity, and soulfulness, are most inherent in the vocal style than in any other. Reserve and humble restraint befits the house of God . . . That vocal music is in general more expressive than the mechanically produced tones of instruments is undeniable. Religious feeling finds its most natural expression in vocal utterance for the human heart is the source of both devotion and song.”
3. Lyman Coleman, writing on pages 370 and 371 of the book, The Primitive Church, said: “Both the Jews in their temple service and the Greeks in their idol worship were accustomed to singing with the accompaniment of instrumental music. The converts to Christianity must have been familiar with this mode of singing, but it is generally admitted that the primitive Christians employed no instrumental music in their religious worship. Neither Ambrose or Basil, nor Chrysostom in their noble encomiums which they severally pronounce upon music make any mention of instrumental music. Basil condemns it as ministering only to the depraved passions of men.”
3. Lyman Coleman, writing on pages 370 and 371 of the book, The Primitive Church, said: “Both the Jews in their temple service and the Greeks in their idol worship were accustomed to singing with the accompaniment of instrumental music. The converts to Christianity must have been familiar with this mode of singing, but it is generally admitted that the primitive Christians employed no instrumental music in their religious worship. Neither Ambrose or Basil, nor Chrysostom in their noble encomiums which they severally pronounce upon music make any mention of instrumental music. Basil condemns it as ministering only to the depraved passions of men.”
Christians employed no instrumental music in their religious worship. Neither Ambrose or Basil, nor Chrysostom in their noble encomiums which they severally pronounce upon music make any mention of instrumental music. Basil condemns it as ministering only to the depraved passions of men.” 4. J. N. Brown, on page 1702 of Vol. 2 of The Shaff-Herzog Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge, said: In the Greek church the organ never came into use, but after the eighth century it became common in the Latin church, not, however, without opposition from the side of the Monks . . . The reformed church discarded it, and in other places admitted only sparingly and after long hesitation.” I. Arguments made in defense of the use of mechanical instruments of music in worship services. 1. “I don’t see any harm in it.” a. This is viewing the issue from a natural viewpoint, and not from the Biblical standpoint. Spiritual things must be judged by the spiritual standard of the Bible. b. There is harm in it. 1. It has divided the religious world. 2. It has caused trouble in nearly every religious group. 3. It discourages congregational singing. 4. It makes worship vain. – “. “And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.” 2. “The Bible doesn’t say not to use them.” a. Such adherents overlook God’s Law of Exclusion in the Bible. That is . . . When God says something a certain way, it excludes everything else. b. Examples: 1. Ark of gopher wood. Not elm . . . Not oak . . . Not cedar. 2. Fruit of the vine. Not coffee . . . Not milk . . . Not Pepsie Cola 3. Making melody in your heart . . . Not on a piano . . . Not on an organ . . . etc. 3. “I like it and it sounds good.” a. In the worship service, whom are we trying to please . . . God . . . or ourselves? b. Just because people do a thing doesn’t make it acceptable to God. 1. This is vain worship. 2. In our worship services we are striving to please God in rather than men. 3. Music here is worship . . . not an art. 4. It is not what pleases us but rather what pleases God that counts. 4. “It was used in the Old Testament.”
4. J. N. Brown, on page 1702 of Vol. 2 of The Shaff-Herzog Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge, said: In the Greek church the organ never came into use, but after the eighth century it became common in the Latin church, not, however, without opposition from the side of the Monks . . . The reformed church discarded it, and in other places admitted only sparingly and after long hesitation.”
4. J. N. Brown, on page 1702 of Vol. 2 of The Shaff-Herzog Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge, said: In the Greek church the organ never came into use, but after the eighth century it became common in the Latin church, not, however, without opposition from the side of the Monks . . . The reformed church discarded it, and in other places admitted only sparingly and after long hesitation.”
I. Arguments made in defense of the use of mechanical instruments of music in worship services.
I. Arguments made in defense of the use of mechanical instruments of music in worship services.
1. “I don’t see any harm in it.”
1. “I don’t see any harm in it.”
a. This is viewing the issue from a natural viewpoint, and not from the Biblical standpoint. Spiritual things must be judged by the spiritual standard of the Bible.
a. This is viewing the issue from a natural viewpoint, and not from the Biblical standpoint. Spiritual things must be judged by the spiritual standard of the Bible.
b. There is harm in it.
b. There is harm in it.
1. It has divided the religious world.
1. It has divided the religious world.
2. It has caused trouble in nearly every religious group.
2. It has caused trouble in nearly every religious group.
3. It discourages congregational singing.
3. It discourages congregational singing.
4. It makes worship vain. – “. “And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.”
4. It makes worship vain. – “. “And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.”
9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
2. “The Bible doesn’t say not to use them.”
2. “The Bible doesn’t say not to use them.”
a. Such adherents overlook God’s Law of Exclusion in the Bible. That is . . . When God says something a certain way, it excludes everything else.
a. Such adherents overlook God’s Law of Exclusion in the Bible. That is . . . When God says something a certain way, it excludes everything else.
b. Examples:
b. Examples:
1. Ark of gopher wood. Not elm . . . Not oak . . . Not cedar.
1. Ark of gopher wood. Not elm . . . Not oak . . . Not cedar.
2. Fruit of the vine. Not coffee . . . Not milk . . . Not Pepsie Cola
2. Fruit of the vine. Not coffee . . . Not milk . . . Not Pepsie Cola
3. Making melody in your heart . . . Not on a piano . . . Not on an organ . . . etc.
3. Making melody in your heart . . . Not on a piano . . . Not on an organ . . . etc.
3. “I like it and it sounds good.”
3. “I like it and it sounds good.”
a. In the worship service, whom are we trying to please . . . God . . . or ourselves?
a. In the worship service, whom are we trying to please . . . God . . . or ourselves?
b. Just because people do a thing doesn’t make it acceptable to God.
b. Just because people do a thing doesn’t make it acceptable to God.
1. This is vain worship.
1. This is vain worship.
9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
2. In our worship services we are striving to please God in rather than men.
2. In our worship services we are striving to please God in rather than men.
3. Music here is worship . . . not an art.
3. Music here is worship . . . not an art.
4. It is not what pleases us but rather what pleases God that counts.
4. It is not what pleases us but rather what pleases God that counts.
4. “It was used in the Old Testament.”
4. “It was used in the Old Testament.”
a. The question is often asked, ‘Were musical instruments used in the Old Testament?” The proper Biblical answer is yes, they were used in the Old Testament.
a. The question is often asked, ‘Were musical instruments used in the Old Testament?” The proper Biblical answer is yes, they were used in the Old Testament.
1. The word “music” appears 17 times in the Old Testament.
1. The word “music” appears 17 times in the Old Testament.
2. The word “instruments” appears 45 times in the Old Testament.
2. The word “instruments” appears 45 times in the Old Testament.
3. The term, “stringed instruments” appear some 25 times in the Old Testament.
3. The term, “stringed instruments” appear some 25 times in the Old Testament.
4. The word “cymbals” appears some 16 times in the Old Testament.
4. The word “cymbals” appears some 16 times in the Old Testament.
5. The words “harp” or “harps” appears some 49 times in the Old Testament,
5. The words “harp” or “harps” appears some 49 times in the Old Testament,
a. “Harp” – 32 times
a. “Harp” – 32 times
b. “Harps” – 17 times
b. “Harps” – 17 times
6. The word “flute” appears 9 times. Its plural form appears an additional 6 times.
6. The word “flute” appears 9 times. Its plural form appears an additional 6 times.
b. Yes, instruments of music were used in the Old Testament . . . Even at the temple is Jerusalem. Others things were used in the Old Testament as well. Among them:
b. Yes, instruments of music were used in the Old Testament . . . Even at the temple is Jerusalem. Others things were used in the Old Testament as well. Among them:
1. Animal sacrifices were used for religious purposes at both the Tabernacle and the Temple . . . But not in the New Testament.
1. Animal sacrifices were used for religious purposes at both the Tabernacle and the Temple . . . But not in the New Testament.
2. The burning on incense were used as well . . . But not in the New Testament.
2. The burning on incense were used as well . . . But not in the New Testament.
c. The fact that these things were used in the Old Testament does not justify their use in the New Testament..
c. The fact that these things were used in the Old Testament does not justify their use in the New Testament..
1. – “Having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.”
1. – “Having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.”
14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
2. – “Then He said, ‘Behold, I have come to do Your will, O God.’ He takes away the first that He may establish the second. 10 By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”
2. – “Then He said, ‘Behold, I have come to do Your will, O God.’ He takes away the first that He may establish the second. 10 By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”
9 Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. 10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
3. – “For the priesthood being changed, of necessity there is also a change of the law.”
3. – “For the priesthood being changed, of necessity there is also a change of the law.”
12 For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.
4. We are not under the Old Testament law or its system of doing things. But rather, worship by Christians today comes from the New Testament and not from the Old Testament.
4. We are not under the Old Testament law or its system of doing things. But rather, worship by Christians today comes from the New Testament and not from the Old Testament.
d. We are under Christ . . . Not Moses . . . Not David . . . Not any other.
d. We are under Christ . . . Not Moses . . . Not David . . . Not any other.
1. Christ has all authority.
1. Christ has all authority.
18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
2. God commands in – “. . . Hear Him.”
2. God commands in – “. . . Hear Him.”
5 While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.
3. We are to worship as the New Testament teaches.
3. We are to worship as the New Testament teaches.
J. “Music” is a generic term . . . “Sing” is a specific term.
J. “Music” is a generic term . . . “Sing” is a specific term.
1. The New Testament was written in Koine Greek . . . The commonly-spoken Greek.
1. The New Testament was written in Koine Greek . . . The commonly-spoken Greek.
2. In Koinie Greek, “Psallo” means specifically singing without instrumental accompaniment.
2. In Koinie Greek, “Psallo” means specifically singing without instrumental accompaniment.
3. God had a reason for using “Psallo” in Paul’s writing.
3. God had a reason for using “Psallo” in Paul’s writing.
4. Therefore, from a logical standpoint:
4. Therefore, from a logical standpoint:
a. “Psallo” . . . Either it includes the instrument or it does not.
a. “Psallo” . . . Either it includes the instrument or it does not.
1. If not, we should leave it out.
1. If not, we should leave it out.
2. If it includes it, we must use it.
2. If it includes it, we must use it.
b. Listening friends, we should interpret as Paul and the early Christians practiced it . . . And sing using our voices as the church in the 1st century did by God’s commands.
b. Listening friends, we should interpret as Paul and the early Christians practiced it . . . And sing using our voices as the church in the 1st century did by God’s commands.
19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
CONCLUSION:
CONCLUSION:
A. Listening friends, we have scriptural reasons for not using it . . . Denominations only have human reasons for using it.
A. Listening friends, we have scriptural reasons for not using it . . . Denominations only have human reasons for using it.