SINGING
-Introduction
-Brief Review
-God’s patterns, Lord’s Supper, Crucifixion
-Today, we’ll
continue this series of lessons on God’s pattern for N.T. worship by
focusing on a
topic that
has been the subject of much discussion and debate down through the
years - and still
is today.
-It’s a topic that many don’t properly/fully understand. As a result,
it has been the target for
much criticism that has been brought against the church.
-The topic is
singing.
-Why
Do We Sing?
-First of all,
we sing to praise God.
-This was the case under the OT and still is the case today under the
NT.
-Ps 28:6-7, Ps 69:30, Ps 144:9,15
-Eph 5:19, Col 3:16 - "to the Lord"
-Secondly, we
sing to teach and admonish one another.
-This is not something new: Deut 31:16-22 - Song of Moses
-When we sing, we must pay attention to the words:
-They teach us, encourage us, motivate us, warn
us.
-An
Authority Issue
-The topic of
singing is actually an issue rooted in the topic of authority.
-Col 3:17
-God has
specified singing for N.T. worship.
-Supporters of mechanical instruments of music commonly state, “But
God’s word does not
prohibit the use of mechanical instruments.”
-What they mean is this: There isn’t a “Thou shalt not”
statement in reference to
mechanical
instruments of music.
-But, that
doesn’t mean that God has not prohibited their use.
-When God
specifies one thing, all other options are eliminated.
-Eph 5:19, Col 3:16 - The instrument to be played is the heart.
-example of a catalog order
-consistency: Why do we worship on the first day of the week? Is there
a statement that
explicitly
says, “Thou shalt not worship on other days of the week”?
-We rightfully worship upon the first day of the week because that is
the pattern
established
in the N.T. scriptures for N.T. worship - Acts 20:7. Therefore, a “Thou
shalt not”
statement is not necessary in regards to the other days of the week.
-Some don’t
think that the addition of mechanical instruments of music is a big
deal.
-Rev 22:18-19
-Lev 10:1-2 - the example of Nadab and Abihu (Rom 15:4)
-Old
Testament References / Book of Revelation
-Those who
argue for the use of mechanical instruments in worship commonly appeal
to Old
Testament
practices - i.e. King David.
-“But, David used instruments.”
-Yes, he did. However, he lived under the Law. We do not.
-David offered animal sacrifices, incense, observed particular feasts
and festivals, etc. We
would
never dream of trying to justify such worship practices today with a
“But David did
it”
statement.
-It isn’t an
issue of what David did. It is an issue of what we are authorized and
commanded to
do by God in
the N.T. scriptures.
-But, what
about the book of Revelation?
-Rev 14:1-3 -We must remember that this passage contains figurative
language and that it is
describing a scene in heaven, not on
earth.
-To try to force a literal meaning upon the harps here is to abuse this
passage.
-literal names written on foreheads? literal
beasts? literal Lamb? etc...
-Again, we’re
looking in the scriptures for God’s specific instructions (pattern) for
N.T. worship
here on
earth.
-That which has been authorized by God is singing.
-Entertainment
Issue
-Most, if not
all, of us realize that there has been a greater emphasis placed on
entertainment.
-This takes the focus away from God and puts it more on people.
-Rather than reverently worshipping God, more people are being
entertained.
-example of Amy’s cousin
-God is the
primary audience for our worship. Worship is to be directed to Him.
-We are
to be reverently praising, honoring, glorifying and thanking our
Almighty God, not
praising and
honoring performers.
-Summary
and Invitation
-Singing is
something that we all are commanded to do.
-It’s not about whether or not we’re in the right key and hitting the
right note.
-It’s about whether or not we’re focused on our worship to God, singing
with sincere hearts
and paying attention to the messages contained in the songs.
-Singing is
specifically authorized by God.
-By following
His specific pattern, we can offer worship that is acceptable and
pleasing in His
sight.
-As a
result, we can properly glorify His name and honor Him.
-Amos 5:20-27
-What
was the problem? They were simply going through the motions. They
weren’t
allowing
their worship to bring them closer to God. It was a technicality for
them -
something
they were required to do. But, while going through those motions they
were
living lives
of sin.
-You see, they failed to combine proper worship with proper living.
-What about
you? Are you living obediently to God?
-If
you’ve never obeyed God, obey the Gospel: Believe (John 3:16, 8:24),
Confess (Matt 10:32,
Rom
10:9-10), Repent (Luke 13:3,5; Acts 17:30), Be Baptized (Mark 16:16,
Acts 2:38)
-If you’ve
obeyed the Gospel but haven’t remained faithful, return to God: Confess
your faults,
repent of
them and pray for God’s forgiveness (1 John 1:7-9, Acts 8:22-24)
Other sermons and lessons about Worship:
