Pleasing
God in Worship: Why We Sing a Cappella (1)
Introduction:
Most often asked question: “Why do you not use instrumental music in
worship?” Question usually comes from good & honest people. This is a good
& legitimate question worthy of a biblical answer. Two kinds of music
– vocal & instrumental. Churches of Christ are not alone in not using
instrumental music – but we are probably the most well known. Reason for
our abstinence from IM is that we see no example of them being used in New
Testament worship.
I. A look at history.
A.
150-300 yrs ago – Singing was a cappella. Few examples…
B.
Methodists; Prebyterians; Baptists; Lutherans
– Martin Luther – 1564? …
C.
Church of England – Joseph
Bingham … Ben Franklin – 19th century Christian
D.
On the meaning of a cappella…
1.
We use the phrase to mean “w/o the use of IM.”
2.
Word = Italian expression in chapel style or as in church.
II. A simple explanation of why we do not
use IM.
A.
Our goal is to please God.
1.
Because He has not indicated that he would be pleased w/IM – we do
not use them in worship.
B.
Take a look at the following scriptures:
1.
2 Cor. 5:9; Eph. 5:8-10; Col. 1:9-10; 1
Thess. 4:1-2; 1 Jhn. 3:21-22; Heb. 13:15-16; 1 Tim. 2:1-3
2.
Pleasing God needs to be our primary
aim as we worship Him.
C.
Unfortunately, instead of the primary aim being to please God in worship
– many make their primary focus to please self.
1.
Across country – worship
increasingly measured by how it makes US feel emotionally & how pleasing it
is to US.
2.
Our first question as we approach God
in worship needs to be, …”what can be done in worship to please God?”
D.
Pleasing God or self?
1.
Just because something pleases me
– does not mean that it pleases God.
2.
We cannot know what pleases God unless
He tells us! 1 Cor. 2:11
3.
Want to know what pleases Him –
must look to Scripture!
III. God has specified singing as the
acceptable mode of praise.
A.
Heb. 13:15 – fruit of lips… This phrase means heartfelt
words of praise!
1.
Expressed through singing & praying. See 1 Cor. 14:15.
B.
Look again at Col. 3:16; Eph. 5:18-20; Acts 16:25
1.
singing….to God.
2.
singing & making melody in your heart to the Lord.
3.
they were singing and praying to God.
C.
From the Scriptures…He told us HOW he wants us to praise Him!
1.
that is, we are to praise Him w/words of praise; adoration; and thanksgiving.
D.
Because God has not specified that he wants to be praised w/an instrument
in worship – we do not use them.
Conclusion:
A.
This is a simple explanation of why we sing a cappella.
1.
Is your primary aim in life pleasing Him?