Pleasing
God in Worship: Why We Sing a Cappella (2)
Introduction:
Last week…discussed 2 kinds of music – instrumental & vocal. Our
motive for not using IM in worship centers around our desire to please God. When
it comes to how we worship God – we must ask, “What can be done in
worship to please God?” Because God has not specified that He wants to be
praised w/an instrument in worship – we do not use them. Tonight, we’ll
answer just a few arguments made in favor of using IM – and whether or
not this really matters in the big picture.
I. Arguments
answered.
A.
God
did not specifically forbid IM.
1.
But…there is biblical evidence that
suggests God intends for His specific prescription of ways to worship Him be
exclusive. Which means –
there are acceptable & unacceptable ways to worship God!
a)
Lev. 10:1-2 - Nadab/Abihu
2.
Make no mistake: God always expects man to follow His
instructions!
B.
What
about the people in the OT who praised God w/IM?
1.
2 Chr.
29:25. Note that they had been
specifically commanded by God to use the IM here.
2.
Christians today live under the New
Covenant. Hezekiah & David
lived under the old covenant.
3.
But as
far as specifics go – we get those from the NT.
C.
IM is
an expedient.
1.
Expedient
= “something fit or suitable to the end in view.” A helpful means to carry out a command of God.
2.
IM is NOT an expedient! Some claim it helps the singing.
II. Does it really matter?
A.
It
matters because it matters how we worship God.
1.
Jhn.
4:23-24 – This is an eternal principle.
2.
Worship that only has the authority of
man is not in truth.
3.
It is no more than “will worship.” See Col. 2:23
B.
It
matters because we must respect the authority of the Scriptures.
1.
1 Peter. 4:11; 2 Tim. 3:16-17
2.
Christians have been told to test all
things- 1 Thess. 5:21
3.
For
things for which there is no authority – must be rejected!
C.
It
matters because apostles were told to include only things in the pattern which
were consistent w/God’s purpose.
D.
It matters because we are not to go
beyond what is written – 1 Cor. 4:6
1.
We keep the tradition of the apostles
– 2 Thess. 2:15; 1 Cor. 11:2
E.
It
matters because if we compromise here – it opens the door to an endless
list of innovation.
Conclusion:
A.
There
is no room for fellowship when worship is corrupted.