Music in Worship

Introduction:

One of the most distinguishing characteristics of Churches of Christ is a Cappella singing. Many wonder why we do not use IM in worship. It is a good and legitimate question worthy of a biblical answer. Churches of Christ are not alone in not using instrumental music – but we are probably the most well known. In scripture, there are two kinds of music: vocal & instrumental. In the New Testament, God’s people praised Him vocally. See Mt. 26:30; Mk. 14:26; Acts 16:25; Rom. 15:9; Eph. 5:18-19; Col. 3:16-17; Heb. 2:11-12; Js. 5:13; 1 Cor. 14:26

I.      Is IM an expedient or and addition?

A.    An expedient is a lawful means to carry out a command of God.

B.    When God has been specific, there can be no variation from His instruction.

1.     Deut. 5:32-33 – there is a principle here. See Rom. 15:4.

C.     Let’s explore this concept for a few moments.

1.     Gen. 6:14 – build ark from gopher wood & cover it with pitch.

2.     Ex. 31:2, 6 – Bezalel & Oholiab commanded to build the ark.

3.     Acts 16:9-12 – Paul receives Macedonian call – but left up to Paul to choose best expedient to carry out this call. 16:11 – Paul boards ship to Philippi.

D.    Additions are unlike expedients. They go beyond the command.

E.     Practical ways to see the contrast between expedients and additions.

1.     Mk. 16:16 – baptism. Sprinkling changes the instruction.

2.     1 Cor. 11:23-25 – partake of Lord’s Supper. A potluck dinner is an addition.

3.     Eph. 5:19 – sing. Instruments adds a form of worship not found in NT.

II.     Is this just a matter of opinion?

A.    Opinions in religion can have no authority. Romans 14:1-12

B.    This is not a matter of opinion.

C.     Asking people to sing, a verbal act, is simply not offering an opinion or giving an interpretation.

1.     Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16; Heb. 13:15

D.    An opinion is just a guess!

1.     There can be no uncertainty about the instruction to sing!

III.   IM is used in Revelation.

A.    Rev. 5:8 - What is mentioned in this verse?

1.     4 living creatures and 24 elders. Fall down before the Lamb.

2.     Each one of these had a harp & a golden bowl of incense.

3.     Text indicates harps and golden bowls are symbols of something.

1.     Rev. 14:1-3 – esp. 14:2 What did John hear? Literal waterfall?  Thunder? Harps?

2.     “Like the sound of.”

3.     The things in 14:2 are symbolic.

4.     14:3 – what type of music here? Instrumental or vocal? Vocal.

Conclusion:

A.    Much of this boils down to reverence & respect for God.

B.    Respect for God starts w/a relationship w/Him. Do you have one?