Sermon on Music Pleasing to God | The Kind of Music that Pleases God

1. In any study we must study all the scriptures that pertain to the subject that we are studying.

1) The New Testament verses discussing music in worship (Matthew 26:30; Acts 16:25; Romans 15:9; 1 Corinthians 14:15, 26; Colossians 3:16; Ephesians 5:19; Hebrews 2:12; Hebrews 13:15; James 5:13).

2) This how you study any topic in the Bible – you gather all the information from Scripture, which will eliminate human opinions and ideas.

3) Notice that each verse mentions “singing” or the “fruit of the lips” – notice what is not mentioned: mechanical instruments of music.

4) Remember:

a. 2 John 9

b. Rev. 22:18-19

2. Notice also that we are told what to sing (Ephesians 5:19).

1) “Psalms” – the heritage of the Jews which expresses deliverance, thanksgiving, etc.

2) “Hymns” – songs of praise, reverence and adoration.

3) “Spiritual Songs” – a song which correctly expresses the thoughts, facts, and emotions of Christianity.

4) Thus, there are certain kinds of songs, certain kinds of lyrics, certain beats that are out of place in worship.

3. We are told how to sing:

1) With spirit and understanding (1 Corinthians 14:15).

2) With melody in the heart (Ephesians 5:19).

3) With grace in the heart (Colossians 3:16).

1. “I just like it better that way.”

1) Since when do we allow our likes and dislikes to become our authority in religion?

2) Isaiah 55:8-9

3) Jeremiah 10:23

4) Proverbs 14:12

5) We must do as God likes – not as we like.

2. “It doesn’t make any difference as long as it comes from the heart”

1) This is the attitude I am sure that Nadab and Abihu had (Leviticus 10:1-2).

2) What was Uzzah’s attitude (2 Samuel 6:6-7)?

3) It does make a difference

3. “It was used by David in the Old Testament”

1) Yes, and so were animal sacrifices, the burning of incense, and the Passover.

2) We are no longer under the Old Testament – we are under the New Testament.

a. Colossians 2:14

b. Hebrews 10:9-10

3) We must find authority for all that we do in the New Testament.

4) It is of significance to note that instrumental music in worship was not brought into Christian worship until 670 A.D. and was rejected – but finally brought in for good in 800 A.D.

4. “The Bible doesn’t say not to”

1) When we make this argument we are rejecting what is known as the “law of exclusion.”

2) We use this law every day of our lives:

a. Men’s and women’s restrooms.

b. Ordering food at a restaurant.

c. Sending our kids to the store.

3) Biblical examples.

a. Sacrifice of Isaac (Genesis 22) – excluded Ishmael.

b. Ark – gopher wood (Genesis 6) – excludes pine, oak, etc.

c. Lord’s Supper – unleavened bread and fruit of the vine (Matthew 26:26-29) – excludes hamburgers and cokes.

d. Baptism – water (Acts 8:36; 10:45) – excludes oil, gasoline, etc.

e. God said sing (Ephesians 5:19) – that automatically excludes mechanical instruments of music.

5. “It’s only an aid.”

1) They say it is not any different than using a song book or a microphone.

2) Items are only aids if they help you carry out the command and not add to it.

3) To use something of the same class in addition to what God has specified, is to add to the word of God.

4) Examples:

a. Ark – Gopher wood

a) Hammer and saw – aids

b) Pine and oak – additions

b. Lord’s Table – Fruit of the vine and unleavened bread

a) Cups and plates – aids

b) Milk and cookies – additions

c. Sing in worship.

a) Books and microphones – aids

b) Mechanical instruments – addition