Music In The Church Ephesians 5:15-21

Controversial Issue Some leave the impression that God said little or nothing about it Need to be content with what God said

Goals Notice music authorized in the O.T. Look at what is authorized today See how fellowship is affected

Old Testament Singing was both authorized and practiced Psalms speak of singing (33:2; 98:5; 105:2) Examples (Exodus 15:1; Judges 5:1)

Old Testament Instrumental music also authorized Command from God to David (2 Chronicles 29:25-28) Argument that David sinned in using them is not valid (Amos 6:5) Position was taken by W.W. Otey in debating J.B. Briney (pp. 127, 128)

New Testament Review of establishing authority (Acts 15) Necessary inference (vv. 7-11) Approved example (v. 12) Command or statement (vv )

New Testament Command Ephesians 5:19 Colossians 3:16 James 5:13

New Testament Example Matthew 26:30 Mark 14:26 Acts 16:25 1 Corinthians 14:15, 26

New Testament Instrumental music? Use of the Greek word psallo Definition: “primarily to twitch, twang, then to play a stringed instrument with the fingers, and, hence, in the Septuagint, to sing with a harp, sing psalms, denotes in the New Testament, to sing a hymn, sing praise; in Ephesians 5:19 ‘make melody’” (Vine’s)

New Testament Another definition “…in the New Testament, to sing a hymn, to celebrate the praises of God in song; Ephesians 5:19; James 5:13; 1 Corinthians 14:15; Romans 15:9 (Thayer’s Lexicon) Can one prove it from the silence of the Scriptures? (Hebrews 7:14)

New Testament Congregational singing authorized? Most agree that it is Some began to say no a few years ago Done as a means of achieving “unity” Silence is viewed by them as permissive “Silence neither approves or disproves anything” (Leroy Garrett, One Body, Vol. 2, Number 2, p. 12) Cannot have fellowship with them (2 John 9-11)

Other Arrangements Singing in private Command to sing not limited to the assembly (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16) Jesus and His disciples (Matthew 26:30) Paul and Silas (Acts 16:25) One who is merry (James 5:13)

Other Arrangements A few in a congregational setting Inspired singing (1 Corinthians 14:15, 26) Circumstances mandated a “solo” at first No justification for solos and choirs Singing was “one to another”

Other Arrangements Consistency Not enough alone, but necessary (Romans 2:1-3, 17-24) Choruses singing to the exclusion of others Can’t be for entertainment purpose

Conclusion Accept this if it is true Continue to sing with our hearts