Focus On Music In Worship Ephesians 5:15-21

Why do we sing and not play?

The New Testament Scriptures Focus On Music In Worship Ephesians 5:15-21

Jesus has all authority…

Matthew 28:18-20

Where did Jesus commend instrumental music in the worship of the church?

Matthew 26:30 “And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.” (Mark 14:26, ESV)

Where did Jesus’ apostles commend instrumental music in the worship of the church?

Acts 16:25

Romans 15:9

1 Corinthians 14:15

Ephesians 5:19

Colossians 3:16

Hebrews 2:12

Hebrews 13:15

James 5:13

God said nothing about mechanical instruments in worship in the N.T.

God specified vocal music in worship in the N.T.

The Testimony of History Focus On Music In Worship Ephesians 5:15-21

“They asserted, however, that the sum and substance of their fault or error had been that they were accustomed to meet on a fixed day before dawn and sing responsively a hymn to Christ as to a god…” - Pliny Pliny writing in the 2nd century (c. 110-112 A.D.) See - Pliny, Letters 10.96-97. (n.d.). Retrieved July 19, 2017, from http://bit.ly/2vCByZP

“One reason the early church did not include instrumental music in their worship was in reaction to the debased secular use of instruments by the Romans.” – Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible Elwell, W. A., & Beitzel, B. J. (1988). Music and Musical Instruments. In Baker encyclopedia of the Bible (Vol. 2, p. 1508). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House.

“Though we know that early Christians sang during worship, they probably used no instruments. Nearly all of the backgrounds from which early Christians came-Jewish, Greek, Roman, Egyptian, and more-had instrumental traditions, but these traditions carried negative associations…” Coffman, E. (n.d.). When did churches start using instrumental music? Retrieved July 19, 2017, from http://bit.ly/2vjsj1d

“…Most church fathers saw the use of instruments in Jewish worship as a "childish" weakness, less glorifying to God than words of praise…Unaccompanied vocal music continued to be the norm in Christian worship for centuries” – Elesha Coffman, Christianity Today Coffman, E. (n.d.). When did churches start using instrumental music? Retrieved July 19, 2017, from http://bit.ly/2vjsj1d

“For almost a thousand years Gregorian chant, without any instrumental or harmonic addition, was the only music used in connection with the liturgy”- Catholic Encyclopedia   Catholic Encyclopedia: Musical Instruments in Church Services. (n.d.). Retrieved July 19, 2017, from http://bit.ly/2tfye63

“The early Christians rigidly banned musical instruments from their religious assemblies. At any rate, there is no mention of their use, and several texts positively show that, at least in the period preceding the Peace of the Church, the singing of the clergy and people was unsupported by any instrument whatever.”- Benedictine Monks of Buckfast Abbey Benedictine Monks of Buckfast Abbey. Library : Instrumental Music in Church. (n.d.). Retrieved July 19, 2017, from http://bit.ly/2tqM0qM

“At what period was the organ admitted into our churches “At what period was the organ admitted into our churches? It is impossible to answer the question with absolute certainty, but it would appear that Pope Vitalian first gave it right of citizenship in the Christian assembly. This would be prior to Charlemagne” - Benedictine Monks of Buckfast Abbey Pope Vitalian reigned from 30 July 657 to his death in 672 (7th Century). He was born in Segni, Lazio, the son of Anastasius. Wikipedia Benedictine Monks of Buckfast Abbey. Library : Instrumental Music in Church. (n.d.). Retrieved July 19, 2017, from http://bit.ly/2tqM0qM

“But when they frequent their sacred assemblies, musical instruments in celebrating the praises of God would be no more suitable than the burning of incense, the lighting up of lamps, and the restoration of the other shadows of the law…” Calvin, J., & Anderson, J. (2010). Commentary on the Book of Psalms (Vol. 1, pp. 538–539). Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.

“…The Papists, therefore, have foolishly borrowed this, as well as many other things, from the Jews. Men who are fond of outward pomp may delight in that noise; but the simplicity which God recommends to us by the apostle is far more pleasing to him.” – John Calvin Calvin, J., & Anderson, J. (2010). Commentary on the Book of Psalms (Vol. 1, pp. 538–539). Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.

“What shall we then say of chanting, which fills the ears with nothing but an empty sound? Does any one object, that music is very useful for awakening the minds of men and moving their hearts? I own it; but we should always take care that no corruption creep in, which might both defile the pure worship of God and involve men in superstition…” Calvin, J., & Anderson, J. (2010). Commentary on the Book of Psalms (Vol. 1, p. 539). Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.

“Moreover, since the Holy Spirit expressly warns us of this danger by the mouth of Paul, to proceed beyond what we are there warranted by him is not only, I must say, unadvised zeal, but wicked and perverse obstinacy.”- John Calvin Calvin, J., & Anderson, J. (2010). Commentary on the Book of Psalms (Vol. 1, p. 539). Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.

History shows that instruments of music were foreign to worship in the N.T. churches.

The Contrast in The Covenants Focus On Music In Worship Ephesians 5:15-21

What about O.T. use of instruments?

Hebrews 9:1

God specified what, who, and when to use them.

Numbers 10:1-10

1 Chron. 16:1-6

1 Chron. 23:1-5

1 Chron. 28:11-19

2 Chron. 29:25-28

Those things were a shadow of the substance in Christ.

Hebrews 8:13

Hebrews 9:9-10

“For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near.” (Hebrews 10:1, ESV) “You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace.” (Galatians 5:4, ESV)

Matthew 5:17

1 Corinthians 3:16

1 Corinthians 6:19

Romans 12:1-2

1 Peter 2:9

Ephesians 5:19

In Christ, the Christian is the instrument!

"David formerly sang songs, also today we sing hymns "David formerly sang songs, also today we sing hymns. He had a lyre with lifeless strings, the church has a lyre with living strings. Our tongues are the strings of the lyre with a different tone indeed but much more in accordance with piety. John Chrysostom, Exposition of Psalms 41, (381-398 A.D.) Source Readings in Music History, ed. O. Strunk, W. W. Norton and Co.: New York, 1950, pg. 70. John Chrysostom (4th Century)

Here there is no need for the cithara, or for stretched strings, or for the plectrum, or for art, or for any instrument; but, if you like, you may yourself become a cithara, mortifying the members of the flesh and making a full harmony of mind and body. John Chrysostom, Exposition of Psalms 41, (381-398 A.D.) Source Readings in Music History, ed. O. Strunk, W. W. Norton and Co.: New York, 1950, pg. 70.

For when the flesh no longer lusts against the Spirit, but has submitted to its orders and has been led at length into the best and most admirable path, then will you create a spiritual melody.” – John Chrysostom John Chrysostom, Exposition of Psalms 41, (381-398 A.D.) Source Readings in Music History, ed. O. Strunk, W. W. Norton and Co.: New York, 1950, pg. 70.

Worship is about pleasing God and not ourselves.

“But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”” (John 4:23–24, ESV)

“But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”” (John 4:23–24, ESV)

“But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”” (John 4:23–24, ESV)

“Now even the first covenant had regulations for worship and an earthly place of holiness.” (Hebrews 9:1, ESV)

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” (John 14:15, ESV)

Do you love Jesus?

Are you obeying Him in your worship with music?

Focus On Music In Worship Ephesians 5:15-21