Music Music

“Music is a part of us, and either ennobles or degrades our behavior.” -Roman Philosopher Boethius

Introduction  There is a popular “Christian teaching” that goes like this…  “…music doesn’t matter anymore. God really doesn’t mind.”  “…God created all music therefore He must like all kinds of music.”  “…the Bible is not specific about music so I can listen to whatever I want.”

Before we get started…#1 1.Music is a “hot button” with many Christians today.  “ Various positions and opinions on music are debated, argued, and staunchly defended. The very mention of the topic can cause an immediate spirit of defensiveness or carnality and a wide variety of unfavorable emotional responses.” (Music Matters, Pg 5).

Scripture  Pr. 13:10 “Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well-advised is wisdom.”  Pr. 16:18 “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.”  Pr. 29:23 “A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.”

Application #1  Lay aside your pride. You may actually learn something from God’s Word. Be “well advised.”  Let your guard down and let God’s Word do the shaping and convicting.  Abandon what your friends and society has taught you to say about your music. Let God’s Word be true!

Before we get started…#2 2.Music is becoming a “personal god.”  In today’s world music choices are becoming a personal preference and how dare anyone (including God) have a right to “butt in”.  “Music is MY decision and I have the right to choose what I want to listen too.”

Scripture  Rom. 12:1 “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”  1 Cor 6:20 “For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.”

Application #2  As a Christian you have no “personal space” that neglects God. When you asked Jesus into your heart you surrendered all.  Becoming a Christian is a serious, but satisfying commitment to God.  This means…

 Your eyes  Your mind  Your hands  Your feet  Your career  Your decisions  Your mouth  Your friends  Your EARS (music)  This means…  Your LIFE belongs to GOD!

You are a Battlefield! “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth [wars/ competes] against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary [opposites] the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.” -Gal. 5:16-17 FleshSpirit

Before we get started…#3 3.Music invades our culture in ways never known to mankind.  Since 1908 technology has radically changed the way our culture interacts with music.  “Bringing music from the concert halls of the 19 th century to the ear-buds of the 21 st century has produced numerous, massive cultural shifts that we couldn’t begin to address.” (Music Matters, Pg 7)  Music is now everywhere you go! You cannot go anywhere without being influenced in some way.

Examples  Have you ever noticed the background music at a…  Restaurant  Gym  Food store  Movie/ Television show  Doctor’s office  Sporting event

Application #3  Therefore, since we are in a time period that is, for a lack of a better word, experimental we can not look at past generations to see how they handle things. (i.e. There were no iPods 50 years ago.)  So that is WHY we…go to the Bible!

Before we get started…#4 4.Music is a very Biblical matter. God has tons to say about music.  Many Christians are foolishly quick to say that the Bible does not have much to say about music.  The Bible is filled with principles that must act like guides regarding our music.  God’s Word cuts right to the heart of the matter. No matter where culture decides to go.

Review 1.Music is a “hot button” with many Christians today. 2.Music is becoming a “personal god.” 3.Music invades our culture in ways never known to mankind. 4.Music is a very Biblical matter. God has tons to say about music.

Conclusion  For this study on music will you…  Put off your sinful pride?  Allow God’s Word to convict, challenge, and change you?  BE TEACHABLE!