Overcoming Worldliness Shall we dance?

2 Shall we dance? A Moral Challenge Will I participate in dancing (pre-teens, teenagers, adults)? Will I attend dances? Will I allow (give my approval) my child to go to dances? Will I perform music or otherwise provide the occasion for dancing to occur? Will I participate in dancing (pre-teens, teenagers, adults)? Will I attend dances? Will I allow (give my approval) my child to go to dances? Will I perform music or otherwise provide the occasion for dancing to occur?

3 Shall we dance? A Moral Challenge Will I refuse to admit the sin that is associated with dancing? Will I continue to dance and/or support dancing regardless of what Bible says? Will I object to the preaching of Bible lessons like this one? Will I refuse to admit the sin that is associated with dancing? Will I continue to dance and/or support dancing regardless of what Bible says? Will I object to the preaching of Bible lessons like this one?

4 Hebrew (khool): “to twist, whirl, dance, writhe” Greek: (choros): “a band (of dancers and singers), circular dance, a dance, dancing (only in Luke 15:25) Greek: (orcheomai): middle voice from orchos (a row or ring); to dance” Hebrew (khool): “to twist, whirl, dance, writhe” Greek: (choros): “a band (of dancers and singers), circular dance, a dance, dancing (only in Luke 15:25) Greek: (orcheomai): middle voice from orchos (a row or ring); to dance”

5 Dancing in the Bible “About the methods of dancing practiced by the ancient Hebrews but little is known. Probably the dancers in some cases joined hands and formed a ring, or part of a ring, as in some heathen representations. The description of David’s dance: he “danced before Yahweh with all his Expressions of worship and joy (praise, gratitude, rejoicing), Psa. 149:1-3; 150:4

6 Dancing in the Bible “might…leaping and dancing before Yahweh” (2 Sam 6:14-16) suggests three features of that particular display and the mode of dancing which it represented: violent exertion, leaping, and whirling round.” (ISBE, II:1170) Expressions of worship and joy (praise, gratitude, rejoicing), Psa. 149:1-3; 150:4

7 Dancing in the Bible “Women seem generally to have danced by themselves, one often leading the rest, both in dancing and antiphonal song; so Miriam and the women of Israel, Jephthah’s daughter and her comrades, the women who greeted Saul and David…” (Ibid.) Expressions of worship and joy (praise, gratitude, rejoicing), Psa. 149:1-3; 150:4

8 Dancing in the Bible Miriam & the women of Israel, Exo. 15:20-21 Jephthah’s daughter, Jug. 11:34 Maidens of Shiloh, Jug. 21:19-23 Women of Israel when the Philistines were defeated, 1 Sam. 18:6-7 Miriam & the women of Israel, Exo. 15:20-21 Jephthah’s daughter, Jug. 11:34 Maidens of Shiloh, Jug. 21:19-23 Women of Israel when the Philistines were defeated, 1 Sam. 18:6-7 Expressions of worship and joy (praise, gratitude, rejoicing), Psa. 149:1-3; 150:4

9 Dancing in the Bible King David before the ark, 2 Sam. 6:12-16 Expression of gladness in contrast to mourning, Psa. 30:11; Eccl. 3:4; Lam. 5:15 Figure of joy of God’s people in Messianic age (see gender separation), Jer. 31:4, 13 Feast when prodigal son returned, Lk. 15:25 King David before the ark, 2 Sam. 6:12-16 Expression of gladness in contrast to mourning, Psa. 30:11; Eccl. 3:4; Lam. 5:15 Figure of joy of God’s people in Messianic age (see gender separation), Jer. 31:4, 13 Feast when prodigal son returned, Lk. 15:25 Expressions of worship and joy (praise, gratitude, rejoicing), Psa. 149:1-3; 150:4

10 Dancing in the Bible This dance was occasions of public rejoicing (for victories and other divine blessings) Expression of worship (thanksgiving) Typically segregated by gender Any attempt to associate the modern dance with this dance utterly fails! This dance was occasions of public rejoicing (for victories and other divine blessings) Expression of worship (thanksgiving) Typically segregated by gender Any attempt to associate the modern dance with this dance utterly fails! Expressions of worship and joy (praise, gratitude, rejoicing), Psa. 149:1-3; 150:4

11 Dancing in the Bible Israel before golden calf, Exo. 32:6, 19, 25; 1 Cor. 10:6-7 Idolatry and nakedness, 32:25 Daughter of Herodias, Mk. 6:21-22 Sensual, enticing to eyes, pleasure derived Seductive and suggestive, void of spiritual content Israel before golden calf, Exo. 32:6, 19, 25; 1 Cor. 10:6-7 Idolatry and nakedness, 32:25 Daughter of Herodias, Mk. 6:21-22 Sensual, enticing to eyes, pleasure derived Seductive and suggestive, void of spiritual content Lustful, unrestrained conduct

12 Dancing in the Bible This dance was associated with lust, self- indulgence, sinful motives and results Lustful, unrestrained conduct Which of these two dances more closely defines, describes and depicts the modern, social dance?

Our God is a consuming fire (Ex. 24:17; Deut. 4:24; 9:3; Heb. 12:29) – When the children of Israel built the golden calf and danced, Moses could barely restrain God from consuming them (Deut. 9:3ff) – “Lust” and “idolatry” were the sins committed at Sinai (1 Cor. 10:6, 7; Ex. 32:6, 19, 25) – One day all will stand before that Consuming Fire all of the previous fiery judgments in Scripture will pale in comparison to that Day (Heb. 10:26-29) 13

Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences” (2 Cor. 5:11) – Take heed how to possess your body (1 Thess. 4:1-8) – Seek not to place a stumbling block before your brother (Matt. 18:6, 7; 5:28-30) 14 Because of the…

Not the hurting of someone’s feelings The Biblical Meaning (Online Bible Greek Lexicon) – 1) the movable stick or trigger of a trap, a trap stick 1a) a trap, snare 1b) any impediment placed in the way and causing one to stumble or fall, (a stumbling block, occasion of stumbling) i.e. a rock which is a cause of stumbling 1c) fig. applied to Jesus Christ, whose person and career were so contrary to the expectations of the Jews concerning the Messiah, that they rejected him and by their obstinacy made shipwreck of their salvation – 2) any person or thing by which one is (entrapped) drawn into error or sin 15

Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences” (2 Cor. 5:11) – Take heed how to possess your body (1 Thess. 4:1-8) – Seek not to place a stumbling block before your brother (Matt. 18:6, 7; 5:28-30) – Be willing to suffer. Mortify bodily members to escape hellfire (Matt. 18:8-9) – Do not despise those who warn and expose sin, but rather be thankful (Matt. 18:10-17; note fickle nature of some Gal. 4:15, 16; 1 Thess. 5:12, 13) – Guard your influence and what you are influencing (Gal. 5:7-9; Prov. 29:12; Matt. 5:13; Mk. 9:41-50) 16 Because of the…

– Does it help me possess my body for holiness? – Does it present a stumbling block (trap) for another? – Does it display to the world the willingness to mortify our members? – Does it seem likely that Jesus and Paul would engage in it today if they were living on earth? – Does it help win anyone to Christ? – Does it display a fear of God? – Does it have any positive contribution or is it a trap? 17

18 Dancing is Worldly 1 John 2:15-17 Walk properly (decently), honorably, 1 Pet. 2:11-12 Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, Rom. 13:14 Make no provision for the flesh and its lusts Not possible in the modern dance! Walk properly (decently), honorably, 1 Pet. 2:11-12 Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, Rom. 13:14 Make no provision for the flesh and its lusts Not possible in the modern dance! Absence of Moral Decency Romans 13:13

Note Principles (Rom. 13:13, 14; 1 Pet. 2:11, 12) Walk properly, not in lewdness, lust, strife Put on Christ Make NO PROVISIONS for flesh Abstain from fleshly lusts Honorable conduct Your good works will compel them to glorify God How does the public physical contact between men and women in dance help convict a world to follow Jesus? How does defending dancing and contentious behavior glorify God and build up the church? Walk properly, not in lewdness, lust, strife Put on Christ Make NO PROVISIONS for flesh Abstain from fleshly lusts Honorable conduct Your good works will compel them to glorify God How does the public physical contact between men and women in dance help convict a world to follow Jesus? How does defending dancing and contentious behavior glorify God and build up the church? 19

20 Dancing is Worldly 1 John 2:15-17 Lasciviousness, Gal. 5:19; 1 Pet. 4:3 Unbridled lust, excess, licentiousness, lasciviousness, wantonness, outrageousness, shamelessness, insolence” (Thayer) Fundamentally: No restraints Lasciviousness, Gal. 5:19; 1 Pet. 4:3 Unbridled lust, excess, licentiousness, lasciviousness, wantonness, outrageousness, shamelessness, insolence” (Thayer) Fundamentally: No restraints Absence of Moral Restraint Romans 13:13

When Dancing Is Promoted It promotes lust and lewdness (Gal. 5:19) It promotes contentions, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions and dissension among brethren (see Gal. 5:20) I haven’t seen ANY good fruit from mixed dancing to date! 21

22 Dancing is Lascivious 1 John 2:15-17 “There can scarcely be any doubt that dancing came about as an adjunct of sexual stimulation.” (Medical Review of America) “There can scarcely be any doubt that dancing came about as an adjunct of sexual stimulation.” (Medical Review of America) Testimony from the World

23 Dancing is Lascivious 1 John 2:15-17 “…the secret of the popularity of dancing (or is it a secret?) is the exciting sexual stimulation resulting from the close embrace of male and female, whether it be in dancing or without music in petting and necking.” ( Dr. J.P. Gibson, M.D) Testimony from the World

24 Dancing is Lascivious 1 John 2:15-17 Disco Dancing (1970’s): The drawing power of the discos attributed to its “progressive sexuality” and the promoters pin-pointing “sex- appeal” as the life-blood of the fad (The New York Times Magazine) Disco Dancing (1970’s): The drawing power of the discos attributed to its “progressive sexuality” and the promoters pin-pointing “sex- appeal” as the life-blood of the fad (The New York Times Magazine) Testimony from the World

25 Dancing is Lascivious 1 John 2:15-17 “As a medical man I flatly charge that modern dancing is fundamentally sinful and evil. I charge that dancing is the most advanced and the most insidious maneuvering preliminary to sex betrayal.” Dr. E. S. Sonners The Carnival of Death, “As a medical man I flatly charge that modern dancing is fundamentally sinful and evil. I charge that dancing is the most advanced and the most insidious maneuvering preliminary to sex betrayal.” Dr. E. S. Sonners The Carnival of Death, Testimony from the World

26 Dancing is Lascivious 1 John 2:15-17 “These things do take place during the dance movements. The girl must yield her body completely to the guidance of her partner. Can’t this closeness produce desires which would be indecent when brought to the surface? Testimony from a Teenage Christian

27 Dancing is Lascivious 1 John 2:15-17 “Here is your answer: In a survey a group of men were asked to raise their hands if they could dance and not have evil thoughts and desires. Not one person’s hand was raised.” Gloria Jean Davis, 17 yr. old Cited by Truman Smith “Is It A Sin To Dance”, The Voice, May 2000 “Here is your answer: In a survey a group of men were asked to raise their hands if they could dance and not have evil thoughts and desires. Not one person’s hand was raised.” Gloria Jean Davis, 17 yr. old Cited by Truman Smith “Is It A Sin To Dance”, The Voice, May 2000 Testimony from a Teenage Christian

28 Dancing is Worldly 1 John 2:15-17 Revelry: Riotous Partying and Lustful Excesses, Gal. 5:21; 1 Pet. 4:3 Originally merely a merry-making Entertainment that grew into carouses Nocturnal, riotous procession of half- drunken fellows Revelry: Riotous Partying and Lustful Excesses, Gal. 5:21; 1 Pet. 4:3 Originally merely a merry-making Entertainment that grew into carouses Nocturnal, riotous procession of half- drunken fellows Absence of Moral Boundaries Romans 13:13

29 Dancing is Worldly 1 John 2:15-17 “And the like” (Gal. 5:21) Dancing often includes dark setting, male and female handling each other,alcohol, sexual indulgences and excesses Any activity that provides a setting for lustful thoughts and lewd actions is against the principles of moral purity, Gal. 5:16-17 “And the like” (Gal. 5:21) Dancing often includes dark setting, male and female handling each other,alcohol, sexual indulgences and excesses Any activity that provides a setting for lustful thoughts and lewd actions is against the principles of moral purity, Gal. 5:16-17 Absence of Moral Boundaries Romans 13:13

30 Dancing is Contrary to Moral Purity Herod’s pleasure (Mk. 6:21-22) Lust of the eye (1 Jno. 2:16) Causes impure thoughts and lusts, cf. 1 Ths. 4:4-5 Flee youthful lusts, 2 Tim. 2:22; 1 Tim. 6:11 Not “get as close to it as you can” Herod’s pleasure (Mk. 6:21-22) Lust of the eye (1 Jno. 2:16) Causes impure thoughts and lusts, cf. 1 Ths. 4:4-5 Flee youthful lusts, 2 Tim. 2:22; 1 Tim. 6:11 Not “get as close to it as you can” Comes from a corrupt heart Mark 7:21-23

31 “The modern dance is the fine art of covering with music, indelicate, immodest and oft times indecent attitudes and postures between men and women. It is too bad for reformation. Its only remedy is extermination.” Dr. A. C. Dixon, The Carnival of Death, p. 70 Cited in “Dancing”, Donnie V. Rader Searching the Scriptures, Nov. 1990, 7-8 “The modern dance is the fine art of covering with music, indelicate, immodest and oft times indecent attitudes and postures between men and women. It is too bad for reformation. Its only remedy is extermination.” Dr. A. C. Dixon, The Carnival of Death, p. 70 Cited in “Dancing”, Donnie V. Rader Searching the Scriptures, Nov. 1990, 7-8 Dancing is Contrary to Moral Purity

32 Dancing Destroys Your Godly Influence Cannot be a living sacrifice, Rom. 12:1-2 Cannot help save someone, Matt. 18:6 Dancing does not produce righteous influences (Titus 2:11-12) Cannot be a living sacrifice, Rom. 12:1-2 Cannot help save someone, Matt. 18:6 Dancing does not produce righteous influences (Titus 2:11-12) Do not be deceived! 1 Cor. 15:33-34; Eph. 5:6-7, 11

33 Dancing Associates with other Sinful Fruit Immodesty (1 Tim. 2:9-10) Drinking and carousing (1 Pet. 4:3) Sexual promiscuity (1 Cor. 6:18) Keep yourself unspotted from the world! (James 1:27) Immodesty (1 Tim. 2:9-10) Drinking and carousing (1 Pet. 4:3) Sexual promiscuity (1 Cor. 6:18) Keep yourself unspotted from the world! (James 1:27) Evil company corrupts good morals 1 Corinthians 15:33

34 Dancing Defenses If dancing is innocent, pure and good, why do dances need supervision? Problems come along with it: Promiscuity, drinking, vulgarities, etc. If dancing is innocent, pure and good, why do dances need supervision? Problems come along with it: Promiscuity, drinking, vulgarities, etc. “The dance will be chaperoned.”

35 Dancing Defenses No doubt, some are physically demanding If that is the reason for going to dances, have “boy only” and “girl only” dances! Not the real purpose for dances Not why people go to dances No doubt, some are physically demanding If that is the reason for going to dances, have “boy only” and “girl only” dances! Not the real purpose for dances Not why people go to dances “Dancing is good exercise.”

36 Dancing Defenses Then, why not dance in the privacy of your home to enjoy the rhythm of the music? This is not the real reason behind the modern, social dance Then, why not dance in the privacy of your home to enjoy the rhythm of the music? This is not the real reason behind the modern, social dance “I just enjoy the rhythm of the music.”

37 Dancing Defenses Or, “I allow my child to go because all his/her friends are going.” Do you use this rationale for smoking? Alcohol? Drugs? Pre-marital sex? Christian must take moral stands against the norm, Rom. 12:2; 1 Pet. 4:4 Or, “I allow my child to go because all his/her friends are going.” Do you use this rationale for smoking? Alcohol? Drugs? Pre-marital sex? Christian must take moral stands against the norm, Rom. 12:2; 1 Pet. 4:4 “I go to be socially popular.”

38 Dancing Defenses “I can control myself and my thoughts.” Self-control also means avoiding places where you can be tempted, 1 Cor. 9:27 What about your partner? Can you control his/her lustful thoughts toward you? Tempting another person to sin (Matt. 18:6-7) Baptism does not make eunuchs of men! “I can control myself and my thoughts.” Self-control also means avoiding places where you can be tempted, 1 Cor. 9:27 What about your partner? Can you control his/her lustful thoughts toward you? Tempting another person to sin (Matt. 18:6-7) Baptism does not make eunuchs of men! “I do not lust when I dance.”

39 Dancing Defenses Spirit of rebellion against God’s word Such a defiant attitude is unworthy of a Christian, 1 Thess. 4:7-8 Spirit of rebellion against God’s word Such a defiant attitude is unworthy of a Christian, 1 Thess. 4:7-8 “No one is going to tell me what to do!”

40 Shall we dance? The evidence is overwhelming Those who crucify self and live by faith will not participate, Galatians 2:20 Dancing is not a “gray”, “borderline” issue A choice between right and wrong, good and evil, the Spirit and the flesh NO! The evidence is overwhelming Those who crucify self and live by faith will not participate, Galatians 2:20 Dancing is not a “gray”, “borderline” issue A choice between right and wrong, good and evil, the Spirit and the flesh NO!

To Those Who Want To Flirt With Worldliness… “A church which tolerates such worldliness as gambling, social drinking, and immodesty of mixed swimming is a ‘garbage church’—and every town needs a garbage dump to collect unconverted brethren who persist in worldliness so they cannot ruin good churches. Consistent teaching keeps the church pure by encouraging the strong to stay strong, helping the weak to grow, and causing the stubborn to exit in search of their own kind” (attributed to Irven Lee by Ron Halbrook, Abstain From Every Form of Evil, The Swimsuit Question, Lesson 15) 41

"4 Simple Questions" 1. What Kind of Dirt Are You? 14 Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity. 15 But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience. --Luke 8:14, 15 (NKJV) 2. Do You Weary or Esteem Those Who Labor Among You? 12 And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves. --1 Thessalonians 5:12, 13 (NKJV) 3. Are You Happy or Offended When You Are Warned? 14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. --1 Thessalonians 5:14 (NKJV) 4. Do You Render Insulting Words When Your Error Is Challenged Or Do You Pursue What Is Good For All? 15 See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all. --1 Thessalonians 5:15 (NKJV) How you answer the last three questions is how you answer the first! 42