Instrumental Music In Worship Is it a sin to have instruments of music in worship? Colossians 3:16-17

Introduction The first thing that many visitors notice when they visit us – There is no organ or piano Many ask why we do not have one. Let me explain

1 - NT Does Not Include Them Matthew 26:30Matthew 26:30 - And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Mark 14:26Mark 14:26 - And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Acts 16:25Acts 16:25 - But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.

1 - NT Does Not Include Them Romans 15:9 -Romans 15:9 - and that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy, as it is written: “For this reason I will confess to You among the Gentiles, And sing to Your name.” Ephesians 5:19Ephesians 5:19 - speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord,

1 - NT Does Not Include Them 1 Corinthians 14:15 -1 Corinthians 14:15 - What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding. Colossians 3:16Colossians 3:16 - Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

1 - NT Does Not Include Them Hebrews 2:12 -Hebrews 2:12 - saying: “I will declare Your name to My brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to You.” James 5:13James 5:13 - Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. No Instruments are mentioned in any passage!No Instruments are mentioned in any passage!

2 – History / Background No instruments were used for the first 600 years of the church First introduced by Pope Vitalian I – 670 AD – rejected and removed Reintroduced about 100 years later Greek Orthodox objected – and still object Most major denominations did not use them when 1 st formed

3 – Biblical Reasons No “Scriptural” authorityNo “Scriptural” authority Baptism is scriptural Jesus is scriptural Organs are not scriptural “Scriptural” means contained, taught, or supported in Scriptures (the Bible)

3 – Biblical Reasons No “Scriptural” authority Some Worship is forbiddenSome Worship is forbidden 2 Thessalonians 3:6 - But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us. John 4:22aJohn 4:22a - You worship what you do not know;

3 – Biblical Reasons No “Scriptural” authority Some Worship is forbidden Will worship is condemnedWill worship is condemned Colossians 2:22-23Colossians 2: which all concern things which perish with the using— according to the commandments and doctrines of men? 23 These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh.

3 – Biblical Reasons No “Scriptural” authority Some Worship is forbidden Will worship is condemnedWill worship is condemned Will worship = –“I like it. I want it.” –“I enjoy it. It makes me feel good.” Who is our worship for: –Ourselves? –OR God? We must worship GOD: –Seek what pleases HIM –Worship as HE instructs

3 – Biblical Reasons No “Scriptural” authority Some Worship is forbidden Will worship is condemned Instruments are not aids but additionsInstruments are not aids but additions There are 2 kinds of music –Vocal –Instrumental Aid = a thing that helps do the thing commanded Illustration: Walk – –Cane is an aid –Ride in a car = addition

3 – Biblical Reasons WRONGWhy is it WRONG (sinful) to use instruments in worship? –1 Corinthians 4:6a –1 Corinthians 4:6a - Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that you may learn in us not to think beyond what is written, –Do not go beyond what is written!

3 – Biblical Reasons WRONGWhy is it WRONG (sinful) to use instruments in worship? Romans 16:17 -Romans 16:17 - Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. Every time they are introduced – division results

3 – Biblical Reasons WRONGWhy is it WRONG (sinful) to use instruments in worship? Acts 2:42 -Acts 2:42 - And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Galatians 1:8Galatians 1:8 - But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.

4 – Smoke Screens Can’t afford to buy an organ or piano Shortage of musicians to play it We just don’t like instrumental music Some people are just “contrary” Some object because they are ignorant We don’t want to be modern, change with the times

5 – Law of Exclusion NT excludes instrumental music in worship IllustrationIllustration – Noah told to build ark of gopher wood – no other kind of wood was acceptable. I Peter 4:11aI Peter 4:11a - If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If we speak where the Bible speaks, and are silent where it is silent, we will exclude the instrument.

Summary 1.Unscriptural 2.Unreasonable 3.Uncharitable 4.Useless 5.Rebellious 6.Excuseless 7.Presumptuous 8.Apostate

Conclusion Leave the instrument where the Word of God leaves them.Leave the instrument where the Word of God leaves them. Leave them in the secular realm – band, pleasure, entertainment, art, etc.Leave them in the secular realm – band, pleasure, entertainment, art, etc. Leave them outside the worship of God.Leave them outside the worship of God.