SINGING

-Introduction

-Brief Review

            -God’s patterns, Lord’s Supper, Crucifixion

-Today, we’ll continue this series of lessons on God’s pattern for N.T. worship by focusing on a

  topic that has been the subject of much discussion and debate down through the years - and still

  is today.

            -It’s a topic that many don’t properly/fully understand.  As a result, it has been the target for

              much criticism that has been brought against the church.

-The topic is singing.

-Why Do We Sing?

-First of all, we sing to praise God.

            -This was the case under the OT and still is the case today under the NT.

            -Ps 28:6-7, Ps 69:30, Ps 144:9,15

            -Eph 5:19, Col 3:16 - "to the Lord"

-Secondly, we sing to teach and admonish one another.

            -This is not something new: Deut 31:16-22 - Song of Moses

            -When we sing, we must pay attention to the words:

                        -They teach us, encourage us, motivate us, warn us.

-An Authority Issue

-The topic of singing is actually an issue rooted in the topic of authority.

            -Col 3:17

-God has specified singing for N.T. worship.

            -Supporters of mechanical instruments of music commonly state, “But God’s word does not

              prohibit the use of mechanical instruments.”

            -What they mean is this:  There isn’t a “Thou shalt not” statement in reference to

  mechanical instruments of music.

-But, that doesn’t mean that God has not prohibited their use.

-When God specifies one thing, all other options are eliminated.

            -Eph 5:19, Col 3:16 - The instrument to be played is the heart.

            -example of a catalog order

            -consistency:  Why do we worship on the first day of the week?  Is there a statement that

    explicitly says, “Thou shalt not worship on other days of the week”?

            -We rightfully worship upon the first day of the week because that is the pattern

  established in the N.T. scriptures for N.T. worship - Acts 20:7.  Therefore, a “Thou

  shalt not” statement is not necessary in regards to the other days of the week.

-Some don’t think that the addition of mechanical instruments of music is a big deal.

            -Rev 22:18-19

            -Lev 10:1-2  - the example of Nadab and Abihu  (Rom 15:4)

-Old Testament References / Book of Revelation

-Those who argue for the use of mechanical instruments in worship commonly appeal to Old

  Testament practices - i.e. King David.

            -“But, David used instruments.” 

            -Yes, he did.  However, he lived under the Law.  We do not.

            -David offered animal sacrifices, incense, observed particular feasts and festivals, etc.  We

        would never dream of trying to justify such worship practices today with a “But David did

  it” statement.

-It isn’t an issue of what David did.  It is an issue of what we are authorized and commanded to

  do by God in the N.T. scriptures.

-But, what about the book of Revelation?

            -Rev 14:1-3 -We must remember that this passage contains figurative language and that it is

                                  describing a scene in heaven, not on earth.

            -To try to force a literal meaning upon the harps here is to abuse this passage.

                        -literal names written on foreheads?  literal beasts?  literal Lamb? etc...

-Again, we’re looking in the scriptures for God’s specific instructions (pattern) for N.T. worship

  here on earth.

            -That which has been authorized by God is singing.

-Entertainment Issue

-Most, if not all, of us realize that there has been a greater emphasis placed on entertainment.

            -This takes the focus away from God and puts it more on people.

            -Rather than reverently worshipping God, more people are being entertained.

                        -example of Amy’s cousin

-God is the primary audience for our worship.  Worship is to be directed to Him.

       -We are to be reverently praising, honoring, glorifying and thanking our Almighty God, not

  praising and honoring performers.

-Summary and Invitation

-Singing is something that we all are commanded to do.

            -It’s not about whether or not we’re in the right key and hitting the right note. 

            -It’s about whether or not we’re focused on our worship to God, singing with sincere hearts

              and paying attention to the messages contained in the songs.

-Singing is specifically authorized by God. 

-By following His specific pattern, we can offer worship that is acceptable and pleasing in His

  sight.

        -As a result, we can properly glorify His name and honor Him.

-Amos 5:20-27

       -What was the problem?  They were simply going through the motions.  They weren’t

  allowing their worship to bring them closer to God.  It was a technicality for them -

  something they were required to do.  But, while going through those motions they were

  living lives of sin.

            -You see, they failed to combine proper worship with proper living.

-What about you?  Are you living obediently to God?

      -If you’ve never obeyed God, obey the Gospel:  Believe (John 3:16, 8:24), Confess (Matt  10:32,

  Rom 10:9-10), Repent (Luke 13:3,5; Acts 17:30), Be Baptized (Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38)

-If you’ve obeyed the Gospel but haven’t remained faithful, return to God:  Confess your faults,

  repent of them and pray for God’s forgiveness (1 John 1:7-9, Acts 8:22-24)