“Why Don’t You Use Instruments?” Why do you use them in worship? “We have always used instruments” “We like the sound and feeling it gives” “We have talented musicians in our church” “It is an aid that improves singing” “Removes obstacle to converting people” Is your worship rejected? Gen. 4:5 Is your worship vain? Mark 7:7

Authority for Instrument Prov 18:17 The first one to plead his cause seems right, Until his neighbor comes and examines him. David used a harp in worship: Ps. 43:4 Levites commanded to play: 2 Chr. 29:25 Carried over from O.T. worship and was not forbidden by the inspired Apostles Instruments used in heaven: Rev. 15:1-3

Cross Examination We are New Testament Christians: –O.T. Commands to Israel don’t apply –Worship in heaven is not worship on earth Carried over into N.T. Worship: –No Bible support for this assumption –When did Gentiles start using instruments? 9 N.T. References to singing in worship

2 Old Testament Quotes Rom 15:9 And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name. (Ps. 18:49) Heb 2:12 Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee. (Ps. 22:22)

3 Examples Matt. 26:30 and Mark 14:26 And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives. Acts 16:25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. Who played the instrument in the cell?

Musical Instruments (Command or Option) Eph 5:19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Argued Psalms must include instruments Argued Psallo (making melody) refers to plucking a stringed instrument If command: we all play or we disobey! If option: why has the church been divided?

Most Familiar Commands Col 3:16 teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. Eph 5:19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

Final References James 5:13 Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. How can I obey if I don’t know how to play? 1 Cor 14:15...I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. Condemning division over spiritual gifts

Too Casual With Singing? Music has power: remember, motivate We sing to: teach, encourage, praise Quiet crowd before worship begins Fill in (hymn books, done without preparing) Enter and exit: They are “just singing” Prepare for the Lord’s supper (I Cor. 11:26-29) Home with food, piano, or recorded music Debating: Clapping, humming, whistling…

Conclusion 9 references in the N.T. command singing 0 command playing an instrument Instruments please men not God Instruments accepted by tradition and not by scriptural arguments Instruments don’t speak, teach, admonish, declare, confess, or have understanding