Subject: SINGING
From: <Saved by Windows Internet Explorer 7>
Date: Thu, 22 Nov 2007 11:54:23 -0600

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)

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