Should We Use Instruments in Worship?

Introduction:A. Question has been discussed

for many centuries.B. Church fathers sometimes

opposed instruments even outside worship and never used them in worship.

Should We Use Instruments in Worship?

C. Many later religious leaders opposed instruments.Thomas Aquinas—1250 ADJohn CalvinMartin LutherJohn Wesley

Should We Use Instruments in Worship?

Adam ClarkeCharles SpurgeonAlexander CampbellGreek Orthodox Church

D. So the question is not just a modern issue.

Should We Use Instruments in Worship?

E. So how should we answer the question today?

Here are some reasons why I believe we should not use instruments in worship.

I. Because the apostolic church did not use them

A. We seek to please God by following the words of Scripture and using the early church as our model.

B. Since they didn’t use instruments, neither should we.

I. Because the apostolic church did not use them

C. “A cappella” means“as in the church.”

II. Because we can’t be sure they are acceptable.

A. All agree singing without the instrument is an acceptable form of worship. No question.

B. Can one prove instruments are acceptable? Why do what we cannot be sure of? Let’s do what we can be sure of?

II. Because we can’t be sure they are acceptable.

C. Salvation issue?I don’t know.And that is the problem. No one can be certain that using instruments is acceptable. How will God judge? I don’t know.

III. Because singing in worship is commanded.

A. Eph. 5:19—speak to one another in song—sing to the Lord.

B. Col. 3:16—Teach one another in song.

III. Because singing in worship is commanded.

C. 1 Cor. 14:15-16—Praise and thank God through meaningful songs in the worship.

D. James 5:13—Express joy in song.

IV. Because the command to sing excludes instruments.

A. Old Testament cases. 1. Nadab and Abihu—Lev. 10

“Unauthorized fire.”By specifying one place, God’s silence about other places excluded them—so they were “unauthorized.”

IV. Because the command to sing excludes instruments

2. Saul—1 Sam. 13:13. “Not kept the command the Lord your God gave you.” What command?The command for priests to preside at sacrifices was a command for others not to.

IV. Because the command to sing excludes instruments.

3. 2 Chron. 26—King Uzziah.Enter the temple, burn incense80 priests say– “It is not right for you, Uzziah, to burn incense. That is for the priests, the descendents of Aaron.”

IV. Because the command to sing excludes instruments

Uzziah raged at the priests.God struck him with leprosy.God had said—sons of Aaron.Did not say Judah could not.Heb. 7:14— “In regard to that tribe, Moses said nothing about priests.” So Judah excluded.

IV. Because the command to sing excludes instruments

B. New Testament--1 Cor.11:23Departed from what Paul had taught about the Lord’s Supper. “I received from the Lord what I delivered to you.”Guilty of sinningDrinking judgment on selves.

IV. Because the command to sing excludes instruments

When God specifies one out of a group, others in that group are excluded by His silence about them.PharmacyStoreLord’s Supper

V. Because instruments promote other departures.

A. “Doesn’t say not to.”B. Is that the principle on which

God wants us to decide about His Word?

C. Those who use this principle have made other departures.

VI. Because using instruments has been divisive.

A. When they were first introduced about 1000 AD.

B. Among many denominations.C. In the Restoration Movement.

VII. Because singing is better without them.

A. Promotes more participation

B. Allows more focus on the meaning of the songs

C. Less likely to move into an entertainment mode.

Conclusion:

A. There are very good reasons not to use instruments in our worship.

B. We should take the NT church as our model.

C. We will weaken our stance for restoration.

Conclusion:

D. Let’s lead in taking the way we can be sure of.