THEME: RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE WORD (2 TIM. 2: 15)
TOPIC: INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC IN WORSHIP
TEACHER: OKPAN CLEOPAS (MINISTER)
DATE: 11/12/2016
INTRODUCTION:
There are two kinds of music – Instrumental and Accapella or vocal music. Instrumental
music involves the use of mechanical instruments while singing. On the other hand, accapella
or vocal music involves singing only with one’s voice, without the use of mechanical
instruments. A careful study of the scriptural teachings on these kinds of music will help us
appreciate how the Lord wants us to praise Him during worship today.
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC IN OLD TESTAMENT WORSHIP
1. “…4000 praised the Lord with the instruments that David made for giving praise” (1
Chron. 23: 5).
2. “And the Levites stood with the instruments of David, and the priests with the
trumpets…And when the burnt offering began, the song of the Lord began also with
the trumpets and with the instruments commanded by David king of Israel” (2 Chron.
29: 26-27),
3. “Woe to you who put off the day of calamity…who sing idly to the sound of the
stringed instruments, and invent for themselves instruments of music like David”
(Amos 6: 3-5).
From the passages above, it is clear that the Holy Spirit wants us to know that the use of
instrument in Old Testament worship was the invention of David, and not a part of the
original law that was given by God on Mount Sinai. Read also (1 Chron. 15:16; 25:1; 2
Chron. 7:6; Ezra 3:10; Neh. 12:31-37).
MUSIC IN NEW TESTAMENT WORSHIP
According to Jesus, the true worshippers are those who worship God in spirit and in truth
(John 4: 23-24). Worship originates from the heart of man. So, singing in worship should be
the expression of a joyful heart.
Paul’s instruction to Christians in Ephesians 5: 19 and Colossians 3: 16 about making melody
in the heart and singing with grace in the heart to the Lord is a clear indication of the
importance of the heart in spiritual worship. If the music must come from the melody of our
hearts, it therefore means that God intends every Christian to approach Him with his heart
through vocal or accapella music.
Paul said, “I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also” (1 Cor. 14: 15). The
Hebrews writer says the sacrifice of praise we offer to God should be the fruit of our lips
(Heb. 13: 15). This means that our praise of God through songs should originate internally
from our hearts, not externally through instruments.
Instrumental music is nowhere authorized in the New Testament. Jesus never used
instruments. Matthew records that He sang a hymn with His disciples (Matt. 26: 30).
ADVANTAGES OF ACCAPELLA MUSIC
1. Singing is a reflection of a joyful heart. “Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms
(Jas. 5: 13). Like Paul and Silas, those with joy in their hearts can sing anytime and
anywhere (Acts 16: 23-25).
2. We communicate to one another through songs to bring joy into our hearts and edify
one another (Eph. 5: 19).
3. We teach and admonish one another through songs (Col. 3: 16). If instruments are
involved, they will make nonsense of this teaching.
4. Accapella music is a sacrificial offering which Christians in unity present unto God
during worship (Heb. 13: 15).
EVILS OF INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC IN TODAY’S WORSHIP
1. Instrumental music was neither a part of the original law given by God on Mount
Sinai, nor was it authorized by the New Testament.
2. Instrumental music was not used by the New Testament church; its use today is
therefore a product of apostasy.
3. Melody from instrumental music does not originate from the heart; hence, it appeals
only to the flesh and promotes carnality.
4. It does not edify, but encourages mesmerism and ecstasy.
CONCLUSION
It is very clear that instrumental music cannot fit into the spiritual worship of the New
Testament Church. This is aside the fact that it was neither authorized by the New Testament
nor practised by Christ and His apostles. If we must speak according to the oracles of God (1
Pet. 4: 11), then we must condemn the use of mechanical instrument in worship.