INTRODUCTION:

1. The first thing many notice is – no organ, no piano
2. Let me simply explain the reason the instrument is not in our worship.

 NT does not condone them

1. Matthew 26:30; Mark 14:26
2. Acts 16:25
3. Romans 15:9
4. 1 Corinthians 14:15
5. Ephesians 5:19
6. Colossians 3:16
7. Hebrews 2:12
8. James 5:13
9. NO INSTRUMENT IS FOUND IN ANY PASSAGE

 History – Background

1. First introduced – 670 AD – Pope Vitalian I – rejected and removed
2. Reintroduced about 100 years later and remained over objections
3. Greek Orthodox objected and still object
4. Most major denominations did not use them when 1^st formed

 Arguments from Biblical statements

1. Same authority for – candles, mass, image worship, holy water, etc.
2. “Scriptural” means contained in the scriptures.
   1. Baptism is scriptural
   2. Organs in worship is not scriptural
3. Some worship is forbidden.
   1. 1 Corinthians 16:13
   2. 2 Thessalonians 3:6
   3. Romans 16:17

4.        “Will worship” is condemned in the NT

1. Colossians 2:22-23
2. “I want it. I like it. I am going to have it.”
4. There is a purpose to singing:
   1. Teach – Colossians 3:16
   2. Admonish – Colossians 3:16
   3. In the heart to the Lord – Ephesians 5:19
   4. Sing with understanding – 1 Corinthians 14:15
   5. Sing with the spirit – 1 Corinthians 14:15
5. Instrumental music is not an aid, but an addition.
   1. 2 Kinds of music – Vocal / Instrumental
   2. An aid must help do the thing commanded
   3. A cane is an aid for walking. A car does not help you walk. It is a different mode of movement – riding.
6. Why is it WRONG (sinful) to use instruments in worship?
   1. 1 Corinthians 4:6 – not go beyond what is written
   2. Romans 16:17 – cause division
   3. Matthew 28:19 – observe what Christ commanded
   4. Acts 2:42 – continue in apostle’s teaching
   5. Galatians 1:8-9 – do not preach another gospel
   6. John 16:13 – Spirit guided apostles into all truth

 Five Indictments Against Instrumental Music

1. Apostles were guided into all truth (John 16:13) – not instrumental music.
2. We must reamin in the perfect law of liberty (James 1:25) – not instrumental music.
3. The Bible is all we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3) – not instrumental music.
4. Faith comes by hearing the gospel (Romans 10:17) and without faith we cannot please God (Hebrews 11:6) – not instrumental music.
5. We must not go beyond what is written (1 Corinthians 4:6) -– not instrumental music.

 Smoke Screens

1. Can’t afford to buy an organ.
2. Shortage of musicians.
3. Just don’t like instrumental music.
4. Some people are just “contrary”.
5. Some object because they are ignorant

 Law of Exclusion

1. Gospel excludes instrumental music
2. Sufficiency of the gospel excludes it
3. Finality of the gospel excludes it
4. Example of the early church excludes it

 Instrumental Music in Worship is:

1. Unscriptural
2. Unreasonable
3. Uncharitable
4. Useless
5. Rebellious
6. Excuseless
7. Presumptuous
8. Apostate

 Conclusion:

1. Leave the instruments where the Word of God leaves them.
2. Leave them in the secular realm – band, pleasure, etc.
3. Leave them outside the worship of the church.