OUTLINE:
The Deceitfulness of Sin
We are largely on the lookout for subtleties, regardless of the topic or angle the Spirit has us focusing on. (i.e.- self-deception, gratitude, partiality, idolatry, worship in music, etc…)
Personal Favoritism
(ala Jas 2:1)
Why is our inclination to adopt world standards and meet its esteemed proponents at levels that they define for us? Why are we plagued with a desire to please those same people, proportional to their social reputation, even though they couldn’t care less about our Lord?
Is Our Faith Genuine?
According to Holy Scripture, “faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself”(Jas 2:17). Even believers can apply this test to their faith. For example, if you say you’re impartial (aka you sow good works), then why do you treat others with “personal favoritism” (Jas 2:1), revealing “evil motives” (Jas 2:4)?
Col 2:18 [ESV]
Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind…v22baccording to human precepts and teachings…v23a These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion.
“singing and making melody with your heart”
Spiritually speaking, music is worship. While we worship in groups sometimes, worship ought never be any less personal. The Bible instructs us to sing “with our heart TO the Lord/to God” (Eph 5:19; Col 3:16). Worship must be directed to God, NOT our emotions.
Music Ministry Context
Like any form of worship, if the individual isn’t personally, actively involved in worshipping the Lord, they are not worshipping Biblically (I’m not talking about physical singing abilities; rather, personal engagement beyond one’s emotions).
Unbiblical Music Worship
Some believers put their own emotional stimulation ahead of their praising of the Lord. They want to be entertained and lifted up, rather than lifting up the Lord in their own hearts.
Music And Emotions
Mindful thoughtfulness about our God and Savior, good biblical truth in the soul, is what can trigger wonderful emotions. It is brought about by meaningful words on our Lord’s goodness…. but emotions shouldn’t be sought after first, out of place.
Lk 8:18a
So take care how you listen;
-Jesus
Worship Error
It’s possible, even common, for Christians to forget/ignore what the Bible says about music worship. If it’s merely an “emotional pick-me-up,” something vital is missing. Intoxication is “dissipation,” which is NOT “being filled with the Spirit” (Eph 5:18).
Mt 6:7
“And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words.”
A Refrain (4x) in Ps 107
Let them give thanks to the Lord for His lovingkindness,
And for His wonders to the sons of men!
The Music Worship Example
If we’re deceived, and our FEELINGS become our god, we live to serve them instead of our Lord! Perverted music worship is a SYMPTOM of emotionalism, which means we must discern all areas of our lives where emotionalism dominates (e.g. relationships, family, work, etc.).
Celebrating/Worshipping Feelings
Sin has lied to billions of people over the ages, proposing that as long as it “feels” good/right, it may be construed as such. On the flip side is Truth, which makes enemies, “So have I become your enemy by telling you the truth” (Gal 4:16)?
Worship God, Not Feelings
When we are properly thinking Truth, first, we are spared a lot of pain and suffering, because we are not looking for perverted comfort from the flesh,… even from godly things like music.
2Co 2:11
so that no advantage would be taken of us by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his schemes. [Implies Biblical knowledge/wisdom]
Biblical Christianity
Let’s follow Jesus, and HIS wishes for us… not what the watered-down world THINKS His wishes are.
Following Our Prototype
Jesus Christ is called “a man of sorrows acquainted with grief” (Isa 53:3b). Living for Christ in the devil’s world means being well acquainted with sorrow and suffering (Mt 5; Jn 16:33).
Supernatural Joy
We find our joy in Christ, from His victory on the cross, and with His light burden… and we have relief from the lies and deceptions of this world; even about so-called happiness.
“Blessed are…”
We are happy in our hearts when we aspire to be like Him; the selfless Giver and Lover who gave Himself up to save sinners. His peace will sustain the humble believer in this mournful world. That’s the only kind of happiness that’s real and sustaining.
Mt 5:1-6, Eph 2:14