Music

“Music is a part of us, and either ennobles or

degrades our behavior.”-Roman Philosopher Boethius

Introduction

There is a popular “Christian teaching” that goes like this…

“…music doesn’t matter anymore. God really doesn’t mind.”

“…God created all music therefore He must like all kinds of music.”

“…the Bible is not specific about music so I can listen to whatever I want.”

Before we get started…#1

1. Music is a “hot button” with many Christians today.

“Various positions and opinions on music are debated, argued, and staunchly defended. The very mention of the topic can cause an immediate spirit of defensiveness or carnality and a wide variety of unfavorable emotional responses.” (Music Matters, Pg 5).

Scripture Pr. 13:10 “Only by pride cometh

contention: but with the well-advised is wisdom.”

Pr. 16:18 “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.”

Pr. 29:23 “A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.”

Application #1

Lay aside your pride. You may actually learn something from God’s Word. Be “well advised.”

Let your guard down and let God’s Word do the shaping and convicting.

Abandon what your friends and society has taught you to say about your music.

Let God’s Word be true!

Before we get started…#2

2. Music is becoming a “personal god.” In today’s world music choices are becoming

a personal preference and how dare anyone (including God) have a right to “butt in”.

“Music is MY decision and I have the right to choose what I want to listen too.”

Scripture

Rom. 12:1 “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”

1 Cor 6:20 “For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.”

Application #2

As a Christian you have no “personal space” that neglects God. When you asked Jesus into your heart you surrendered all.

Becoming a Christian is a serious, but satisfying commitment to God.

This means…

Your eyes Your mind Your hands Your feet Your career Your decisions Your mouth Your friends Your EARS (music) This means…

Your LIFE belongs to GOD!

You are a Battlefield!

“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth [wars/ competes] against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary [opposites] the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.” -Gal. 5:16-17

Flesh Spirit

Before we get started…#3

3. Music invades our culture in ways never known to mankind.

Since 1908 technology has radically changed the way our culture interacts with music.

“Bringing music from the concert halls of the 19th century to the ear-buds of the 21st century has produced numerous, massive cultural shifts that we couldn’t begin to address.” (Music Matters, Pg 7)

Music is now everywhere you go! You cannot go anywhere without being influenced in some way.

Examples

Have you ever noticed the background music at a…

Restaurant Gym Food store Movie/ Television show Doctor’s office Sporting event

Application #3

Therefore, since we are in a time period that is, for a lack of a better word, experimental we can not look at past generations to see how they handle things. (i.e. There were no iPods 50 years ago.)

So that is WHY we…go to the Bible!

Before we get started…#4

4. Music is a very Biblical matter. God has tons to say about music.

Many Christians are foolishly quick to say that the Bible does not have much to say about music.

The Bible is filled with principles that must act like guides regarding our music.

God’s Word cuts right to the heart of the matter. No matter where culture decides to go.

Review

1. Music is a “hot button” with many Christians today.

2. Music is becoming a “personal god.”

3. Music invades our culture in ways never known to mankind.

4. Music is a very Biblical matter. God has tons to say about music.

Conclusion For this study on music will you…

Put off your sinful pride?

Allow God’s Word to convict, challenge, and change you?

BE TEACHABLE!