Colossians 3:17

Introduction:

1. Tonight’s questions, though distinct all come back to the same principle.

2. How God ordered worship in the NT is at the heart of all of these questions.

3. We will set forth the questions first, and then we will grapple with the biblical principles that undergird our practices.

Discussion:

I. The Authority Principle

A. It is no secret that we worship in a way that is peculiar to most of our religious neighbors.

B. Some erroneously think we simply do not like the things they do, so we reject them.

C. In reality, we seek to leave our preferences out of the equation because they are immaterial.

D. Colossians 3:17 forms the basis of what we call the authority principle.

1. In the name of the Lord: lit. by His authority

2. We must filter every practice through the covenant (Heb. 8:13) and do only what is authorized/written (1 Corinthians 4:6; Matthew 8:8-9).

E. A few historical examples demonstrate God’s attitude towards man-made religious practices.

1. Cain’s sacrifice was rejected, not being done by faith (Genesis 4:1-5; Hebrews 11:4; Romans 10:17).

2. Nadab and Abihu were put to death for “profane” (NKJV), “strange” (KJV, ASV), “unauthorized” (ESV) incense (Leviticus 10:1-2).

3. King Saul lost his reign for offering a sacrifice without authorization (1 Samuel 13:5-14).

4. Uzziah became a leper for life for burning incense unauthorized (2 Chronicles 26:16-21).

F. All this shows how serious this principle is.

II. Why Not Mechanical Instruments?

A. Being a tiny minority, I understand the question.

B. The simple answer, based on the above, is we are only authorized to sing in the New Testament.

III. Why Not Choirs and Solos?

A. This question is related to the one above, and it is likewise because such lacks authority.

B. The issue with choirs and solos is it deviates from some key purposes for our singing: “Speaking to…” and “Teaching and admonishing one another…” (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16)

IV. What About Instruments in Private Praise?

A. This is a growing question in the church with the rise of contemporary Christian music.

B. Most brethren today hold that songs of praise outside the assembly are not worship, so the principles do not apply.

C. My issue with this is that, in context, Ephesians 5 and Colossians 3 are not limited in this way: governance of marital matters, parental matters, interpersonal relationships, etc., do not begin and end with corporate worship (Hebrews 13:15).

D. For a fuller treatment of this, I point you to our May 1, 2022 PM worship service.

V. Why Not Give Our “Testimony” as Others?

A. Once again, the answer to this query is the same; there simply is no authority given for the practice.

B. Sharing the story of our conversions is highly valuable for edification, but the Lord gave clear instructions for our practices in the assemblies.

Conclusion:

1. Much of this does not sit well with our religious neighbors, but we seek not to offend.

2. Our only concern is to find what the Lord desires from our worship and practice it.

3. Though I do not question the motives of others, I do question their conclusions in this.