Historical Perspectives on Worship and Musical Instruments

 

Summary

In our exploration of the historical and theological perspectives on the use of musical instruments in worship, we delved into the practices of the synagogue and the early Reformed churches. The absence of musical instruments in Orthodox Jewish synagogues and early Reformed churches was highlighted, with figures like Calvin and Zwingli advocating for a more austere form of worship. Calvin viewed musical instruments as a Roman Catholic innovation, and this perspective influenced many Reformed churches until the 17th century. The Dutch Reformed Church, notably, did not experience significant splits in the 17th century, which contributed to the continuity of certain practices, unlike the Scottish Presbyterians who often split over such issues.

We also discussed the evolution of the Roman Catholic Church, noting how traditions gradually gained authority over Scripture, a shift that contributed to the Reformation. Augustine's influence was examined, revealing a tension between what would become Roman Catholicism and Protestantism. This historical context set the stage for a discussion on contemporary worship practices, particularly the use of songs from mega-churches with questionable teachings. It was emphasized that church leadership should oversee the music to ensure it aligns with Scripture, and congregants should engage with leadership if concerns arise.

The current state of the Western church was addressed, noting a decline in biblical knowledge and a tendency towards cultural accommodation. This shift away from gospel-centered preaching poses a risk of the church adopting secular values. However, there is hope in the global church, with growth in regions like Africa and Asia, suggesting a shift in the center of Christianity. The importance of remaining faithful to the gospel and the mission of the church was underscored, as was the need for discernment in engaging with progressive Christian communities.

Finally, the question of when to leave a church was considered, emphasizing prayer, conviction, and dialogue with leadership. The historic marks of a true church—pure preaching of the gospel, proper administration of sacraments, and church discipline—serve as guides in this decision. The need for gospel-centered preaching was highlighted, as many have drifted from this focus, often without realizing it.

Key Takeaways:

1. Historical Context of Worship Practices: The absence of musical instruments in early Reformed churches was influenced by figures like Calvin, who viewed them as innovations of the Roman Catholic Church. This historical perspective challenges us to consider how traditions shape our worship today and to ensure that our practices align with biblical principles. [12:18]

2. Authority of Scripture vs. Tradition: The gradual elevation of tradition over Scripture in the Roman Catholic Church serves as a cautionary tale. It reminds us of the importance of grounding our faith and practices in the Word of God, resisting the temptation to let human traditions overshadow divine revelation. [16:52]

3. Discernment in Worship Music: The use of songs from churches with questionable teachings requires discernment. We must ensure that our worship aligns with Scripture and engage with church leadership to address concerns, fostering a community that values truth and theological integrity. [20:46]

4. Cultural Accommodation in the Church: The Western church's decline in biblical knowledge and tendency towards cultural accommodation highlights the need for a return to gospel-centered preaching. By focusing on the gospel and resisting secular influences, the church can remain faithful to its mission. [24:48]

5. Marks of a True Church: When considering leaving a church, the historic marks of a true church—pure preaching, proper sacraments, and discipline—serve as essential guides. These elements ensure that the church remains focused on advancing the truth of the gospel and nurturing the spiritual growth of its members. [33:29]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [11:04] - Historical Context of Musical Instruments
- [12:18] - Reformed Church Practices
- [14:10] - Calvin's Influence on Worship
- [15:46] - Roman Catholic Church Evolution
- [17:05] - Augustine's Influence
- [19:12] - Discernment in Worship Music
- [22:34] - Current State of the Western Church
- [24:48] - Cultural Accommodation
- [26:16] - Faithfulness to the Gospel
- [30:31] - Engaging with Progressive Christianity
- [33:07] - When to Leave a Church
- [35:00] - Importance of Gospel-Centered Preaching

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Ephesians 5:19 - "Speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord."
2. Amos 8:11-12 - "The days are coming,” declares the Sovereign Lord, “when I will send a famine through the land—not a famine of food or a thirst for water, but a famine of hearing the words of the Lord. People will stagger from sea to sea and wander from north to east, searching for the word of the Lord, but they will not find it."
3. Acts 17:11 - "Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true."

Observation Questions:
1. What historical reasons were given for the absence of musical instruments in early Reformed churches? [11:04]
2. How did Calvin and Zwingli's views on musical instruments differ, and what was their influence on worship practices? [11:32]
3. What role does church leadership play in overseeing worship music, according to the sermon? [19:39]
4. How is the current state of the Western church described in terms of biblical knowledge and cultural accommodation? [22:34]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How might the historical context of worship practices influence our understanding of current worship traditions? [12:18]
2. In what ways can the authority of Scripture be overshadowed by tradition, and how can this be prevented in modern churches? [16:52]
3. What are the potential risks of using worship songs from churches with questionable teachings, and how can congregations address these concerns? [20:46]
4. How does the sermon suggest the Western church can remain faithful to its mission amidst cultural pressures? [24:48]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your church's worship practices. Are there traditions that might need reevaluation to ensure they align with biblical principles? How can you initiate this conversation with your church leadership? [12:18]
2. Consider a tradition in your life or church that might be overshadowing the authority of Scripture. How can you address this in a way that honors both tradition and biblical truth? [16:52]
3. How can you personally engage with your church leadership to ensure the worship music aligns with Scripture? What steps can you take to foster a community that values theological integrity? [20:46]
4. In what ways have you observed cultural accommodation in your church or personal faith journey? How can you refocus on gospel-centered preaching and living? [24:48]
5. If you were to evaluate your church based on the historic marks of a true church, how would it measure up? What actions can you take if you find areas lacking? [33:29]
6. Think of a time when you felt conflicted about a church practice or teaching. How did you address it, and what did you learn from the experience? [19:12]
7. Identify one area in your life where you might be accommodating cultural values over gospel values. What practical steps can you take to realign with the gospel? [25:24]

Devotional

Day 1: Historical Influence on Worship Practices
In the early Reformed churches, the absence of musical instruments was a deliberate choice influenced by leaders like Calvin, who viewed them as innovations of the Roman Catholic Church. This historical perspective challenges us to consider how traditions shape our worship today and to ensure that our practices align with biblical principles. Calvin and Zwingli advocated for a more austere form of worship, believing that musical instruments could distract from the purity of worship. This perspective was prevalent in many Reformed churches until the 17th century, particularly in the Dutch Reformed Church, which maintained continuity in its practices. Understanding this history invites us to reflect on the role of tradition in our worship and encourages us to evaluate whether our practices are rooted in Scripture or merely in human customs. [12:18]

Psalm 150:3-5 (ESV): "Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp! Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe! Praise him with sounding cymbals; praise him with loud clashing cymbals!"

Reflection: How do you discern whether a worship practice in your church is rooted in Scripture or tradition? What steps can you take to ensure your worship aligns with biblical principles?


Day 2: Authority of Scripture Over Tradition
The gradual elevation of tradition over Scripture in the Roman Catholic Church serves as a cautionary tale. It reminds us of the importance of grounding our faith and practices in the Word of God, resisting the temptation to let human traditions overshadow divine revelation. This shift in authority was one of the catalysts for the Reformation, as reformers sought to return to a Scripture-centered faith. Augustine's influence highlighted the tension between emerging Roman Catholic traditions and the principles that would later define Protestantism. As we navigate our faith today, we must remain vigilant in ensuring that Scripture remains the ultimate authority in our lives, guiding our beliefs and practices. [16:52]

Colossians 2:8 (ESV): "See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ."

Reflection: In what ways might you be allowing tradition to overshadow Scripture in your life? How can you actively prioritize the authority of God's Word in your daily decisions and beliefs?


Day 3: Discernment in Worship Music
The use of songs from churches with questionable teachings requires discernment. We must ensure that our worship aligns with Scripture and engage with church leadership to address concerns, fostering a community that values truth and theological integrity. In a time when music from mega-churches is widely popular, it is crucial to evaluate the theological soundness of the lyrics and the teachings of the churches producing them. Church leadership plays a vital role in overseeing the music selection to ensure it reflects biblical truths. As congregants, we are encouraged to engage in open dialogue with our leaders if we have concerns, promoting a culture of accountability and spiritual growth. [20:46]

1 John 4:1 (ESV): "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world."

Reflection: What criteria do you use to evaluate the theological soundness of the worship music you listen to? How can you engage with your church leadership to ensure the music aligns with Scripture?


Day 4: Resisting Cultural Accommodation
The Western church's decline in biblical knowledge and tendency towards cultural accommodation highlights the need for a return to gospel-centered preaching. By focusing on the gospel and resisting secular influences, the church can remain faithful to its mission. This shift away from gospel-centered preaching poses a risk of the church adopting secular values, diluting the transformative power of the gospel. However, there is hope in the global church, with growth in regions like Africa and Asia, suggesting a shift in the center of Christianity. As believers, we are called to remain steadfast in our commitment to the gospel, ensuring that our lives and churches reflect its truth and power. [24:48]

2 Timothy 4:3-4 (ESV): "For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths."

Reflection: In what ways have you noticed cultural influences affecting your church's teachings or practices? How can you contribute to a return to gospel-centered preaching in your community?


Day 5: Marks of a True Church
When considering leaving a church, the historic marks of a true church—pure preaching, proper sacraments, and discipline—serve as essential guides. These elements ensure that the church remains focused on advancing the truth of the gospel and nurturing the spiritual growth of its members. The decision to leave a church should be approached with prayer, conviction, and dialogue with leadership. By evaluating whether a church upholds these marks, believers can discern whether it remains faithful to its mission. This process requires wisdom and discernment, as well as a commitment to seeking God's guidance in making such a significant decision. [33:29]

Acts 2:42 (ESV): "And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers."

Reflection: Are the historic marks of a true church evident in your current church community? How can you engage with your church leadership to address any areas that may be lacking?

Quotes


Calvin said well musical instruments, that's a newfangled innovation of the Roman church, only 500 years old, and so Calvin did not have musical instruments in the churches and most reformed churches did not have musical instruments in the 16th century. Zwingli doesn't entirely count because he didn't have singing either. [00:11:24]

The development of the Roman Catholic Church to where it is today is a very long process of often slow and subtle changes. The church in Rome for many centuries got many things right and provided valuable leadership in the worldwide church, but gradually it allowed its own traditions to have more authority than the word of God. [00:16:20]

I think that's a conscience issue. The last thing we want to do is sing heresy back to the Lord. The last thing we want to do is sing falsehood. We should have a measure of trust in our leadership to oversee the music that is being sung. [00:19:23]

I think my approach would be to talk to the leadership, especially if there's a statement of faith, and be a good Berean with the music that you sing. Is it in accord with scripture and is it truth? Express that kindly to your leadership and have them oversee that in a way that is helpful to the entire congregation. [00:20:31]

The church in the west generally but particularly in the United States in the last 50 years has declined, sadly and almost tragically. That's part of why I'm so enthusiastic about Ligonier ministry because I think it's providing theological resources to try to help the church regain some balance and insight and knowledge. [00:22:32]

There has been an accommodation, a cultural accommodation wanting to address all of the current cultural issues and being sensitive to a, b, and c, whatever that may be. I think that when you take your eye off of the gospel and consecutive expository preaching, the church is doomed to adopt the surrounding culture. [00:24:14]

There is no guarantee or promise that the western church is always going to be in the ascendancy. You've just told us that the church is in the ascendancy in Africa, and maybe within our lifetime and certainly within the lifetime of those who are younger than me, the center of the reformed church may be a completely different part of the world. [00:24:55]

If the church remains faithful to the gospel and the mission of the church, which is to preach Christ in him crucified to make the way known to the ends of the earth of salvation, I think those churches have we come to a day of Amos 8 where men will run to and fro seeking for the word of God and shall not find it. [00:26:05]

Historically we say there's three marks of a faithful and true church: the pure preaching of the gospel, the right administration of sacraments, and church discipline. Those are good gauges by which to look at your church and say are these things taken seriously in the church. [00:33:17]

If those things are set aside and we have little ones we're raising and we have our own souls to care for and also our families, and I see a lot of people who are more tied to friendships and culture and family than the truth of the gospel, and I think this is where we have to be willing to count the cost. [00:34:56]

If I've come to that conscious conviction that that is not the case after prayer, working with my family and spending serious time talking to the leadership, then I think it's entirely appropriate to look for a faithful church that demonstrates those historic marks. [00:35:54]

They've been members of churches that had drifted away slowly perhaps imperceptibly and they hadn't realized what had happened, and what they heard was gospel preaching. [00:36:40]

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Transcript
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