Music - A Bible Study

What does the Bible teach on the subject of music? The Bible has much to say about music and principles that can help guide us to make good choices about the music we listen to and how to worship God. People have different views about music. This study explores key Biblical truths about the purpose of music, and some principles we can apply to our own lives.

One of the purposes for humanity is to worship God: Revelation 14:7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.

Music is intellectual, emotional, physical, and spiritual.

Consider: The PURPOSE of Music. Music is primarily for the Praise and Glory of God - Psalms 104:33 I will sing unto the LORD as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.

Music is also for the edification of believers - Again - Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Music can have a Therapeutic healing effect: 1 Samuel 16:16. Music can minister healing to the mind, soul, and body.

PRINCIPLES about music in a believer’s life. Music reflects: What is going on inside a believer’s heart - our relationship with, and our attitude toward God. Psalms 145:2 Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever.

My music must glorify God. Revelation 4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

My music must reflect the character of God. 1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. 1 Corinthians 14:40 Let all things be done decently and in order.
God’s character is truth. Psalms 31:5 …thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth.

My music must change me to be more like God, NOT the world - Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

My music must be in accord with God - it has the nature of submission not rebellion - Ephesians 5:21.

My music must be going in the right direction - not the wrong direction - as with Lot, Genesis 13:10-11.

When we make choices about music - do we consider what is the attitude of others who go along with it and listen to this music? - Proverbs 13:20 He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

Let's ask ourselves: What is the philosophy behind this music? Can we go along with what the music style represents and the lifestyle and thinking that goes along with it? Is there a clash? Amos 3:3 Can two walk together, except they be agreed? We want to avoid what has questionable associations.

What’s the message behind the music? Is it in accord with right doctrine? Titus 2:1.

The Bible urges us to steer away from sin. We don’t want to accommodate or lean what is doubtful. We don’t want to veer towards that wrong direction. 2 Timothy 2:22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

As God’s people we are born again and we put behind us the old sinful nature. Our heart has been changed and our desires - our primary consideration is: Does it please the Lord? 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. If God has your heart, He’ll have your music.

There is a right and a wrong way to worship. It’s important that we worship in a way that is pleasing and right in the sight of our holy God.

David neglected to obey God when moving the Ark of the Covenant and suffered God’s judgment. 2 Samuel 6:7. We must accord with the principles of scripture - it is essential that we treat holy things reverently and honour of our Lord.

We must not treat holy things carelessly. We should not think that we can treat worship and music carelessly.

Our music and worship ought not to be focussed upon the sensual, but upon the spiritual - founded upon truth. 2 Corinthians 5:7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)

We want to exercise care and godly principles when we consider what type of music we will use. We should ask:
“How does the music affect us?”
“Does it have a beneficial, helpful influence or a harmful one?”
Music, even without lyrics, can have an effect upon the listener and produce certain fruit.

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.