INTRODUCTION

1. The example of Nadab and Abihu serves as a very important example for us today in regards to rendering worship to God - Leviticus 10:1-3

a. When they offered in worship something the Lord had not commanded, it was taken by the Lord as a sign of disrespect for His Holiness

b. Such examples were written for our learning - 1 Corinthians 10:11

2. As children of God ...

a. We are to be holy before the Holy One who called us - 1 Peter 1:14-16

b. Therefore it is equally important that we treat God as holy!

c. This we can do in our worship by doing exactly as He instructs in His Word!

3. To be sure that we do this in regards to our MUSIC in worship, I would like for us to consider what the New Testament has to say about:

a. The nature of worship in general

b. And especially about the music in New Testament worship

TYPES OF WORSHIP IN THE NEW TESTAMENT

1. "TRUE" WORSHIP...

a. Referred to by Jesus in John 4:23-24

b. This is the type of worship expected by God today ("an hour is coming, and NOW IS")

2. "VAIN" WORSHIP...

a. Referred to by Jesus in Matthew 15:7-9

b. This worship is the result of:

i. Following traditions of men and ignoring the commands of God on a particular subject

ii. Also, when worship is not done "from the heart"

3. "IGNORANT" WORSHIP...

a. Referred to by Paul in Acts 17:22-23

b. This is worship offered in the absence of a knowledge of God's will concerning who He is and how He is to be worshipped

4. "WILL" (SELF-IMPOSED) WORSHIP...

a. Referred to by Paul in Colossians 2:20-23 (KJV)

b. This worship, closely aligned with VAIN worship:

i. Is the result of doing what WE like and WE think is good

ii. But not taught by God in His Word (cf. Nadab & Abihu)