Below are notes to a sermon preached Sunday evening, Mar. 3, 2002, at Gospel Light Baptist Church, Albany, Georgia. For more outlines, including a zipped file of all of my 1999, 2000, and 2001 sermon outlines, click on the link at the bottom of this note, and go to our website:

MUSIC AND THE SPIRIT-FILLED LIFE

By Michael D. O'Neal Pastor, Gospel Light Baptist Church Albany, Georgia

Scripture Reading: Ephesians 5:15-21

Text: Ephesians 5:18-19

Ephesians 5:18-19 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; 19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

Introduction: This month we're emphasizing the need for a revival of Spirit-fulness! God commands for us to be filled with the Spirit! Immediately after that command, in the same sentence, good MUSIC is commanded.

Tonight I want you to see the power of music in helping you and me to be filled with the Spirit of God. By no means do I say that music is the sole characteristic or requirement of the Spirit-filled life, but it is DEFINITELY involved!

I. GODLY MUSIC CREATES SPIRITUAL THIRST

Music is the "call to worship."

Daniel 3:5 That at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up:

The above is an example of bad music creating a bad thirst.

Godly music will make a person have a strong desire:

A. For the Lord's person

Psalms 42:1-2 As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.
My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?

B. For the Lord's precepts

Music in a service should cause a person want to hear the word of God, not tap his foot and swing his hips!

C. For the Lord's purpose

Many, many people surrendered to God's purpose for their lives at an invitation with music:
For salvation: "Just As I Am"
For service: "I Surrender All"; "Where He Leads Me"

II. GODLY MUSIC CAUSES SPIRITUAL TRANQUILITY

Daniel 6:18 Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting: neither were instruments of musick brought before him: and his sleep went from him.

Godly music helps a person have peace of mind:

A. For physical rest

B. For profitable reflection

On the word of God that you have heard.
On the blessings you have experienced.

C. For personal refreshment

Along the lines of "refreshment," consider with me that:

III. GODLY MUSIC CHANGES SPIRITUAL TEMPERAMENT

1 Samuel 16:23 And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took an harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him.

A. It will help change discord into accord

B. It will help change dissatisfaction into acceptance

C. It will help change doubt into assurance

D. It will help change dismay into an attack (on the devil!)

IV. GODLY MUSIC COMPLEMENTS A SOUL-WINNER'S TESTIMONY

Acts 16:25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.

A. It is an encouragement to the soul-winner

B. It is an example to the sinner

C. It is equipment for the Spirit of God

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