The Spirit Behind The Words

Act 19:13  But also some of the Jewish exorcists, who went from place to place, attempted to name over those who had the evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, "I adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preaches."
Act 19:14  Seven sons of one Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this.
Act 19:15  And the evil spirit answered and said to them, "I recognize Jesus, and I know about Paul, but who are you?"

Some people think that if words are in line with Scripture, we can use them to worship God or teach truth. This argument was used at a church we were members of in regard to singing songs in corporate worship. Our argument was that we should not be singing songs written by unbelievers like Roman Catholic monks (or Word of Faith leaders like John Wimber, who's song was in our hymnal). The elders, after nine months, finally got back to us on this issue and stated as long as the words are in line with the Bible, it doesn't concern them who wrote the words. However, that is not what Scripture states.

Acts 19:13-15 is an example of how mere words--in this case the name of Jesus--is not enough. It is the spirit behind the words that matter. The demon did not recognize the Jewish high priests sons who used the name of Jesus to exorcise demons because they were not in Christ Jesus.

Also, it's tantamount to offering strange fire to God in worship.

Exo 30:9  "You shall not offer any strange incense on this altar, or burnt offering or meal offering; and you shall not pour out a drink offering on it.

Lev 10:1  Now Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took their respective firepans, and after putting fire in them, placed incense on it and offered strange fire before the LORD, which He had not commanded them.
Lev 10:2  And fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died before the LORD.
Lev 10:3  Then Moses said to Aaron, "It is what the LORD spoke, saying, 'By those who come near Me I will be treated as holy, And before all the people I will be honored.'" So Aaron, therefore, kept silent.

This shows the lack of reverence, fear, and faith in God. Attempting to worship God in the flesh is not pleasing to God. What is not of Christ, what is not wrought by the HOLY Spirit, is simply unacceptable to God. A song that is written with "right" words but is written in the flesh, out of an UNHOLY spirit, is unacceptable to God and we cannot join ourselves to it and then call it "worship". it is spiritual harlotry.

Co 6:14  Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness?
2Co 6:15  Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever?
2Co 6:16  Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, "I WILL DWELL IN THEM AND WALK AMONG THEM; AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE.
2Co 6:17  "Therefore, COME OUT FROM THEIR MIDST AND BE SEPARATE," says the Lord. "AND DO NOT TOUCH WHAT IS UNCLEAN; And I will welcome you.

Joh 4:24  "God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth."