How can we discern between human traditions and God's commands in our lives? Jesus Confronts Tradition: Matthew 15:3 “Jesus replied, ‘And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition?’” Background Snapshot • Pharisees criticize the disciples for eating without the ritual hand-washing required by rabbinic custom. • Jesus exposes the deeper issue: elevating man-made regulations above God’s explicit word. • Parallel account: Mark 7:6-13 reveals the same heart problem—nullifying Scripture by human rules. How Traditions Drift from Truth • Add-ons: Rules invented to “protect” obedience gradually treated as equal to Scripture. • Substitutes: Human practices become replacements, crowding out what God actually said. • Excuses: Traditions can be used to dodge costly obedience (e.g., “Corban” loophole in Mark 7:11-12). • Echoed warnings: Colossians 2:8; Titus 1:14; Revelation 22:18-19. Four Biblical Tests for Discernment 1. The Test of Text – Does the practice have clear chapter-and-verse backing? – 2 Timothy 3:16-17 affirms Scripture’s sufficiency; anything lacking warrant is optional, not binding. 2. The Test of Christ’s Character – Does it align with Jesus’ heart for mercy, justice, and faithfulness? (Matthew 23:23) 3. The Test of Obedience Cost – Does it make it easier to obey or provide a loophole to avoid obedience? (1 Samuel 15:22) 4. The Test of Fruit – Does it produce love, joy, peace, and holiness (Galatians 5:22-23), or pride, division, and burden? Practical Steps to Stay Anchored • Keep your Bible open: Read entire passages, noting context before forming convictions. • Ask, “Where is that written?” when a rule is presented as mandatory. • Compare tradition to the example of the early church (Acts 2:42; 17:11). • Invite the Spirit’s illumination (John 16:13) while holding to the text’s plain meaning. • Be willing to reform or release cherished customs when Scripture corrects them. • Submit decisions to mature believers grounded in the Word (Proverbs 11:14). Red Flags That Reveal Man-Made Rules • Requires external conformity but ignores heart issues. • Imposes uniformity where Scripture allows freedom (Romans 14:5-6). • Elevates human authorities or traditions to the level of God’s voice. • Leads to judgmental attitudes toward those who differ on non-essentials. Blessings of Choosing God’s Commands Over Tradition • Clear conscience before the Lord (Acts 24:16). • Unity around foundational truths rather than divisive extras (Ephesians 4:3-6). • Dynamic, Spirit-led obedience that bears lasting fruit (John 15:5, 10). • Joyful freedom, no longer weighed down by human expectations (Matthew 11:28-30). Living It Out Today The choice surfaces daily—in worship styles, family rules, church programs, even holidays. Returning repeatedly to the unchanging voice of Scripture keeps our hearts soft, our minds clear, and our hands ready for genuine obedience. |
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