How can understanding Mark 7:8 deepen our relationship with God and His Word?

Hearing Jesus in His Own Words

“ ‘You have disregarded the commandment of God to keep the tradition of men.’ ” – Mark 7 : 8

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The Issue Jesus Confronted

• Religious leaders elevated human regulations above God’s explicit commands.

• The word “disregarded” shows an intentional setting aside, not mere forgetfulness.

• Traditions are not inherently wrong, but they must never outrank revealed Scripture.

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Why This Matters for Us Today

• God’s Word remains the unchanging standard (Isaiah 40 : 8; 2 Timothy 3 : 16–17).

• Modern culture likewise presses believers to reinterpret or sideline clear teaching.

• A tender conscience toward Scripture keeps relationship with the Lord fresh and uncluttered.

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Spotting Traditions That Compete with Truth

Ask, “Does this practice…”

– contradict a direct command? (e.g., Matthew 15 : 3)

– add requirements God never stated? (Acts 15 : 10)

– shift trust from Christ to human effort? (Galatians 3 : 3)

When the answer is “yes,” the practice must yield.

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Deepening Relationship Through Obedience

• Love expresses itself in keeping Jesus’ words (John 14 : 15).

• Obedience opens the door to fuller fellowship (John 14 : 23).

• Ignoring Scripture dulls spiritual hearing (Hebrews 5 : 11–12).

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Letting Scripture Guard Our Hearts

• Psalm 119 : 11 – “I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.”

• James 1 : 22 – “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”

• Colossians 2 : 8 – “See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception…according to the tradition of men.”

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Practical Steps to Keep God’s Command Central

1. Daily reading plan: steady intake prevents drift.

2. Compare every teaching to the Bible; hold leaders accountable to the text.

3. Memorize key passages on core doctrines.

4. Speak Scripture in the home (Deuteronomy 6 : 6–7).

5. Choose worship and service methods rooted in clear biblical precedent.

6. Confess quickly when the Spirit exposes any favoritism toward man-made ideas.

7. Celebrate testimonies of blessing that come from simple, faithful obedience.

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Living Out Mark 7 : 8

Embracing God’s command over human tradition realigns priorities, sharpens discernment, and fuels intimate communion with the Lord. The Word held high draws us nearer to the Author Himself.