In what ways can we ensure our traditions align with biblical teachings? A clear warning from Jesus: Matthew 15:5–6 “But you say, ‘If anyone says to his father or mother, “Whatever you would have received from me is a gift devoted to God,” he need not honor his father or mother.’ Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition.” How good traditions drift into dangerous territory • They substitute religious appearance for heartfelt obedience (Mark 7:8–9). • They elevate human opinion over divine command (Colossians 2:8). • They silence conscience and Scripture by appealing to precedent—“we’ve always done it this way.” • They can mask selfishness; in Jesus’ example, the “gift” withheld real care from aging parents. Scripture’s built-in safeguards • Sufficiency: “All Scripture is God-breathed… so that the man of God may be complete” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). • Immutability: “Do not add to what I command you or subtract from it” (Deuteronomy 4:2). • Accountability: “Test all things; hold fast to what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). • Example of diligence: “The Bereans… examined the Scriptures daily” (Acts 17:11). Principles for testing every tradition 1. Origin—Was it taught or modeled by Christ or His apostles? (2 Thessalonians 2:15). 2. Content—Does it agree with the plain meaning of Scripture, or does it require bending texts? 3. Purpose—Does it promote love of God and neighbor, or does it serve convenience, culture, or pride? 4. Fruit—Does it produce holiness and obedience (James 1:22), or hypocrisy and loopholes (Matthew 15:5)? 5. Freedom—Can it be practiced without binding consciences where God has left liberty (Romans 14:5-6)? Practical steps to keep our traditions biblical • Hold regular “Scripture checks” for family, church, and personal habits. • Invite open Bibles into every planning meeting, worship outline, and ministry calendar. • Compare lyrics, liturgies, and sayings with clear passages—retain what matches, revise what doesn’t. • Teach the why, not just the what, so each generation anchors practice in God’s word, not mere memory. • Stay humble and reform quickly when Scripture shows a better way. • Celebrate traditions that clearly echo apostolic teaching—baptism, the Lord’s Supper, corporate prayer, caring for widows and orphans. • Discard traditions that excuse neglect—like the Corban rule—or that replace repentance with ritual. Living aligned: the joyful result When every tradition submits to Scripture, God is honored, believers mature, outsiders see authentic faith, and the “word of God” stands tall—never nullified, always obeyed. |
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