How can we discern if a tradition aligns with biblical teachings? Setting the Scene: Mark 7:5 “Then the Pharisees and scribes asked Him, ‘Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders? Instead, they eat with defiled hands.’” What the Verse Highlights • Two authorities collide: “tradition of the elders” versus the revealed Word spoken by the Lord. • The religious leaders measure devotion by human custom; Jesus measures it by obedience to God’s command. • This contrast lays the groundwork for evaluating every practice that develops within the faith community. The Non-Negotiable Standard: God’s Word • Mark 7:6-8—Jesus answers, “You have disregarded the command of God to keep the tradition of men.” • Psalm 119:89—“Forever, O LORD, Your word stands firm in the heavens.” • 2 Timothy 3:16-17—All Scripture is God-breathed, fully sufficient for doctrine, correction, and training. Scripture never bends to accommodate tradition; tradition must bow to Scripture, every time. Four Scriptural Tests for Any Tradition 1. Origin Test — Did God command it? • Exodus 20:1 ff.; Matthew 15:3 “Why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition?” 2. Consistency Test — Is it in harmony with the whole counsel of God? • Acts 20:27; Hebrews 13:8 (the unchanging Christ). 3. Gospel Test — Does it exalt Christ and His finished work? • Galatians 1:8-9 “If anyone preaches a gospel contrary… let him be accursed.” 4. Fruit Test — Does it produce love, holiness, and edification? • Matthew 7:17-18; James 3:17-18. Scriptural Precedent: Traditions Worth Keeping • 2 Thessalonians 2:15—“Hold to the traditions you were taught by us.” (Apostolic, Spirit-inspired, therefore Scriptural.) • 1 Corinthians 11:2—Paul praises believers for maintaining apostolic ordinances. Tradition is valuable only when it faithfully transmits what God has already revealed. Warning Lights: Traditions to Question • Colossians 2:8—“See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to human tradition…” • Isaiah 29:13—When worship becomes lip service, driven by “rules taught by men.” Any practice that obscures, adds to, or contradicts clear biblical teaching crosses the line. Practical Steps to Discern • Search the Scriptures daily—Acts 17:11. • Compare the practice against explicit passages first, then wider biblical themes. • Consult faithful teachers, yet keep the Bible open—Proverbs 11:14. • Observe the spiritual fruit over time—Galatians 5:22-23. • Be willing to reform personal habits and church customs when Scripture requires it—James 1:22-25. When Tradition Passes the Tests • Receive it with gratitude; it can safeguard doctrine (2 Timothy 1:13-14). • Use it to reinforce unity and order in the church (1 Corinthians 14:40). • Guard it from drift by continual return to Scripture (2 Timothy 2:15). When Tradition Fails the Tests • Abandon or reshape it immediately—Mark 7:13. • Teach why it was rejected, anchoring the explanation in chapter-and-verse truth—Nehemiah 8:8. • Replace it with direct obedience to God’s revealed will—John 14:15. Living It Out Traditions can bless or bind. The deciding factor is simple: do they echo the voice of God’s written Word, or do they merely echo the voice of men? Measure everything by Scripture, and you will walk in freedom, truth, and authentic worship. |
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