What are examples of traditions that might "set aside the commandment of God"? Setting the Context “ ‘You have a fine way of setting aside the commandment of God in order to observe your own tradition!’ ” (Mark 7:9). Jesus’ words came after the Pharisees criticized His disciples for eating with unwashed hands. He pointed them to Isaiah 29:13 and exposed the danger of elevating any human practice above the clear voice of Scripture. What Jesus Pointed Out in His Day • Corban rule: declaring possessions “dedicated to God,” then refusing to support aging parents, violating Exodus 20:12 (Mark 7:11–13). • Exacting tithes of garden herbs while neglecting justice, mercy, and faithfulness (Matthew 23:23). • Rigid Sabbath restrictions that prevented acts of compassion (Mark 3:1–6). Historic Church Traditions That Crossed the Line • Selling indulgences—offering forgiveness for money and obscuring the free grace proclaimed in Ephesians 2:8–9. • Mandating celibacy or dietary rules as conditions of holiness contrary to 1 Timothy 4:1–5. • Placing church councils or papal decrees above the written Word (Galatians 1:8–9). Contemporary Traditions That Can Do the Same • National or political loyalty eclipsing allegiance to Christ and His kingdom (Philippians 3:20). • “Prosperity Gospel” expectations that replace the call to self-denial (Luke 9:23). • Consumer-driven worship styles that prioritize personal preference over reverent, God-centered praise (Hebrews 12:28). • Holiday observances that emphasize materialism instead of the incarnation or resurrection truths they claim to celebrate (Colossians 2:16–17). • Social media “influencer Christianity,” where likes and platform outrank humble obedience to Matthew 6:1. • Family or ethnic customs—arranged marriages, ancestor rites, or fatalistic superstitions—contradicting clear biblical teaching on marriage, life, or salvation (2 Corinthians 6:14–18). • Church bylaws or dress codes enforced as if they were moral absolutes, overshadowing the heart-righteousness of Romans 14:17. • Prioritizing building projects or aesthetics over caring for the poor, ignoring James 1:27. Safeguards for Every Generation • Measure every tradition against explicit Scripture (Acts 17:11). • Submit feelings, culture, and history to the authority of God’s Word (Psalm 119:105). • Welcome correction; Scripture is “profitable for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16–17). • Remember that love for God and neighbor fulfills the law (Matthew 22:37–40); any practice that hinders love must be reevaluated. Key Takeaways God’s commands are clear, life-giving, and non-negotiable. Traditions, while often helpful, become dangerous when they nullify or overshadow those commands. Continual return to Scripture keeps believers anchored, discerning, and free to obey “the whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27). |
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