How can we discern when biblical principles override traditional practices today? Scripture Spotlight – Matthew 12:5 “Or haven’t you read in the Law that on the Sabbath the priests in the temple break the Sabbath and yet are innocent?” What Jesus Is Teaching • The Law itself allowed temple service on the Sabbath, proving God’s command can contain purposeful exceptions. • A higher principle (worship and covenant maintenance) overruled the normal Sabbath restriction. • By pointing to Scripture, Jesus declared that God’s Word—not human custom—sets the boundaries of obedience. Key Truths That Guide Our Discernment • Scripture is perfectly true; it is never mistaken in history, doctrine, or ethics (2 Timothy 3:16; Psalm 19:7-9). • Traditions are human and therefore fallible (Mark 7:8-9). • When a tradition conflicts with clear biblical teaching, the Word of God prevails every time (Acts 5:29). Steps for Testing Traditions Today 1. Search the Text – Compare the practice with explicit commands and examples (Acts 17:11). 2. Identify the Principle – Look for the purpose behind the command (Matthew 12:6-7; Hosea 6:6). 3. Trace the Consistency – Check how that principle appears from Genesis to Revelation (Hebrews 13:8). 4. Examine the Fruit – Does the practice display love for God and neighbor? (Matthew 22:37-40). 5. Submit in Humility – If Scripture contradicts a treasured custom, abandon the custom (Colossians 2:8). Biblical Examples of Principle Over Tradition • David eating consecrated bread when hungry (1 Samuel 21:1-6; Matthew 12:3-4). • Circumcision no longer required for Gentile believers (Acts 15). • Peter setting aside dietary boundaries to evangelize Cornelius (Acts 10). Common Contemporary Applications • Evaluating church programs: Are they rooted in clear mandates, or just “the way we’ve always done it”? • Sabbath observance: Honoring rest and worship without legalistic burdens (Mark 2:27). • Worship style: Ensuring content remains doctrinally sound while allowing cultural expression (Colossians 3:16). Guardrails Against License • Freedom never cancels moral absolutes (Galatians 5:13). • Principle over tradition is not principle over obedience—Scripture still commands holy living (1 Peter 1:15-16). Living It Out • Hold every practice up to the light of the Word. • Keep a soft heart, ready to reform where Scripture demands. • Trust that God’s unchanging truth brings clarity and genuine freedom. |
    |