What other scriptures emphasize the importance of prioritizing God's Word over traditions? Setting the Stage: Mark 7:13 “Thus you nullify the word of God by the tradition you have handed down. And you do so in many such matters.” • Jesus exposes the danger of letting cherished customs override clear revelation. • The contrast is stark: God’s Word carries divine authority; human tradition does not. Other Words from Jesus Matthew 15:3, 6 – “And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition?… Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition.” • Same issue, different setting—Jesus never soft-pedals it. • The command of God must remain untouched, even by well-intentioned practices. Guarding the Faith: New-Testament Echoes • Colossians 2:8 – “See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition… rather than on Christ.” • Acts 17:11 – “They… examined the Scriptures every day to see if these teachings were true.” • Galatians 1:8-9 – “Even if we or an angel… preach a gospel contrary… let him be under a curse!” • 2 Timothy 3:16-17 – “All Scripture is God-breathed… so that the man of God may be complete.” Key takeaways: – Test every claim by Scripture. – No messenger, philosophy, or spiritual experience outranks the written Word. Rooted in the Law and the Prophets • Deuteronomy 4:2 – “Do not add to or subtract from the commands I am giving you.” • Isaiah 8:20 – “To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn.” • Psalm 119:89 – “Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven.” • Psalm 119:105 – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” • Joshua 1:8 – “This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth… then you will prosper.” Old-Testament voices agree: God’s Word is fixed, final, and sufficient. Scripture’s Supreme Authority • Psalm 138:2 – “You have exalted Your word above all Your name.” • 1 Peter 1:24-25 – “The word of the Lord stands forever.” • Revelation 22:18-19 – A severe warning against adding to or taking away from God’s revelation. These passages seal the matter: God Himself guards the integrity of His Word. Bringing It Home • Measure every tradition—family, cultural, ecclesiastical—by clear biblical teaching. • Receive scriptural instruction with the eagerness of the Bereans and the humility of Joshua. • Let Scripture form convictions, correct errors, and fuel obedience, trusting that God’s unchanging Word outshines every human custom. |
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