Matthew 15:1-14
How do we distinguish between positive and negative traditions in the church and in our lives?
The next four paragraphs come from some of my comments on a parallel passage.
“This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me” (Mark 7:6). When we observe a tradition (or practice a doctrine or live an application) solely for outward show and not from the heart, we mock God. We can allow tradition to become a mere form, a duty we perform with no thought of God. Even our singing can degenerate to that level, becoming the vain worship so despised by God.
“Laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men” (Mark 7:8). A tradition can so absorb us that we disregard what the Bible teaches. This can happen quite unintentionally. God forbid we should ever allow any tradition to displace a zeal for knowing and obeying God’s will as shown in His Word.
“Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition” (Mark 7:13). Some people, in their commitment to tradition, purposefully set aside what God Himself has to say about a given matter. For them what the Bible says does not matter anymore; they deem tradition to supersede what the Bible declares. Other people, with similar zeal for tradition, allow themselves to become that hard soil in which God’s Word cannot sprout and develop into a fruitful plant. For them tradition has become the means and purpose of spirituality; they can no longer respond to the Scriptures.
The basic problem isn’t with tradition but with our own flesh. When we allow God to create a new heart within us and daily renew our spirits, we will use (and respond to) tradition in a way that brings glory to the All Glorious One. So treasure the godly traditions you have…but keep a watch over your heart!
Read the rest: Establishing Biblical Traditions
The religious leaders of the Jews had many questions for Jesus. This time the question had to do with the behavior and the values of His disciples:
“Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders?” (Matthew 15:2).
Thankfully, the question of the scribes and Pharisees was one about which Jesus could defend His disciples!
But it’s sobering — extremely sobering — to me to put myself in the disciples’ shoes and think of Him being questioned about some aspect of my life.
Read the full article: Jesus, Defender?
How do we distinguish between positive and negative traditions in the church and in our lives? Measure them against God’s heart.
