Are Traditions (in the Church) Always Bad?
“For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men-- the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do." (Jesus) said to them, "All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition… making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down. And many such things you do" (Mark 7:8-9, 13).
When it comes to the Lord’s church, the word “tradition” frequently carries a negative connotation. And no wonder. In the above passage, Jesus reprimanded the Pharisees because they used their traditions to make the word of God of no effect.
However, before rejecting traditions entirely, we should be aware that the Bible actually endorses traditions that are based on the truth.
“Now I praise you, brethren, that you remember me in all things and keep the traditions just as I delivered them to you” 1 Cor. 11:2.
“Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle” 2 Thess. 2:15.
“But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us” 2 Thess 3:6.
Below are a few examples of “traditions” that are based on God’s word:
· Assembling with the church (Acts 2:44-47; Heb. 10:24-25).
· Praying together (Acts 4:23-31; James 5:16).
· Partaking of the Lord’s Supper (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 11:23-29).
· Giving (Luke 6:38; 1 Cor. 16:1-2).
· Singing Praises to God (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16).
· Loving one another (John 13:34, Rom 13:8).
· Forgiving one another (Eph. 4:32, Col. 3:13).
· Doing Good to Others (Gal. 6:10; 1 Tim. 6:17-19).
· Sharing the Gospel (Matt. 28:18-19; Mark 16:15-16).
May we continue to observe those traditions that are approved by God!
Live for the Lord in 2024!
Dennis
“For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men-- the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do." (Jesus) said to them, "All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition… making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down. And many such things you do" (Mark 7:8-9, 13).
When it comes to the Lord’s church, the word “tradition” frequently carries a negative connotation. And no wonder. In the above passage, Jesus reprimanded the Pharisees because they used their traditions to make the word of God of no effect.
However, before rejecting traditions entirely, we should be aware that the Bible actually endorses traditions that are based on the truth.
“Now I praise you, brethren, that you remember me in all things and keep the traditions just as I delivered them to you” 1 Cor. 11:2.
“Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle” 2 Thess. 2:15.
“But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us” 2 Thess 3:6.
Below are a few examples of “traditions” that are based on God’s word:
· Assembling with the church (Acts 2:44-47; Heb. 10:24-25).
· Praying together (Acts 4:23-31; James 5:16).
· Partaking of the Lord’s Supper (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 11:23-29).
· Giving (Luke 6:38; 1 Cor. 16:1-2).
· Singing Praises to God (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16).
· Loving one another (John 13:34, Rom 13:8).
· Forgiving one another (Eph. 4:32, Col. 3:13).
· Doing Good to Others (Gal. 6:10; 1 Tim. 6:17-19).
· Sharing the Gospel (Matt. 28:18-19; Mark 16:15-16).
May we continue to observe those traditions that are approved by God!
Live for the Lord in 2024!
Dennis
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