An Issue We Need to be Prepared to Deal With “Traditionalism” An Issue We Need to be Prepared to Deal With
One of the stiffest challenges plaguing the church today… Traditionalism The problem is not a new one. Jesus had to combat traditionalists. Traditions have often been a major factor in causing division amongst the brethren. Are all traditions wrong? If not, when does one become improper?
A Related Word by Thayer’s/Strong’s Number: from G3860 Tradition G3862 παράδοσις paradosis Thayer Definition: 1) giving up, giving over 1a) the act of giving up 1b) the surrender of cities 2) a giving over which is done by word of mouth or in writing, i.e. tradition by instruction, narrative, precept, etc. 2a) objectively, that which is delivered, the substance of a teaching 2b) of the body of precepts, especially ritual, which in the opinion of the later Jews were orally delivered by Moses and orally transmitted in unbroken succession to subsequent generations, which precepts, both illustrating and expanding the written law, as they did were to be obeyed with equal reverence A Related Word by Thayer’s/Strong’s Number: from G3860 Citing in TDNT: 2:172, 166
Paul - a supporter of Jewish tradition… “For you have heard of my former conduct in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it. 14 And I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries in my own nation, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers.” - Galatians 1:13-14 (NKJV)
Many denominations today.. They have views very similar to the Jews What they consider “tradition” is what they believe to be the teachings People today are expected to take their word that these “traditions” were truly from God
Looking to the Bible… 2Thessalonians 2:15; 3:6-9 1Corinthians 11:1 “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ. 2 Now I praise you, brethren, that you remember me in all things and keep the traditions just as I delivered them to you.” (NKJV)
Looking to the Bible… Matthew 15:2-9; Mark 7:3-13 Colossians 2:8 “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.”(NKJV) 1Peter 1:17-21
Looking to the Bible… Mark 7:1-5 2Thessalonians 2:15 “Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.” (NKJV) Mark 7:6-13
Traditions of men… Can lead to hypocritical worship “He answered and said to them, "Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: 'This people honors Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me.” - Mark 7:6 Can lead to worship that is vain (useless) “And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.‘” - Mark 7:7 Colossians 2:18-23 Can make the Word of God of no effect Null and void!!
With Regard to traditions… There are traditions of God, and there are traditions of men. Traditions of men are negative when they : Lead to hypocritical worship Lead to vain worship Make the Word of God of no effect Some traditions of men can be harmless… some may be very good!!! They become sinful when they are taught equal to the Word of God! They become sinful by their observance if they are CONTRARY to God’s Word!
An Issue We Need to be Prepared to Deal With “Traditionalism” An Issue We Need to be Prepared to Deal With