2 Inches Off the Ham Mark 7:5-8

Introduction New bride – cut 2” off a ham and threw it away – Why? Mother always did and she always had delicious ham. Dangers in tradition  Doctrine does not change – methods do.  When locked in – we will not grow.  Make void plain teaching to keep a tradition

Mark 7:5-8 5 Then the Pharisees and scribes asked Him, "Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashed hands?" 6 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. 7 And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.' 8 "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."

Sad Truth Many are so stuck with their traditions Some churches will not grow until there is a funeral or two – OR - Some traditions DIE!

Define terms Custom – That which, through trial and error, has worked the best for us for years. Tradition – Our customs become so entrenched that they become binding law and any change is thought to be doctrinal error.

Custom / Tradition Custom of Jesus Luke 4:16 So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read. Danger of Tradition 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.

Custom New idea (program, area of work) is introduced Minor adjustments to make it work better “This is the best, most expedient way to do it.” This is what the church should be doing Use the best methods available. Don't throw away the old – because it is old.

Tradition BUT Be cautious – Here is the danger The next step – It becomes “the way” It is not longer custom. It has become tradition.  New ways are rejected.  Old ways are held with reverence.  Any attempt to change is met with opposition.

Do we have any customs? Order of service Communion – when in service Closing song – stand Closing prayer Gospel meeting Bible class – Sunday and Wednesday What is said at a baptism Many others

Have they become traditions? Order of service Communion – when in service Closing song – stand Closing prayer Gospel meeting Bible class – Sunday and Wednesday What is said at a baptism Many others Are there other ways to do it which are also Biblical? Has our way become “law”? Have we made a law that God did not make?

What to watch for Custom = no problem Tradition = Sin!