Introductory Thoughts
Sometimes a deep chasm exists between the doctrines, traditions, and commandments of men and those that are God-ordained. Perhaps no passage better identifies this contrast than Mark chapter 7. The religious leaders of Christ’s day held “the tradition of the elders” (Mark 7:3, 5), “the tradition of men” (Mark 7:8), and their own “tradition” (Mark 7:9, 13). In doing so, they rejected “the commandment of God” (Mark 7:9). This clearly displays the critical importance of identifying whose traditions one willingly receives and accepts. If traditions are truly of the Lord, they are to be accepted and implemented into the believer’s life (2 Thessalonians 2:15). Yet, those man-made, unscriptural traditions are to be rejected altogether.
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): There are no works involved in salvation. We are saved by believing (Ephesians 2:8-9). Any other plan is based upon the tradition of men (1 Peter 1:18-19; Colossians 2:20-22). Consider Pauls testimony (Galatians 1:13-16).
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(For everyone): How can one determine whose traditions he accepts or rejects? Where can one find traditions that be of God? What should he do once he finds those traditions?
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Upon whose traditions do you stand? Have you fallen prey to the exaltation of the traditions of men? What can you do in order to turn and follow only the traditions of the Lord?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask God for wisdom.
- Ask the Lord to show you whose traditions you hold dear.
Song
THE BIBLE STANDS
