OVERCOMING TRADITIONALISM

Matthew 15:1-14

INTRODUCTION: The apostle Paul before he became an apostle was a Pharisee of the Pharisees. He was big on the tradition of the elders: Galatians 1:13-14. Now we know that not all traditions are bad and so we are not called to throw off all the traditions of men. Many of man’s traditions can be very good. What our Lord is speaking about is overcoming traditionalism. Now an “ism” is an act or a practice or a distinct doctrine, cause or theory of life. What Paul was saying is that at one time in his life “the traditions of the fathers” became more important to him than the clear Word of God. That is exactly what Jesus Christ was dead set against: Matthew 15:3-6. Truth is not discovered by some religious leader. Truth is revealed by God and is bound up in the person of our Lord Jesus Christ: John 14:6; 15-17; John 16:12-15; Matthew 15:1-2.

I. HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU HAVE THE TRADITIONALISM VIRUS?

First: If you believe that your religious leaders are so well versed in the Bible that you don’t even have study God’s Word yourself, you have the traditionalism virus! We have a very clear Word from our God here: 2 Timothy 2:15 KJV. Jeremiah 17:5 warns against taking man’s word and not studying the Bible for yourself. Second: If you are satisfied with the answer: “This is how we have always done it!” Third: If you would be offended if someone were to ask you: “Where do you find support for your belief in the Word of God?” If questions are discouraged at your church, you are in the wrong church.

II. WHEN FULLY MATURE, THE TRADITIONALISM VIRUS WILL:

When fully mature, the traditionalism virus will cause you to disobey God and His Word! Exodus 20:12; Matthew 15:3-6. Two times in these four verses Jesus said for the sake of your tradition you break the command of God. When fully mature the traditionalism virus will lead you away from a relationship with God! Matthew 15:7-9. When fully mature, the traditionalism virus will place your spiritual life in great peril: Matthew 15:14; Jeremiah 17:5-8; Galatians 5:1-6.

III. HOW CAN WE PROTECT OURSELVES AGAINST THE VIRUS OF TRADITINALISM?

First, we must consider the opinions of men but live by the Word of God! Many of the rules, doctrines and traditions of men may be good but they must be compared to the Word of God: Acts 17:11-12. Second, strengthen your immune system by studying the Bible to see if the doctrine is from God! 2 Timothy 3:14-17; 2 Timothy 2:15 KJV.