What Is a Tradition?

2 Thessalonians 2:15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.

INTRODUCTORY THOUGHTS

It is difficult to find one who has a scriptural balance concerning tradition. Some see every so-called tradition as a direct violation of scripture, while others see traditions as equal to or superior to scripture. Scripturally speaking, both views are fundamentally flawed. In a basic sense, traditions are anything that men “have been taught” (2 Thessalonians 2:15). It involves a teaching that has been “delivered” (Mark 7:13) and “received” (2 Thessalonians 3:6; 1 Peter 1:18). At times, tradition is scripture or, in the least, scriptural (2 Thessalonians 2:15; 2 Thessalonians 3:6), while at other times, tradition is ungodly and makes “the word of God of none effect” (Mark 7:13).

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

(For children):God does not tell the New Testament church believers to celebrate holidays. These days are traditions which man can choose to celebrate in a good way or in a bad way. How do you celebrate holidays? Do you do so to the glory of God or for personal gain?

(For everyone):What are some traditions you hold dear? Are those traditions scriptural or, at least, complimentary to the scripture? Do you hold any traditions that cannot be supported by scripture or perhaps are even unscriptural?

(For everyone):Name an unscriptural tradition. Do you know someone who holds this tradition? How could you help them know the truth?

PRAYER THOUGHTS

Ask God to teach you scriptural traditions.

Ask the Lord to help you consider the nature of your traditions.

SONG

The Bible is the Test of All

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