Religious Lies: Tradition vs. God's word

Things to remember

-Pray for Cuba Team

-Praise God His provision in providing a location for our new campus


Mark 7:1-23

In verse 1 we see that the Pharisees are so busy trying to judge Jesus and His disciples that they neglect the assessment of their own hearts. Have you ever fallen into this religious pattern of judging other people's hearts and behavior instead of dealing with your own issues? Is doing this wrong and unproductive? If so, why are we so drawn to doing it?

In verses 6-9 Jesus reveals that the Pharisees traditions weren't based on God's word. They were based on the preferences of the people who were in power and they elevated those preferences to the same level of importance as God's word. Does this still happen in the Church? What are some examples?

Verses 10-13 provide an example of how the Pharisees had elevated their tradition and preference above God's word. Perhaps you and I haven't done this in as formal a fashion as the Pharisees, but in complete honesty, would you have to admit that you have elevated your tradition (preferred way of doing things) above God's law? Why is doing this wrong?

The Pharisees idea of being clean and undefiled before God revolved around external cleanliness and behavior. Jesus challenges that idea in verses 15-23. How do these verses relate to the Gospel?

The wrap up:

(Head) We all have traditions that we elevate above God's commands.

(Heart) What are those traditions for us personally?

(Hands) Actively and prayerfully repent of these traditions and submit instead to God's word.