Tradition vs. Transformation: Pursing a True Encounter with God

Tradition vs. Transformation: Pursuing a True Encounter with God

Primary Scripture Reading

Mark 7:13 KJV 1900

13 Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.

Introduction

Imagine someone giving you a beautifully wrapped gift. You’re thrilled to receive it, but when you open it, the box is empty. That’s what tradition can become: outwardly beautiful but inwardly hollow if it’s not connected to a true encounter with God.

Have you ever stopped to ask, “Why do I do what I do in my faith?” Is it rooted in God’s Word or simply a handed-down tradition?

Today, we’ll examine how traditions, both ancient and modern, can hinder a genuine relationship with God. Jesus calls us not to empty rituals but to a life-transforming encounter with Him.

I. The Problem with Tradition

Key Scripture: “This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.” (Mark 7:6, KJV)

Jesus Confronts the Pharisees

The Pharisees prided themselves on traditions like ceremonial washing and fasting. These were meant to symbolize holiness but had become substitutes for true worship. Mark 7:13: Their traditions “made the word of God of none effect.”

Tradition vs. Commandment

God’s commandments are eternal truths, while human traditions are temporary and often self-serving. Example: The Pharisees nullified the commandment to honor parents by creating the tradition of "Corban" (Mark 7:11).

The Corban tradition was especially relevant to the commandment to honor one's parents. Adult children were expected to use their resources to care for their aging parents, but by declaring those resources as Corban, they could avoid this responsibility. Jesus condemned the practice, saying that it was a legalistic way to avoid familial duties and that it broke God's command to honor one's parents.

Modern-Day Parallels

Are we honoring God with outward actions while our hearts are far from Him? Examples: Attending church out of obligation, praying repetitively without faith, or celebrating holidays focused more on culture than Christ.

II. The Pagan Roots of Many Traditions

Key Scripture: "Learn not the way of the heathen..." (Jeremiah 10:2, KJV)

Historical Context

Many traditions have origins in pagan worship of false gods. Examples:

Christmas trees originated from tree worship. Easter eggs and rabbits were symbols of fertility from spring festivals honoring Eostre, the goddess of fertility.

1. Christmas Traditions

Though celebrated as the birth of Christ, many customs associated with Christmas have pagan roots.

• Decorating Evergreen Trees

• Origin: The worship of trees was common in pagan cultures such as Norse and Celtic traditions. Evergreen trees symbolized eternal life and were used in solstice celebrations to honor gods of fertility and renewal.

• Modern Practice: The Christmas tree tradition, adapted by Christians, traces back to these ancient practices.

• Yule Logs

• Origin: In Norse mythology, burning the Yule log during the winter solstice was meant to honor Thor and bring protection for the home.

• Modern Practice: The Yule log evolved into a decorative or symbolic feature of Christmas celebrations.

• Santa Claus

• Origin: Rooted in the amalgamation of Saint Nicholas, a Christian bishop, with Odin, a Norse god associated with the Yule season, who was said to ride through the skies on an eight-legged horse.

• Modern Practice: Santa Claus has become a central figure in Christmas, often overshadowing the celebration of Christ’s birth.

2. Easter Traditions

Easter is celebrated as the resurrection of Christ but includes customs with clear pagan origins.

• Eggs and Rabbits

• Origin: Symbols of fertility associated with Eostre (Anglo-Saxon goddess of spring and fertility) and other fertility gods in pagan worship.

• Modern Practice: Easter egg hunts and the “Easter Bunny” stem from these fertility symbols, which were later adapted into Christian celebrations.

• Spring Festivals

• Origin: Pagan spring equinox festivals celebrated the renewal of life, with rituals honoring gods like Osiris (Egyptian), Attis (Greek), and Tammuz (Babylonian).

• Modern Practice: Easter’s timing and themes of new life resonate with these ancient fertility rites.

God’s Warning Against Mixing

Deuteronomy 12:30-31 warns against adopting pagan practices: "Thou shalt not do so unto the LORD thy God." The focus should be on pure, unadulterated worship.

Deuteronomy 12:30–31 KJV 1900

30 Take heed to thyself that thou be not snared by following them, after that they be destroyed from before thee; and that thou inquire not after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods? even so will I do likewise. 31 Thou shalt not do so unto the Lord thy God: for every abomination to the Lord, which he hateth, have they done unto their gods; for even their sons and their daughters they have burnt in the fire to their gods.

Modern Implications

Are we unintentionally mixing pagan elements with worship? God calls us to holiness and separation (2 Corinthians 6:17 “17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,”

III. A True Encounter with God Brings Transformation

Key Scripture: "But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory..." (2 Corinthians 3:18, KJV)

Encounters That Transform

Biblical Example: Paul on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-9).

Paul was deeply rooted in tradition as a Pharisee. One encounter with Jesus completely transformed him. Application: A true encounter with God will always produce change.

Tradition Cannot Save

Ephesians 2:8-9: "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God." Faith in Jesus—not rituals, traditions, or works—brings salvation.

Seeking God Personally

Worship must be personal and Spirit-led (John 4:23–24)“23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”

True transformation comes from surrendering to God, not from adhering to rules or traditions.

IV. Breaking Free from Empty Traditions

Key Scripture: "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." (Galatians 5:1, KJV)

Evaluate Traditions

Ask: Does this tradition bring me closer to God, or is it simply something I do out of habit? Examples: Holiday practices, denominational rituals, or cultural norms.

Prioritize Relationship Over Ritual

God desires intimacy, not mere ceremony (Matthew 7:22–23) “22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”

Spend time in prayer, worship, and studying His Word for a deeper connection.

Live in the Freedom of Christ

The Gospel liberates us from legalism and empty rituals. Romans 12:2: Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

V. Application: How to Pursue a True Encounter

Make Room for God

Clear out distractions and prioritize time in His presence.

Worship in Spirit and Truth

Focus on heartfelt worship, not outward performance (John 4:24) “24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”

Let Go of Traditions That Hinder

Be willing to abandon traditions that conflict with biblical truth.

Seek a Fresh Encounter

Pray for a fresh outpouring of God’s Spirit to renew and transform your life.

Conclusion

Summary of Key Points:

Traditions, while not inherently evil, can hinder true worship if they take precedence over God’s Word. Many traditions have pagan roots, but we are called to worship God in holiness and truth. A true encounter with God brings lasting transformation.

Challenge to the Congregation: Examine your heart and your practices this week. Ask yourself, “Am I living out my faith through relationship with Jesus, or am I relying on traditions to define my spirituality?” Seek God for a genuine encounter that transforms your life.

Encouragement: Jesus offers freedom, transformation, and a relationship that no tradition can replicate. Embrace Him fully, and let go of anything that holds you back.

Closing Quote: "The Christian life is not a call to follow rituals but a call to follow Christ." – A.W. Tozer