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Introduction
It seems with every generation that there comes a point in which the younger generation tries to set themselves apart from previous generations.
Some treat “tradition” as if it is in and of itself an evil thing.
However, the Bible makes it perfectly clear that there are some traditions which we are to hold on to – ; cf.
The traditions of the apostles, their examples and their teachings, ought to be honored, respected, and continued today.
Their traditions are authoritative and binding upon us today, as revealed in the New Testament.
Whose Tradition?: Apostolic Tradition or the Tradition of Men
Since the Bible encourages Christians to hold to the traditions that they have been taught, we must find out what sort of traditions those are.
Is it a tradition of man? - ,
The problem Jesus had with the Pharisees was NOT that they were demanding absolute obedience to the word of God.
Jesus’ problem with them was that they were invalidating the word of God by their own tradition -
Their traditions were being placed on equal ground and authority as the doctrines of God -
One of the greatest problems with relying upon human tradition is that it can change over time.
Some human traditions we have in the church:
Times we assemble for worship
Order of services (e.g., Lord’s Supper before the sermon or after the sermon)
Two gospel meetings a year
Sunday evening services/Wednesday evening Bible classes
Often times these traditions are good and helpful.
They started a long time ago as a way to help us fulfill God’s word.
There’s nothing wrong with these traditions.
In fact, it might be harmful to change some of them.
We do not want to practice something just because it has always been done that way, but we also do not want to change things just to change things.
Is it an apostolic tradition?
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We do not want to practice something just because that is how it has always been done, but we also do not want to change things just for the sake of changing them either.
Paul said that we should “stand firm and hold” the traditions that were taught by word or by letter.
Therefore, any tradition that we practice and observe must be grounded in the word of God!
That is why we place such a high premium on having biblical authority for all that we do.
The apostles were given authority within the kingdom of God - ;
The apostles do not create legislation.
They reveal heaven’s law (“shall have been bound in heaven” - perfect tense, past tense that continues to apply to the present).
Peter was given “keys,” a symbol of authority.
The traditions of the apostles are:
Binding upon us - ;
Authoritative -
The commands of God - (Peter’s point is that Scripture is not invented by the apostolic author; Scripture is from God)
Teachings from Christ -
Therefore, to not keep the traditions of the apostles and the Scriptures is a matter of sin.
It is ignoring the commands of God and Christ
It is dismissing the authority of God’s word
It is loosing what has been bound; it is taking away what we have been told -
Holding To the Traditions We Have Been Taught
Keeping traditions is what distinguishes us as practicing biblical Christianity - ;
There are several traditions that we must never give up.
If we do cease practicing these traditions, then we are compromising the faith that has once been delivered.
Meeting on the first day of the week -
This was the day that Christians had been meeting on since the first Pentecost after Jesus’ resurrection - ; cf.
For Christians, the first day of the week was significant because of Jesus’ resurrection -
The example we find in of Christians coming together to enjoy teaching from the word of God and remembering the Lord’s sacrifice is something that we must continue to practice.
Singing without the use of instruments - ;
Paul specified the type of music that we are to use in worship to God — “singing,” or vocal music.
Partaking of the Lord’s Supper
Proper elements: unleavened bread and fruit of the vine - ,
The requirement of the “fruit of the vine” is that it be juice from the grape (not grape Kool-Aid).
Jesus was instituting the emblems of the Lord’s Table and showing the significance of them and what they would represent.
The Supper was to be observed on the first day of the week, when the church assembled - ;
First day of the week collection
The church’s tradition was to have a collection for the saints.
The funds were given by individuals and placed into a common treasury - ;
The funds that were given were overseen by the elders -
Collections were taken up in Jerusalem, Galatia, Macedonia, Corinth, etc. — this was a repeated practice and tradition given to the church by the apostles -
Therefore, the only day that the church is authorized to organize a collection is on the first day of the week -
Paul gives details on how the collection should be organized.
Something that is helpful to remember is that the church collects; individuals give.
Someone may choose to make a donation and send it to the church on a Thursday.
If that happens, we place it in the treasury when the collection is taken up.
Role of Women
We should recognize that Christian women are absolutely vital to the life of a congregation.
Often times women are stronger in their faith and their commitment than men are.
Paul had deep respect for knowledgeable women in the faith - ,
Priscilla is named first which might indicate she was an assertive leader and confident woman for who Paul was appreciative.
Women are to sing and praise God -
Women are to teach other women -
Women are to confess their faith in Christ -
Examples of godly women, like Lydia, show us that women can take an integral part in the church and help the congregation through acts of kindness and service.
However, Paul places restriction on women’s roles within the church.
They are not to teach over a man, nor are women to exercise authority over a man -
In spiritual activities, headship and leadership, especially in teaching, leading in worship, and decision-making falls to the responsibilities of men -
Women are permitted to receive instruction and be a part of processes within the congregation since they are Christians.
But they are to do so quietly and submissively -
There is no authority for women to lead in the worship assembly (prayer, administering the Lord’s Supper, etc.) or be involved in public teaching and preaching.
These are some of the traditions that have been handed down by Jesus and the apostles.
We must hold to these ancient paths!
Instead of saying “we will not walk in them”; let us say that we WILL do them -
Attacking Traditions
Many of these traditions are under attack today by brethren that have no regard for Biblical authority.
People who attack these traditions claim that faithful brethren are just bound to their man-made traditions, just like the Pharisees.
The term legalist is thrown out towards faithful members of the church.
2. Instrumental music no longer being condemned?
It is viewed as a “tradition” but not a Scripturally binding part of worship.
People who attack these traditions claim that faithful brethren are just bound to their man-made traditions, just like the Pharisees.
The term legalist is thrown out towards faithful members of the church.
3. Baptism is recognized as a good work, but not something that is essential in receiving the grace of God.
B. People who attack these traditions claim that faithful brethren are just bound to their man-made traditions, just like the Pharisees.
The term legalist is thrown out towards faithful members of the church.
There are certain traditions that we should not be ashamed of!
We must keep the traditions of the apostles!
Conclusion
There are biblical, apostolic traditions that have been taught and passed down.
Those are the traditions that we must stand guard for and protect and be diligent about keeping.
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