Tradition: Safeguarding the True Gospel in Faith

Devotional

Day 1: Tradition as a Guardian of Faith

Tradition serves as a protective measure against novel ideas that deviate from the foundational truths of Christianity. It reminds us that truth is not self-originated but is a reality that we are called to serve and preserve. The traditions that Paul refers to in 2 Thessalonians 2:15 are those rooted in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, which he confirms through his own inspired writings. These traditions serve as a safeguard against false teachings and ensure the continuity of the true gospel. By adhering to these traditions, believers maintain a connection to the foundational teachings of Christianity, ensuring that their faith remains aligned with the divine truth. [04:34]

2 Timothy 1:13-14 (ESV): "Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you."

Reflection: What is one tradition in your faith practice that helps you stay grounded in the truth of the gospel? How can you actively preserve and pass it on to others today?

Day 2: Humility in Embracing Tradition

Embracing tradition requires humility, acknowledging that we are not the creators of truth. Instead, we are stewards of a divine reality that originates in God, is incarnate in Jesus, and is inspired in the apostles. This humility is essential in recognizing that the gospel is not a product of human creativity but a divine truth that must be faithfully transmitted to future generations. By humbling ourselves to the wisdom of tradition, we align ourselves with the teachings of Christ and the apostles, ensuring that our faith remains true to its divine origins. [05:50]

James 1:21 (ESV): "Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls."

Reflection: In what ways can you practice humility today by acknowledging the wisdom of those who have come before you in the faith?

Day 3: The Gospel as a Sacred Tradition

The gospel itself is a tradition that Paul received and passed on. It is not a product of human creativity but a divine truth that must be faithfully transmitted to future generations. This highlights the importance of viewing the gospel as a sacred tradition that connects us to the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. By understanding the gospel as a tradition, believers are reminded of their responsibility to preserve and share this divine truth with others, ensuring its continuity and impact across generations. [06:54]

1 Corinthians 11:23 (ESV): "For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread."

Reflection: How can you actively participate in the transmission of the gospel tradition to those around you today?

Day 4: Discernment in Evaluating Traditions

Not all traditions are beneficial. Some can distort reality and nullify God's word. Therefore, it is crucial to discern and uphold traditions that align with Christ and the apostolic teachings. This discernment involves evaluating traditions against the ultimate standard of Christ and the teachings found in the New Testament. By doing so, believers can ensure that their practices and beliefs remain rooted in the true gospel and do not deviate into mere human opinions. [09:46]

1 John 4:1 (ESV): "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world."

Reflection: What is one tradition or belief you hold that you need to evaluate against the teachings of Christ today?

Day 5: Measuring Traditions by Christ

All human traditions must be measured against the teachings of Christ and the apostles. This ensures that our practices and beliefs remain rooted in the true gospel and do not deviate into mere human opinions. By using Christ as the ultimate standard, believers can discern which traditions are worth preserving and which should be set aside. This process of evaluation helps maintain the purity and integrity of the Christian faith, ensuring that it remains true to its divine origins. [11:30]

Colossians 2:6-8 (ESV): "Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ."

Reflection: Is there a tradition in your life that you need to measure against the teachings of Christ today? How can you ensure it aligns with His truth?

Sermon Summary

In today's discussion, we explored the concept of tradition within the Christian faith, particularly focusing on what Paul means by "traditions" in 2 Thessalonians 2:15. Tradition, as defined, involves passing down teachings or practices from one generation to the next. Paul uses the term "traditions" to emphasize the continuity and harmony of his teachings with those of Jesus and the other apostles. This highlights the importance of tradition in safeguarding the truth and maintaining a connection to the foundational teachings of Christianity.

Paul's use of the word "traditions" is intentional, as it underscores his role not as an innovator of new doctrines but as a faithful transmitter of the gospel that he received. This gospel, which he describes in 1 Corinthians 15:1-3, is not a creation of his own but a divine truth that he is tasked to preserve and pass on. Tradition, in this sense, is a mark of humility and faithfulness, acknowledging that truth originates from God and is not subject to personal invention.

However, not all traditions are beneficial. Jesus criticized the Pharisees for adhering to human traditions that nullified God's commandments (Matthew 15:3). Similarly, Paul warns against traditions that are based on human philosophy and deceit rather than on Christ (Colossians 2:8). Therefore, all traditions must be evaluated against the ultimate standard of Christ and the apostolic teachings found in the New Testament.

In conclusion, the traditions Paul refers to in 2 Thessalonians 2:15 are those rooted in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, which he confirms through his own inspired writings. These traditions serve as a safeguard against false teachings and ensure the continuity of the true gospel.

Key Takeaways

1. originated but is a reality that we are called to serve and preserve. [04:34]
2. Humility in Tradition: Embracing tradition requires humility, acknowledging that we are not the creators of truth. Instead, we are stewards of a divine reality that originates in God, is incarnate in Jesus, and is inspired in the apostles.

3. The Gospel as Tradition: The gospel itself is a tradition that Paul received and passed on. It is not a product of human creativity but a divine truth that must be faithfully transmitted to future generations.

4. Distinguishing Good and Bad Traditions: Not all traditions are beneficial. Some can distort reality and nullify God's word. Therefore, it is crucial to discern and uphold traditions that align with Christ and the apostolic teachings.

5. Evaluating Traditions Against Christ: All human traditions must be measured against the teachings of Christ and the apostles. This ensures that our practices and beliefs remain rooted in the true gospel and do not deviate into mere human opinions.

** [04:34]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:15] - Introduction to Tradition
[00:41] - Defining Tradition
[01:07] - Paul's Use of Tradition
[02:27] - The Value of Tradition
[03:11] - Tradition and Apostolic Harmony
[04:03] - Tradition as a Safeguard
[05:06] - Humility in Tradition
[06:07] - The Gospel as Tradition
[07:38] - Paul's Apostolic Authority
[09:30] - Good vs. Bad Traditions
[10:29] - Dangers of False Traditions
[11:41] - Measuring Tradition by Christ
[12:06] - Conclusion on Tradition
[12:22] - Closing Remarks

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Understanding Tradition in the Christian Faith

Bible Reading:

2 Thessalonians 2:15
1 Corinthians 15:1-3
Matthew 15:3

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Observation Questions:

In 2 Thessalonians 2:15, why does Paul emphasize holding onto the "traditions" taught by him and the other apostles? What does this suggest about the nature of these traditions? [02:41]
According to 1 Corinthians 15:1-3, how does Paul describe the gospel he preached? What does this reveal about his view of the gospel as a tradition? [06:26]
How does Jesus' criticism of the Pharisees in Matthew 15:3 relate to the concept of tradition? What kind of traditions was Jesus warning against? [09:58]
What does Paul mean by "philosophy and empty deceit" in Colossians 2:8, and how does it relate to human traditions? [11:15]

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Interpretation Questions:

How does Paul's use of the word "traditions" in 2 Thessalonians 2:15 reflect his desire to align with the teachings of Jesus and the apostles? What does this imply about the role of tradition in the early church? [03:11]
In what ways does the gospel, as described in 1 Corinthians 15:1-3, serve as a tradition that must be faithfully transmitted? How does this challenge the idea of personal innovation in teaching the gospel? [06:54]
How can distinguishing between good and bad traditions, as discussed in the sermon, help Christians maintain the integrity of their faith? What criteria should be used to evaluate traditions? [09:46]
What are the potential dangers of adhering to human traditions that do not align with Christ, as highlighted in Colossians 2:8? How can believers safeguard against these dangers? [11:30]

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Application Questions:

Reflect on a tradition within your church or family. How does it align with the teachings of Christ and the apostles? Are there any changes you feel need to be made to ensure it remains true to the gospel? [11:30]
Consider a time when you encountered a tradition that seemed to contradict biblical teachings. How did you respond, and what steps can you take to address similar situations in the future? [09:46]
How can you cultivate humility in your approach to tradition, recognizing that truth originates from God and not from personal invention? What practical steps can you take to embody this humility in your daily life? [05:50]
Identify a tradition in your life that may be based more on human philosophy than on Christ. How can you evaluate and adjust this tradition to better reflect biblical teachings? [11:15]
How can you actively participate in preserving and passing on the gospel as a tradition to future generations? What specific actions can you take to ensure its faithful transmission? [06:54]
Think of a tradition you hold dear. How does it serve as a safeguard against false teachings? How can you share its significance with others in your community? [04:34]
Reflect on the role of tradition in your spiritual journey. How has it helped or hindered your growth in faith? What adjustments can you make to ensure that tradition supports your relationship with Christ? [03:11]

Sermon Clips

The effect of the word traditions here is to make us realize Paul does not want to be seen as a maverick apostle, a rogue apostle, a cult leader off on his own, establishing a new religion. Rather, he wants to be seen as a faithful part of a larger body of teachers with roots firmly in the ultimate authority of Jesus and his word. [00:03:19]

Tradition requires us to be humble and to admit that we are not the originators of truth, wisdom, and right views of reality do not begin with us. We are servants of a reality outside ourselves. It originates in God, it becomes incarnate in Jesus, it is inspired in the mouth of the apostles. [00:04:38]

In other words, when it comes to the gospel, no apostle is called to be creative. He's called to be faithful. The gospel is not a reality that he is making up; it is a reality outside himself. It has objective reality. His job is to preserve it, to preach it, to pass it along to another generation. [00:06:53]

Just as there is good tradition that reflects reality and preserves truth, there's bad tradition that distorts reality and preserves mere human opinion as though it were an authority, an opinion which often nullifies the very true tradition, the word of God. [00:09:36]

Paul says in Colossians 2:8, see to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit according to human tradition and not according to Christ. So all tradition is to be measured by whether it accords with Christ. [00:11:10]

The sum of the matter is that we measure merely human tradition by the tradition which we call the New Testament that is rooted in Jesus and his word and his apostles and their teachings. [00:11:38]

Paul uses the word traditions in II Thessalonians 2:15, namely there is such a thing as truth and it doesn't originate with me. I am its servant, not its creator, not his lord. To believe in tradition in this sense then is a mark of humility and faithfulness to the way reality really is. [00:05:50]

Paul wants to call attention to the fact that his teaching is in harmony with the teaching that has gone before, namely from Jesus and from the other apostles. [00:03:03]

Tradition, first and foremost, declares that there is such a thing as truth. There is such a thing that our statements ought to correspond to or agree with. [00:04:28]

Paul's answer is I'm not dependent on Peter and James and John, but I am in harmony with them on the gospel. Now both of those are crucial: Paul's non-dependence and Paul's harmony with them. [00:08:49]

Paul himself, before his conversion, was totally committed to those very word of God nullifying traditions. He said in Galatians 1:14, I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. [00:10:23]

The first signal that we get from this text is that there is great value in tradition in the sense that it protects us from novelties that come out of individuals' own heads with no necessary correspondence to what Jude called in Jude chapter 1 verse 3, the faith once for all delivered to the saints. [00:04:00]

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Tradition: Safeguarding the True Gospel in Faith

Devotional

Day 1: Tradition as a Guardian of Faith

Day 2: Humility in Embracing Tradition

Day 3: The Gospel as a Sacred Tradition

Day 4: Discernment in Evaluating Traditions

Day 5: Measuring Traditions by Christ

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

Tradition: Safeguarding the True Gospel in Faith

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