Matthew 15 - Tradition vs. Commandment

How many positions do we hold fast when they are merely tradition? Democratic congregational leadership, worship style, Deacons who replace Elders, Sunday school, children's sermons, paid vocational ministers... These are not doctrines; they are methods. They have seasons. They can be new or old. They may be good, even right, but they are not "the commandment of God."

We can operate beyond the specific commandment of God without sinning. Jesus was sent "to the lost sheep of Israel" but He did nothing wrong by answering the Canaanite woman's plea. He merely went beyond the call of duty. In like way, our traditions can help us do more that what we are merely commanded. But, the lesser must not usurp the greater.

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