… which depends on human tradition …
Summary: This passage continues Paul’s thoughts on protecting the church from “hollow and deceptive philosophy.” The challenging part is trying to figure out what he is talking about.
In this passage, Paul explains a bit more about the “hollow and deceptive” philosophies that he has in mind. Here, he adds that they depend on “human tradition.” Interestingly, the word Paul uses for “tradition” has a particular meaning in Greek.
“Parádosis” is the Greek word for “a precept; specially, the Jewish traditionary law:—ordinance, tradition” (Strong’s G3862). It appears that he was thinking of the Jewish believers who insisted that circumcision was still necessary for salvation (See Galatians 2:12 and Titus 1:10).
Later in this letter, Paul will go on to warn about Jewish ceremonial rules and laws (Colossians 2:16). He then adds a paragraph about “human commands and teachings” (Colossians 2:20-23). It is comments like these that cause us to wonder, “What else qualifies as a ‘human tradition’?”
The reason that this post is titled “A Touchy Subject” is, well, because this is a touchy subject for churches and especially church leaders. The hallmark of Christ’s church is unity (John 17:20-23). Unfortunately, the hallmark of Christianity as a whole is division.
As a global church, we are divided on a whole host of issues. We won’t go into them here because it would take forever and distract from the main point. It is good, however, to consider what causes division and ask the question, “How many of the things that divide are based in ‘human tradition’?”
The Gospel is simple. Jesus himself spelled it out during his nocturnal discussion with Nicodemus. He said, “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him” (John 3: 14-15). This is not rocket science.
People, however, like to add their own personal touches to the Gospel message. Then, we like to argue about them and most often take sides.
Is this what Jesus wanted?
I don’t think so.
Paul doesn’t seem to think so, either.
So, how do we get back to the church Jesus wanted? How do we find our way back to unity in Christ?
The answer to that question begins with me. Jesus taught that I should take the “plank” out of my own eye before attempting to remove the “speck” in your eye (Matthew 7:3-5). So I’ll start.
Feel free to join in whenever you want!
Application: Ask yourself what it means to be a Christian.
Food for Thought: What are the risks of depending on human traditions?
One risk of depending on human tradition is we can get far afield of biblical tradition. When we set a course for a journey, we want to use an accurate map of GPS. If the directions are wrong we may not end up at our desired destination. God’s word gives accurate direction, but human tradition that differs from God’s word does not.
2 Timothy 3: 16 – 17: All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God a may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Thanks, Rich.
In your example, “GPS” could stand for “God Pointing System.” It raises the question, “Are we headed toward God?”
It is a tough question because of what is called the “Overton Window.” We get used to the “feel” of where we are or where we are headed. Over time that feeling can shift with our direction if we don’t continually verify our course against the map of Scripture.
What are the risks of depending on human traditions?
The phrase “Human traditions” refers to doctrines and practices developed by human thinking, and held as truths equal to those recorded in the Bible, while actually contradicting or undermining scriptural truths.
Mark 7:8,For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men.
False teachings, placing trust in human traditions are deadly!
During the seventh century a Catholic monk, Boniface, sought to convert people of Germany to Catholicism by choosing to connect the birth of Jesus Christ with the pagan tradition for the Winter Solstice and the Germanic people helped to join this Pagan tradition of tree worship with a Christian rooted celebration of Christ’s birth.
Today we have a jolly old man, in a sled being pulled through the air by flying reindeer as he delivers presents to children around the world, and the famous Christmas Tree has replaced the “Nativity Scene” in most American homes, and many churches
The birth of the Son of God, our Lord and Savior, is being replaced by by a jolly old man delivering gifts.
Ron,
What an interesting take on our Christmas traditions! Well worth thinking about! Our focus needs to be on the “reason for the season,” Jesus!