Holding to the Traditions
(2 Thessalonians 3:15)
Spiritually speaking, when we mention the word “tradition”, it may be thought of in a negative light. We’re reminded of Jesus’ reprimand of the Pharisees, telling them that by their tradition, they had made the word of God of no effect and their worship was in vain. (Mark 7:7,13; Matt. 15:9) However, the word does not always carry bad connotations when it appears in scripture, as seen in 2 Thessalonians 3:15, “Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle (letter).” Paul also encouraged the Corinthian church to follow the once delivered traditions, “Now I praise you, brethren, that you remember me in all things and keep the traditions just as I delivered them to you. (1 Corinthians 11:2) Now, one might ask, “What traditions are we talking about?”
Although not complete, here’s a sample:
In Worship:
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Meeting Together (Acts 2:44-47; Heb. 10:24-25)
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Praying Together (Acts 4:23-31; James 5:16)
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Communing Together (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 11:23-29)
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Giving Together (Luke 6:38; 1 Cor. 16:1-2)
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Singing Together (Eph. 5:19; Heb. 2:12)
In Life and Service:
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Loving God and People (Mark 12:29-31; Luke 10:27)
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Sharing the Gospel (Matt. 28:18-19; Mark 16:15-16)
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Doing Good to All (Gal. 6:10; 1 Tim. 6:17-19)
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Performing Our Duties (Luke 17:10; John 14:15)
Jay Launius – 2024, Maud church of Christ, Maud, Texas