Traditions, Part 1 - Mike Mathis

October 18, 2026, Sermon Outline PDF - Mike’s PDF

Outline - Introduction

According to Webster’s Third New International Dictionary, a tradition is the process handing down information, opinions, beliefs, and customs by word of mouth. In the Bible there is written what was originally handed down by word of mouth. God by word of mouth told to man what He wanted done. Later, man (i.e., Moses) was told by God to write what God had instructed him. (Ex. 17:14; 24:4) "And Moses wrote all the words of the LORD." There are those who question what is written in the Bible is really infallible. There could be mistakes made along the way. Whatever errors are made they do not affect the infallibility of the Bible as the word of God. "…​knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit." (2nd Peter 1:20, 21) Let us look at traditions.

  1. Men’s traditions (Mark 7:1-16)

    1. Unwashen hands

      1. Jews and Pharisees washed their hands

      2. In a special way

      3. Holding the traditions of elders.

    2. The washing of cups, pitchers, copper vessels, etc.

    3. Their thinking: What goes into the mouth defiles a man.

  2. Commandments of God laid aside

    1. Hold the tradition of men

    2. God said through Moses

      1. Honor your Father and mother

      2. He who curses father and mother

      3. Let him be put to death

    3. Whatever you might receive from me

      1. It is Corban (a gift of God)

      2. You no longer let him do anything for father or mother

      3. Making the word of God of no effect through your traditions

  3. Calling the multitude (Mark 7:14-16)

    1. Jesus said, "Hear me…​"

    2. Nothing that enters the mouth defiles a man

    3. That which comes out of him

Conclusion:

That which comes out of the mouth comes from the heart. (Mark 7:20-23)

Invitation