Notes: Titus 1:14

not paying attention to Jewish myths and commandments of men who turn away from the truth. (Titus 1:14)

The authority of scripture trumps tradition and ecclesiastical orders.  Up until this point, Paul states over and over that the elders are to ensure that they live by sound doctrine, that they teach sound doctrine, that they reprove with sound doctrine.

“But we have always done it this way” is not the answer to “why”.  A particular tradition, whether cultural or religious, may have, at one time, been started based upon scripture.  But an argument in defense of a practice should not be the historicity of the practice, but instead, the defense should be based upon the original Word commanding the practice.  The answer to why should be “God’s word says so”.  If a practice cannot be supported by God’s word, then the practice should not be practiced.

New believers should be taught, again through sound doctrine, that their traditions are to be left behind.  Denominational edict is not how God structured the Church.  The philosophies of the world are not how we are to see God (Col 2:8, Rom 12:2).  The marketing of the world is NOT how God designed evangelism (Matt 28:18-20).  The accounting of the world is NOT how God values His Church. 

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When a church becomes confused about its identity, you find posts like these: Things That Didn’t Work in 2007

When a church has its identity in Christ, you find posts like these: Things that Worked for Us in 2007

I appreciate Chris’ honesty in sharing publicly, both the good and the bad.

Tags: authority, tradition