Pharisees Value Their Traditions More Than God's Word
The sermon warns against valuing traditions more than God's Word, a sin exemplified by the Pharisees, and encourages listeners to prioritize God's Word and love others.
Zac Poonen emphasizes that the Pharisees prioritized their traditions over God's Word, as highlighted in Mark 7:9, where Jesus accuses them of neglecting and invalidating God's commandments. He challenges the congregation to reflect on their own lives, questioning whether their traditions have taken precedence over their love for God and fellow believers. Poonen warns that if one values traditions more than the teachings of Christ, they risk becoming like the Pharisees, who were criticized for their hypocrisy and lack of genuine love. The sermon calls for a reevaluation of personal beliefs and practices to ensure they align with God's Word rather than human traditions.
Text
"Jesus said to the Pharisees, 'You are experts at setting aside the commandment of God in order to keep your tradition'" (Mark 7:9).
All churches have traditions of some sort or the other. If those traditions have become more important to you than God's Word, then you are a Pharisee. Jesus told the Pharisees that by exalting their traditions above God's Word, they had progressively (1) "neglected the Word of God", (2) "set it aside" and finally (3) "invalidated it" altogether (Mark 7:8-13).
We all need to ask ourselves whether any of us have been guilty of the same sin. Are your traditions more important to you than loving God with all your heart and loving your fellow-believers (in every denomination) exactly as Jesus loved you? Do you reject a child of God just because he does not keep your church-traditions? If so, you are a Pharisee.
Sermon Outline
- Pharisees Value Their Traditions More Than God's Word
- Jesus' Condemnation of the Pharisees
- Neglecting God's Word
- Setting Aside God's Word
- Invalidating God's Word
Key Quotes
“You are experts at setting aside the commandment of God in order to keep your tradition” — Zac Poonen
“Are your traditions more important to you than loving God with all your heart and loving your fellow-believers exactly as Jesus loved you?” — Zac Poonen
Application Points
- Prioritize God's Word above your traditions and loving others as Jesus loved you.
- Be aware of the danger of valuing traditions more than God's Word, a sin that can lead to neglecting, setting aside, or invalidating God's Word.