-October 21, 2021-
Good morning, happy Thursday,
“Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or by our epistle.”
(2 Thessalonians 2:15).
Paul as a Jew, knew a lot about traditions handled down from Scriptures, and as a Pharisee, he was aware of the traditions of the elders which were in affect were merely the commandments of men. Jesus had harsh words of condemnation for them. The traditions that Paul is speaking of here are good traditions that he had taught the saints which were from God. Paul had taught them God’s Word both in person and by epistle (letter).
The word tradition is defined as “The handing down of information, beliefs, and customs by word of mouth or by example from one generation to another without written instruction.” In the days of the OT and the early church the Bible was not yet in its completed form. Today, we have the full revelation of the whole counsel of God.
Bible teacher and commentator H.A. Ironsides once commented, “They were not to let anything turn them aside from the truth which had been proclaimed. Do not misunderstand what the apostle says as to traditions. Paul did not add human traditions to the Word of the Lord; but he told these Thessalonians certain things by word of mouth, and he urged them to “hold fast these teachings,” as well as those in writing. Today we no longer have inspired apostles proclaiming the Word. We have no need of traditions: we have the Scriptures complete.”
The lesson for us today is to stand fast and hold onto the teachings of the Scriptures with a vice- grip. Nothing and no one should sway us to deviate from the truth. Satan can’t do it no matter how hard he tries. Paul also wrote to the Corinthians, “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).
I really like our verse in the New Living Translation, “With all these things in mind, dear brothers and sisters, stand firm and keep a strong grip on the teaching we passed on to you both in person and by letter.” How is your grip on the teachings of Scripture? What happens when trials, tribulations, afflictions, or catastrophes come into your life? The Bible is our lifeline to encourage us and help us through. If we have head knowledge only, it help us is very little. But if our faith is Christ the solid rock, we can withstand the most severe storms of life. Jesus is our anchor that holds strong and true and nothing can affect me or you.
Have a blessed day standing fast and holding to the teachings we have learned. Stay safe and healthy.
In His grace,
Dean
Dean Allen's Daily Devotional 