Picturing Theology, Revised Edition

Picturing Theology, Revised Edition | 39

us competent to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. 4. Fidelity to the Apostolic Tradition (teaching and modeling) is the essence of Christian maturity. 2 Timothy 2:2 (ESV) – and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. 1 Corinthians 11:1-2 (ESV) – Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. Now I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions even as I delivered them to you (cf. 1 Corinthians 4:16-17; 2 Timothy 1:13-14; 2 Thessalonians 3:7-9; Philippians 4:9). 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 (ESV) – For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. 5. The Apostle Paul often includes an appeal to the tradition for support in doctrinal practices. 1 Corinthians 11:16 (ESV) – If anyone is inclined to be contentious, we have no such practice, nor do the churches of God (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:2; 7:17, 15:3). 1 Corinthians 14:33-34 (ESV) – For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints, the women should keep silent in the churches. For they are not permitted to speak, but should be in submission, as the Law also says. 6. When a congregation uses received tradition to remain faithful to the “Word of God,” they are commended by the apostles. 1 Corinthians 11:2 (ESV) – Now I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions even as I delivered them to you. 2 Thessalonians 2:15 (ESV) – So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter. 2 Thessalonians 3:6 (ESV) – Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is