Marking Time: Forming Spirituality through the Christian Year

Ses s i on 5: Shoes That F i t Our Feet

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3. We are commanded to hold fast the tradition which the apostles have given to us, whose major product are the New Testament Scriptures in their witness to the person and work of Jesus Christ

a. Jesus underscores the apostles’ authority, Luke 10.16 (ESV) – The one who hears you hears me, and the one who rejects you rejects me, and the one who rejects me rejects him who sent me.

b. Those rejecting apostolic tradition are to be avoided.

(1) 2 Thess. 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 walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us. (2) 2 Thess. 3.14 (ESV) – If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed.

c. Disregarding the apostolic teaching is to disregard the Lord, 1 Thess. 4.8 Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.

F. When a congregation uses received tradition to remain faithful to the “Word of God,” they are commended by the apostles.

1. The apostles not only expected the churches to receive the traditions of faith and practice that they had given to the people of God, they were instructed to maintain and defend them, to hold fast to what they had been given, and to stand firm upon it for what it truly was, the authoritative word of God, 1 Cor. 11.2 (ESV) – Now