This document discusses the dangers of tradition over custom in the church. It uses the example of a new bride cutting off 2 inches of ham because that is what her mother always did, even though the reason may no longer apply. The Bible warns against following man-made traditions over God's commandments. Customs become traditions when they are no longer questioned and seen as the only acceptable way of doing things, preventing growth. Churches may resist change until traditions die off through lack of adherence.

1. 2 Inches Off the Ham
Mark 7:5-8

2. Introduction

New bride – cut 2” off a ham and threw it away
– Why? Mother always did and she always had
delicious ham.

Dangers in tradition
− Doctrine does not change – methods do.
− When locked in – we will not grow.
− Make void plain teaching to keep a tradition

3. Mark 7:5-8

5 Then the Pharisees and scribes asked Him, "Why
do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition
of the elders, but eat bread with unwashed hands?"
6 He answered and said to them, "Well did Isaiah
prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: 'This
people honors Me with their lips, But their heart is
far from Me. 7 And in vain they worship Me,
Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.'
8 "For laying aside the commandment of God, you
hold the tradition of men --the washing of pitchers
and cups, and many other such things you do."

4. Sad Truth

Many are so stuck with their traditions
- - - Some churches will not grow until
there is a funeral or two
– OR -

Some traditions DIE!

5. Define terms

Custom – That which, through trial and error,
has worked the best for us for years.

Tradition – Our customs become so
entrenched that they become binding law and
any change is thought to be doctrinal error.

6. Custom / Tradition

Custom of Jesus Luke 4:16 So He came to
Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And
as His custom was, He went into the
synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up
to read.

Danger of Tradition Colossians 2:8 Beware
lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and
empty deceit, according to the tradition of men,
according to the basic principles of the world,
and not according to Christ.

7. Custom

New idea (program, area of work) is introduced

Minor adjustments to make it work better

“This is the best, most expedient way to do it.”

This is what the church should be doing

Use the best methods available.

Don't throw away the old – because it is old.

8. Tradition

BUT - - - Be cautious – Here is the danger

The next step – It becomes “the way”

It is not longer custom.

It has become tradition.
− New ways are rejected.
− Old ways are held with reverence.
− Any attempt to change is met with opposition.

9. Do we have any customs?

Order of service

Communion – when in service

Closing song – stand

Closing prayer

Gospel meeting

Bible class – Sunday and Wednesday

What is said at a baptism

Many others

10. Have they become traditions?

Order of service

Communion – when in
service

Closing song – stand

Closing prayer

Gospel meeting

Bible class – Sunday and
Wednesday

What is said at a baptism

Many others

Are there other ways
to do it which are also
Biblical?

Has our way become
“law”?

Have we made a law
that God did not
make?

11. What to watch for

Custom = no problem

Tradition = Sin!