Tues., 10/21/14 Devotion (2 Thess. 2:15)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Thessalonians 2:15, where we read these words:

"Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle."

Religious traditions are not inherently good or bad—they can be either. Paul passed some traditions along through his preaching and teaching; and others through his inspired NT epistles. All Christian worship—from the most formal, to the least embellished—employ tradition(s). Even those who consciously claim to avoid tradition, inevitably use it.

Tradition is only a problem if and when it conflicts with divine (scriptural) rev-elation—all of which points us to Jesus. When this happens, tradition must be removed, in favor of God's revealed will. Otherwise, however, let God's faith-ful church be careful to maintain, practice, and thank God for all good tradi-tion.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Zeal quickens the pursuit after glory. Zeal, encoun-tering difficulty, is emboldened by opposition and tramples upon danger."
--Thomas Watson, in, "The Doctrine of Repentance"]