Hold to the Traditions

Northwest Bible Church – Feb. 25, 2024 – 2 Thess. – Alan Conner

2 Thess. 2:15

Hold to the Traditions

Intro

A. EXHORTATION: STAY ANCHORED TO THE TRADITIONS.

1. Commands.

a. stand firm – 

b. hold firm - 

2. Obeyed by those chosen of God.     

3. The sovereignty of God and the responsibility of man.    

B. CLARIFICATION: TRADITIONS ARE FIRST-HAND APOSTOLIC TEACHING.

1. Traditions DO NOT refer to man-made traditions.   Mt. 15:1-9.   

2. Traditions DO refer to what they were taught directly by Paul.  

a. “by word of mouth” –  1Th. 2:13; 4:8 

b. “by letter from us” -  

3. Papists use this to justify the authority of their “traditions”.

4. Paul’s caution about second-hand reports or forgeries.  2 Thess. 2:2; 3:17

Conclusion

Discussion:  Why is holding firm to apostolic traditions important?  In what way does it help us with the assurance of our salvation?   What part does the sovereignty of God and the responsibility of man play in our assurance of salvation?  How does the Roman Catholic Church misunderstand what “traditions” mean?  What is the result of their view of “traditions”?