Full Episode (Article Format)

Welcome back to the Contending for the Word Q&A podcast. I’m your host, Dave Jenkins. As we wrap up week two on recognizing counterfeits, we come to a vitally important question for every Christian:

How do we evaluate historic tradition in light of the Word of God? The church has a long and rich history, including councils, confessions, practices, creeds, and teachings passed down for centuries. Many of these are good, wise, and faithful. But tradition, no matter how old or respected, can never stand above the Word of God.

Restated for clarity: When the teachings or traditions of the church conflict with the Word of God, how do we evaluate them and how do we hold fast to the faith once for all delivered to the saints?

We begin with Jesus’ words in Mark 7:6–9, where He rebuked the Pharisees for elevating human tradition above God’s commands. Jesus warns against leaving the commandment of God to hold to the tradition of men. This is the danger of tradition when it is untested.

2 Timothy 3:16–17 reminds us that all Scripture is breathed out by God and equips the believer for every good work. Scripture alone is God-breathed and sufficient.

And Jude 3 calls believers to contend for the faith once for all delivered to the saints. That faith is not evolving or reinvented. It is preserved and passed down through Scripture.

Central truth: Scripture stands above every tradition, council, and historical claim. Traditions may be helpful, but only the Word of God is final.

Four Biblical Principles for Evaluating Tradition

1) Tradition must always be tested by Scripture

Good traditions serve the truth. Dangerous traditions replace it. Whenever tradition is elevated above the Word of God, it becomes spiritually harmful. The question is simple: Does this tradition align with Scripture, or does it distort Scripture?

2) Good traditions may help us, but they cannot bind the conscience

Historic creeds, confessions, and practices can be wise and deeply biblical. They can guard the truth and teach sound doctrine, but they do not carry divine authority. Only Scripture can bind the conscience and command obedience to God.

3) Scripture speaks with greater authority than any council or church teacher

Church history matters, but it is not the Bible. Councils can err. Teachers can err. Denominations can err. Movements can err. The only voice that does not err is the voice of God in the Word of God.

Paul praised the Bereans for testing even his teaching against Scripture in Acts 17:11. If the apostle welcomed testing, every tradition must also be tested.

4) Scripture alone preserves the faith once for all delivered

Jude tells believers to contend for a faith that has already been delivered, a completed and sufficient revelation. Traditions may help explain the faith, but they cannot add to it, subtract from it, or redefine it. God’s Word remains the final authority for all generations.

What This Means for Your Daily Walk with Christ

• Honor tradition where it aligns with the Word of God.
• Reject any tradition that contradicts the Word of God, no matter how old or beloved it is.
• Let the Bible, not history, define your doctrine.
• Learn from the past, but obey the Word of God.
• Contend for the faith once delivered with humility and conviction.
• Guard the gospel entrusted to you.

Dear Christian: tradition may guide you, but only Scripture can govern you. Tradition may help you, but only Scripture can sanctify you. Tradition may inform you, but only the Word of God can bind your conscience. God has spoken. His Word is enough.

Thank you for joining me on today’s episode of Contending for the Word Q&A. Stand firm in the Word of God, cherish the truth, and keep your eyes fixed on Christ.