How to Contextualize Your Preaching and Teaching
CONTEXTUALIZATION OF PREACHING- Preaching with contextualization requires one to understand his audiences’ world view. Preachers cannot expect people to adopt their world view automatically. Most people move from what they know to what they need to know. Preachers can adjust their messages to adopt the world view of their audiences for a time to help in contextualizing the message. Paul and Peter adapted their message to the world view of their respondents (Acts 2:14-36) and (Acts 17:22-31). Why not us?
D. THE NATURE OF WORLD VIEW
5. How Do You Behave?
4. What Do You Value?
3. What Do You
Believe
2. What is True?
1. What is Real?
Allegiances and
Experiences
1). WHAT IS REAL?
If people believe that angry ancestors, witchcraft, or sorcery caused their problems, this indicates the heart of their perspectives. To these people, spiritual causes are at the heart of all of their reality. These folks may accept the benefits of modern medicine, but at the same time they may consult the local juju priest for a special charm to protect them from their enemies. Others may insist on offering a white hen sacrifice to the local sorcerer for the safe delivery of their first baby. All of these indicate that even though they may claim to be Christians, their experiences prove what they are really thinking.
Some people may continue to attend church, but they may also offer sacrifices to the gods of farming to insure a good crop. When we are preaching for real change, we must go right to the heart of people’s views of reality. Unless people are changed from their view of reality, they are not really changed. 2 Cor. 5:17 says, ``Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation, the old things are past away, behold, all things have become new!’’
Preach for a change in commitments, convictions, and perspectives on what is real! Jesus said, ``Do not work for the food which perishes(Money, clothes, food-stuff, cars, houses, material possessions) but for the food which endures to eternal life (Heavenly rewards, Godly characteristics, Souls, etc.)
2). WHAT IS TRUE?
If people really believe that the Bible is true, they will change their minds, wills, and emotions to adhere to its teaching. The trouble with most people is they outwardly confess Jesus Christ as Lord, but in their homes they act as if the husband is the lord. The truth is not just what people say is true, but how they live shows how much of the truth has been incorporated into their life. Truth to one man may be his traditions, his culture, what the elders tell him. The only absolute source of truth is the scripture-God’s Holy Word. Even though many people will agree with the truth of the scriptures, they have yet to fully personalize the truth to their lives as Jesus did. ``The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth.’’ (John 1:14) The challenge for a preacher is to get the truth to fill people’s view of their reality. Christ showed no contradiction between His view of truth and reality. This should be the goal for every sermon we preach.
3). WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE?
If you ask people, ``Do you believe in God?’’Most people will answer, ``Yes!’’ However, their belief may be in many gods, spirits, or a god that is different than the God in the Bible. Some people will say, there are gods that bring trouble and other gods that bring healing. Unfortunately, some people are relying on false priests to know what they should believe. The preacher should seek to help people grow in their faith and knowledge of Christ. ``Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of Christ.’’ Some people will believe dreams, visions, and prophets when they fail to put their trust in the promises, commands, and directions from the scriptures. The Bible teaches us that ``Without faith it is impossible to please God, for He who comes to Him must believe that he exists and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.’’ (Heb. 11:6) God, His creation, His will, His plan for His church, and His guidelines for the family must be believed over traditional beliefs. Jesus condemned the Pharisees for putting their trust in the traditions of men rather than in the word of God. Only through faith in Jesus Christ can men be saved from their sin, judgment, and hell fire. Belief is not just a momentary emotion, it is a moment by moment -- life long PERSUASION that acts on the confidence that God is who He says He is and He will do what He says He will do. Rom. 4:20,21 tells about a model of faith, ``Abraham staggered not in unbelief, but grew strong in faith being fully persuaded that what He had promised, He was able also to perform!’’
4). WHAT DO YOU VALUE?
What is important to people? One’s priorities are determined, by what he places first in his life. Dr. Byang Kato said, ``Every society has something it considers important, others more important, and still a few others most important.’’ For example, in an average African society it is important to get married; more important to get married and have children; and most important to get married and have many children, but most especially to have male children! In Africa belonging to your family, your group, your tribe, and your friends is very important.
However, in America it is most important to have individual freedom. In Africa survival is a great concern to many people, however in America survival is not enough, success is on the minds of most people. In Africa, it is important to reproduce, but in America it is important to exercise your own choice--to be single, married with no children, or even to be content with a dog for a companion. In Africa it is important to help your relatives with their school fees for this creates group solidarity, however, in America, each student is expected to work extra jobs or study hard to get a big scholarship on his own merit. In Africa, some people sacrifice chickens to insure good fertility for their wives, however, the Bible assures us that children are a reward, the fruit of the womb. Only God is able to give blessings without adding sorrow to it! We can look to such stories as how God gave Hannah a child, Samuel, when she cried to the Lord for an answer to her prayer! Search the scriptures to show how people in the scriptures with similar values overcame their problems by following the Lord’s will!
Depending upon whom you are addressing, your sermon should speak to the heart of people’s most important values. The following are some of values that you should look for in your audience:
1). Time-conscious vs. event-oriented
If your audience is time conscious you should preach with close attention to economic use of time, words, and organization. Try to stick close to the schedule of your service or your audience may resent your intrusion on their schedules. These people are goal oriented. They want to see a definite purpose in each phrase that reflects thorough preparation. These folks are concerned about having a beginning and an ending that is tightly knit together. Efficiency is essential for the time-conscious audience.
On the other hand if your audience is more event- oriented you should concentrate on making each message an event to be remembered. Emphasize biographical models in your messages. Allow people opportunities to greet, discuss, and share prayer requests in your service. Insure people that they are more important than anyone’s schedule. Allow for sufficient time to repeat the main ideas in your message so that everyone can fully absorb what you are teaching. Preach in the here and now realizing that people’s needs are far more important than any man’s time frame. Allow people to come together for discussion without close attention to someone’s schedule, itinerary, or agenda. (Mayers, p.148-160)
Time 6 Mr. Schedule
Conscious 5
4
3
2
1 Mrs. Event
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Event Oriented
2). People vs. Task orientation
Some audiences put a high value on people interactions. They are more interested in sharing with others than achieving goals. They enjoy hearing sermons about how families have problems like theirs. Whenever sermons are preached about the difficulties of Jacob and Esau, they are very attentive because they relate to people situations. Many times these people will sacrifice tasks in order to greet, talk, and share their feelings with others. Security for these folks comes in groups where a sense of belonging is emphasized. They derive great satisfaction from talking with others.
On the other hand task oriented people derive their greatest satisfaction from accomplishing jobs. They measure their worth by how much they have been able to do. They like to hear sermons that talk about accomplishing great things for God (Jn.14:12) Preach sermons to these people that challenge them with task, jobs, and assignments for God. They are Marthas who enjoy working for God. Achieving things are high priorities to these people. If it is necessary these people will go it alone in order to see the work finished. Their deepest friendships are with those people who share their goals. Preach motivational sermons to these people in terms of the goals of the great commission. (Mayers, p.148-160)
People 6 Mrs.
Oriented 5 People
4
3
2
1 Mr.Task
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Task Orientation
3). Democratic vs. Authoritarian
Some people insist on moving by majority rule. They cannot feel comfortable when one person makes the decisions for the group. They feel that the value of any decision is only as good as the contributions of all the members. Preach sermons that deal with issues of justice, fairness, and equality with these folks.
With those who are used to following the orders of a strong leader you should preach sermons that deal with issues of obedience, submission to authority, and humility to those appointed authorities. Always preach a balanced Biblical message that first reaches these people with the assurance that God watches out for the oppressed. ``Vengeance is the Lord’s and He will repay those who use devious means to take advantage of the weak and powerless.’’ (Mayers, p. 148-160)
Democratic 6 Mrs.
Values 5 Democratic
4
3
2
1 Mr. Authority
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Authoritarian Values
4). Crisis vs. Non-Crisis
A crisis oriented person will respect a preacher who is well-informed about his subject. He will want to understand precisely what the Pastor is teaching. He wants to be able to verbalize what the Preacher has preached to others. Confidence comes to Mr. Crisis as he follows what the Expert has told him. He values what has been learned in history. He puts a lot of responsibility for his direction on the leader. He wants to hear sermons that show him how others have solved their crisis. He waits for a crisis to occur before he acts. This person prefers the problem-solution method of preaching. To him, he looks to others for errors to avoid in avoiding crisis. Real life case studies are enjoyed by this person since he learns how to solve his problems by watching others.
Mr. Non-Crisis prefers to select his decisions from a range of alternatives. Do not force Mr. Non-Crisis to do exactly what you tell him. He prizes his freedom of choice in selecting the best will of God for his life. Preach sermons that offer him the ideals. When you are preaching, preach expositorilly to these people as they enjoy thinking through the problems themselves. They will resent the preacher presenting himself as the only authority on a given subject. Try not to be too heavily dogmatic with these people as they have to develop their own way of dealing with problems before they arise. These people will be frustrated if all you do is lecture them. Allow them to contribute some of their well-thought-out ideas and illustrations. Be careful of being insistent on your way in areas that should be left to personal discretion with these folks. They derive their security and satisfaction when they are given choices in following the will of God. They prize discernment, discretion, and wisdom sermons. (Mayers, p.148-160)
Crisis 6 Mrs. Crisis
Oriented 5
4
3
2 Mr. Non-Crisis
1
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Non-Crisis Orientation
5). Tribal vs. Friend Orientation
The tribal oriented audiences are proud of their heritage, identity, and group solidarity. The preacher must be careful to respect their history while at the same time urging them to reach out beyond their own people. Tribal values are cherished by these people as almost sacred. Preachers must be delicate in teaching them that the traditions of men must not supersede the commands of God. Preachers may use these values for the good in reinforcing unity, belonging, and love for one another. However, the motives of acceptance must be challenged as being from, for, and in Christ.
The friend oriented audience responds to sermons that enhance their belonging to those who have things in common. The preacher should teach these folks how to mutually share through proper communication, attitudes, goals, tasks, prayer, study of scriptures, and visitation. Since these people congregate on perceived inward similarities more than outward likenesses, they are encouraged when issues are preached that weld them together around the unity that we share in Christ. Preach sermons that show how Paul and Barnabas split over perceived differences of opinion on John Mark and then reconciled. Show how the scriptures emphasize a love for those beyond just our friends. (Mayers, p. 148-160)
Tribal 6 Mr.Tribe
Orient- 5
ations 4
3
2 Mrs. Friend
1
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Friend Orientation
6). Compartmentalization vs. Integration
Mr. Compartmentalization prefers that your preaching be spelled out in black and white terms. He wants to know what is definitely right and what is definitely wrong. He enjoys neat labels that allow him to put people in categories that he can understand. He likes the ``Us’’ vs ``Them’’orientation because he can put people into boxes that he can deal with. Preach systematically to these people, but help them to see that God cannot be put into a box of categories. Help him to see the advantages and disadvantages of being compartmentalized. Help him to see that the scriptures are holistic rather than dichotomizing in their approach to life. Preach the epistle of Paul to him as he enjoys the neat order that Paul presents truth in. Give these people plenty of categories, classifications, and systems that will help them understand their problems. These folks get their greatest security and satisfaction when they know they are falling into the right categories as a Christian. They enjoy the feeling that they are fitting into God’s plan!
On the other hand Mr. Integration prefers a holistic approach to the scriptures. He has to see how the parts of life fit into the whole before he can understand. Satisfaction for him comes through integration of his problems, his people, his family, and the scriptures together. He has difficulty with those who expect him to translate their systematic theology into actions. He gets frustrated when the preacher says, ``Go and apply what you have heard.’’ Many times he needs specific examples of how the truth of scriptures relates precisely to his own situation. Furthermore, he resists having anyone place him in a categoryfor he feels that is narrow-minded and leads to favoritism. Help these people tie their problems to the whole of the Bible. (Mayers, p.148-160)
Compart- 6 Mr.
mentalization 5 Compartment
4
3
2 Mr.
1 Integration
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Integration
7). Status Confirmed vs. Status Achieved
Status confirmed people need to feel that their importance is reinforced. They must receive greetings formally in meetings, they must be acknowledged in public or they are offended. Be sure that you render to these Caesars what is Caesar’s. They expect others to respect their rank, age, and position or you might be in trouble. They look at credentials (Cultural, Educational, or Traditional) as very important. Preachers should learn to respect these people’s roles, identities, and offices as this will reflect to the Pastor favorably. Allow for acknowledgements of Biblical figures identities, credentials, and honors as well. Give honor where honor is due in your sermons and services. Realize that people of certain rank enjoy associating with those of their own status. Appreciate the sacrifices that some have made to earn certain ranks without showing favoritism. Help people see that Jesus Christ had all power and authority but He did not flaunt it in front of people. Jesus came as a servant to all.
On the other hand Mr. Status Achieved does not need to be publicly commended as much as Mr. Status Confirmed. He will work to prove to himself and to God that he is worthy of God’s calling. His greatest satis-faction comes from inward pleasing of God and his own goal- achievements. He will give as much respect to statements made by small men as big men. Preach in a way that challenges these people to go farther in doing great things for God. Acknowledge their labors, but stress the fact that Christ worked not for human praise, but for the glory of His Father. Teach that a person’s worth is not just in what he achieves but in what he believes. Help this person to avoid the temptation of getting his worth solely through his own accomplishments. Provide opportunities for this man to interact with others who will encourage and love him just for who he is rather than for what he does.
(Mayers, p. 148-160)
Status 5 Mr. Status
Confirmed 4 Confirmed
3
2 Mr. Status
1 Achieved
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Status-Achieved
5. HOW DO YOU BEHAVE?
Observe how people conduct themselves. How do people dress; how do they talk; how do they move with each other; whom do they relate to; how do they greet one another; how do they treat strangers; how do they treat members of their family; how do they handle money; how do they spend their leisure time; how do they worship; how do they treat their wives; how do they talk to God in prayer; how has their education influenced them; how have they been affected by change in culture; how do they normally respond to orders; how open are they to change?
Byang Kato has compared the different layers to culture with the parts of an egg. ``The inside may be rotten, and yet the outward shell still gives the impression of a good egg. On the other hand a good egg may be tainted with some dirt on the shell and that is external.’’
A good preacher will strive to bring harmony of his people’s inner realities, perceptions of truth, beliefs, and values, with their actions. James 1:22 says, ``Be doers of the word and not merely hearers who deceive themselves.’’
The preacher needs to be aware that people are watching his behavior very closely. Many people will say in their minds, ``The Pastor is talking so loudly with his actions, that I cannot hear what he is saying with his lips.’’ This often happens when the Pastor’s life is not blameless. People will often follow what we do rather than what we say. I Tim. 3:1-6 says, ``An overseer must be above reproach . . .’’ We must be able to say like Paul did to the Thessalonians, ``As a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children, we were well pleased to impart to you, not the gospel only, but also our own lives.’’
THE EFFECTS OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS ON OUR PREACHING
PROCLAIMER
(Prophet)
Exclaimer Motivator
INSTRUCTOR ENCOURAGER
(Teacher) (Exhorter)
Counselor Healer
COMFORTER
(Compassion)
(Lifkin, Leadership, Spring 90)
Definition of Gift Emphasis
1. INSTRUCTOR -
Your gift is to bring out the truth of the scriptures. You enjoy studying the Bible as you believe in the importance of the accuracy of your messages. Understanding, clarity, and correct interpretations are generally your emphasis in preaching. Ideas and principles are more important to you than practical applications. Detailed and the balanced approach is important to you as you preach for the whole counsel of God. What bothers you most is when you hear of others using the scriptures out of context or incorrectly. Guarding sound doctrine sets the tone for most of your messages.
2. PROCLAIMER -
You seek to inspire your congregation with the preaching of the scriptures. Strong challenges, demands, and proclamations of members responsibilities characterize your style of preaching. It is not unusual for you to take difficult stands of certain issues since you see yourself as a prophet. Sometimes you have too high of expectations for yourself and others which often leads to disappointments. Calling your audiences to make important choices is essential in your content. Delivery is often emphasized above the organization of your sermons. You firmly believe it is not the order in which something is preached, but how you preach it that makes the difference. Although you try not to, sometimes your preaching appears to be harsh, judgmental, and too dogmatic to many. However, you feel that you would be betraying your calling if you were to soft pedal the proclamation of the truth!
3. COMFORTER -
You are concerned about bringing healing, comfort, and rest for the hurting in your congregation. You are sensitive to the concerns, problems, and oppressions of those sheep that God has committed to your care. You emphasize Christ as one who comforts those who are afflicted. You would actually prefer visiting people and listening to their problems, but you recognize the pulpit as a powerful tool for bringing comfort to those in need. Confrontational preaching is usually avoided by you. People enjoy you as their Pastor since you are generally easy going and sensitive to their problems. Many of the questionable areas of scripture you would rather leave untouched since you believe that the power of the Holy Spirit can convict people in His way. Nurturing is an essential feature in your preaching. It is very important for you not to offend anyone from your pulpit. It is for this reason that you will emphasize the forgiveness, mercy, and compassion of our heavenly Father in your preaching and in your ministry.
4. ENCOURAGER -
Your preaching is filled with practical applications of the scripture. You are concerned that people become doers of the word and not merely hearers only who may deceive themselves. You have to work to study and get deep truths from the scripture, because your tendency is to stress obedience to what people already know. You are very friendly and would rather spend time with people than spend 40 hours preparing a sermon. Much of your preaching emphasizes common sense and wisdom. You have lots of energy in your preaching for you want to motivate people to reach their potential in Christ. Some people will criticize you for not emphasizing truth, interpretation, and accuracy in dealing with difficult passages. However, you tend to emphasize the spiritual resources that God has given us and our responsibility to use them. You would prefer speaking from the narratives of the gospel rather than the doctrinal passages that tend to be too theoretical for you. You are good at using concrete illustrations to bring across the contextual meanings of the scripture. People enjoy your preaching in Africa because it suits the practical mind-set of the people.
LESSONS ON BALANCE OF THE FOUR AREAS
1. Do not be critical of someone who has another emphasis than you. God has constructed the body of Christ so that we need to learn, appreciate, and cherish each others gifts.
2. Learn to become more balanced in your preaching. For example, if you are a teacher, learn how to stress more practical applications in your preaching. However, if you are an encourager, learn to discipline yourself to spend more time each week in preach and study to dig out the deeper truths of the scripture. Remember that Jesus went about teaching with such truth and power that the people were amazed at His authority.
3. Learn to observe and model those who have different strengths. Take opportunities to listen to other preachers who have different emphasis than you do. This will help you learn how to stress other aspects in your preaching.
4. Learn to work on your weak areas. Just because you have certain gifts than tend to motivate you in certain areas do not assume that you are stuck in those ruts for the rest of your life. Heb. 13:7 says, ``Remember those who led you who spoke the word of God to you and considering the outcome of their way of life, imitate their faith.’’
5. Do not let others look down on your gifts.Some people will try to flaunt their gifts or indicate that their gift is superior to yours. Do not believe them. God did not make a mistake when He gave you your special gift.
6. Be willing to allow others to preach in your pulpit with other gifts. By allowing men with other gifts and emphasis to preach in your pulpit you will help your congregation see that there are other dimensions to the will of God. This will help you in learning how to balance out your own preaching.
7. Ask God to help you achieve better balance in your preaching and preparation. God is one who is at work in us both to will and to do of His good pleasure. He is able to help us achieve a more well rounded preaching emphasis. Let us get together with other Pastors for prayer, sharing, and mutual edification to learn how to become all things to all men.
CONTEXTUALIZATION
HOW TO CONTEXTUALIZE YOUR MESSAGES
DEFINITION - Contextualization in communication refers to that process of effectively speaking the language in a culturally appropriate, effective, and relevant way. This will include taking into account the historical framework, social norms, philosophical perspectives, experiences, educational levels, classes, motivations, economic conditions, world views, as well as the spiritual orientation of the people.
A. Observe the culture, customs, and actions of your people to know their needs, behaviors, and view points.
B. Listen to their language. Try to communicate in the way they speak to each other: Conversationally, authoritatively, or proverbially.
C. Study the history of the people.
D. Move, talk, and visit with the people to help gain rapport.
E. Ask for a ``cultural broker’’ or a local friend or mediator who can help you interpret the new environment that you find yourself in.
F. Know that preachers of the Bible need to preach the ideals while trying to relate these to the harsh realities that people live with.
G. Learn to help people distinguish between superficial and deep truth.
H. Help people to distinguish between cultural truth and Biblical truth.
I. Identify the particular priority values of your people. Some people regard their family first, tribe second, spirits third, church fourth, money fifth, relations sixth, food seventh, shelter eighth, children ninth, and witnessing tenth. This will help you know how to help them rearrange their priorities according to scripture.
J. Analyze the education, social, and cultural positions that each of your members have. They need to feel that you respect their backgrounds, positions, and experiences if they are really going to listen and obey.
K. Find out who are the real decision-makers in the church. Spend personal time winning these people’s confidence. Some of your best preaching will be done through listening!
L. Learn to work through intercessors who can solicit support from significant others on your behalf.
M. Learn to offer something for the different levels of maturity in your members:
1. The non-christians, the comers, the back- sliders, the hostile, the carnal, the growers, the complainers, the neutral, the idol-worshippers, the polygamists, the partially committed, the fully committed, the disciplers, the developers, the under-shepherds, the counselors, the teachers, pastors, leaders, professors, and the elderly.
N. Follow-up your messages through asking members during the week how they will apply what they heard.
O. Suggest key memory verses that can best summarize your key thoughts.
P. Occasionally ask people to write down your key points.
Q. Ask people what their presuppositions are to certain passages.
R. Ask people how those beliefs originally were taught, formed, or accepted.
S. See if people are reading, understanding, and applying the Bible in their personal, family, and ministry times. Help them to have a daily personal and family time of prayer and study of the Bible. Teach them to feed themselves from the Bible.
T. Remember that people listen through the avenue of relationships.
U. Learn what are the major hindrances to obedience: Pride, idol-worship, ancestral worship, immorality, greed, lust, envy, jealousy, tribalism, laziness, cultural difficulties, Islam, traditional religions, customs, false or distorted beliefs, elder- youth conflicts, family problems, anger, hate, the love of money etc?
V. Do not just preach against evil, but help the people cling to what is good.
W. Help the people to overcome evil not with vengeance, but with good.
X. Provide a model for identification by trying to become all things to all men in order that by all means you may save some!
Y. Find out how acceptance is measured by your people.
Z. Discover how the people develop a healthy, Biblical and Christ-like self image.
AA. Discover the motives that people cherish, follow, and reward.
BB. Learn what causes bitterness, frustration, and rejection among your people.
CC. Discover what are the chief causes of fear among your people. (Fear of failure, rejection, childlessness, family ostracism, shame, poverty etc)
DD. Pray with the people to understand their needs, hopes, wants, dreams, and deepest desires!
8. WHAT SHOULD WE CONSIDER ABOUT CUSTOMS & TRADITIONS OF OUR PEOPLE?
A. Customs and traditions tell us a lot about the people’s identities, histories, values, needs, fears, hopes, views, and behaviors.
B. Some people are resistant to changing their customs and traditions because they have not seen how the changes will improve things. We must show people how Jesus Christ brings something ``Better’’ than their traditional beliefs.
C. We must learn to separate out the good points (Respect for elders) of traditions from the bad points(Idol worship).
D. We must amplify the good effects of certain customs and traditions(Love of family) from the bad effects(Loving family more than we love Jesus Christ).
E. Let us learn that there is nothing sacred about man-made customs and traditions for instance it is wrong to worship ancestors.
F. Jesus often had little regard for certain customs and traditions of His day.
1). He rebuked the Pharisees for clinging to their outdated and hypocritical traditions. They preferred the traditions of men over the commands of God.
2). Jesus realized that many traditions were developed to serve the needs of perverted minds and carnal people.
3). Jesus realized that many traditions were used by men to manipulate others out of selfish, wicked, and prideful purposes.
G. Jesus openly disregarded some of the more important traditions of His day.
1). Mt. 12:2, ``Look! Your disciples are doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath.’’ Jesus answered, ``The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath!’’
2). Mt. 15:2 ``Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They don’t wash their hands before eating.’’ Jesus answered, ``And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition? You people honor me with your lips, but your hearts are far from me!’’
H. At other times Jesus followed the old customs faithfully
1). He kept the passover.
2). He preached in the synagogues.
I. Normally, Jesus taught and argued against the power of traditions when He thought they were superseding the commands of God’s word.
1). Mt. 15:6, ``You have nullified the word of God for the sake of your tradition.’’
2). Col. 2:8 - ``See that no one takes you captive through deceptive philosophy which depends on human tradition...rather than Christ.’’
J. Jesus knew how the Jews used their customs and traditions for their own profit and gain. He did not give them permission to steal because they stole before. (Eph. 4:28)
K. Jesus taught that the same gospel applies across cultures. (Eph. 4:25)
L. Jesus taught that we should no longer worship gods made by human hands. Now we should worship in spirit and truth. (Jn. 4)
M. The Bible teaches that we should not get drunk with wine, as in traditions, but we should be filled with the Spirit.
N. The Bible was not written only for Nigerians, it was written for all men for all time. Traditions and customs change, but the word of God endures forever.
O. God does not hold one people’s customs and traditions above another’s.
P. Anything in customs and traditions that does not meet the criteria in the scriptures for righteousness must be changed to conform to the scripture.
Q. Tragically, the customs of too many Christians are too similar to those of the people of this world. Jesus said, ``We should be in the world, but not of the world.’’
R. The Bible warns those who would add, teach, or preach customs, culture, or traditions that would impede the progress of the church, ``If anyone adds anything to these words, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life.’’ (Rev. 22:18,19)
S. Christian preachers must establish Christ- oriented standards for their people as they preach the word in season and out of season. ``Reprove, rebuke, encourage with great patience and careful instruction.’’ (2 Tim. 4:2)
