Key Thought : While tradition has its place in the church, no human has the authority to create religious traditions and elevate them to the level of Divine law.

[Lesson plan for Christ and Religious Tradition April 14, 2014]

1. Have a volunteer read Matthew 15:8,9.

a. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
b. Why are traditions important, and what role do they have in our community?
c. Personal Application: What are some traditions that we as Seventh-day Adventists follow? Are they important, or do they divert us from God’s truth? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study: One of your relatives states: “Why does your church have the order of service that it does? Have you changed it much? If you did, would people be upset?.” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read Matthew 23:1-7.

a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
b. We have a tendency to exalt and revere our spiritual leaders in the church. But how do we help them from becoming prideful, egotistical, and lifted up?
c. Personal Application: Have you ever experienced a boss or leader who gave good advice but didn’t follow it themselves or model it as they should? Share.
d. Case Study: One of your neighbors states, “All the ministers are hypocrites. They talk about following Christ, but all they seem to want is money, prestige, and power. They are more in love with the world than the unbelievers.” How would you respond to your neighbor?

3. Have a volunteer read Matthew 15:1-6.

a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
b. What are some ways that people “rationalize” breaking God’s law? Are any of these “legitimate” reasons?
c. Personal Application: What traditions do you see in your culture that by keeping are in opposition to God’s law and will? Share.
d. Case Study: One of your friends states, “Many pastors are working so hard to serve the churches that they sometimes neglect their own families. How can they balance the demands of the Conference, their church functions, their church members, outreach, and their own families?” How would you respond to your friend?

4. Have a volunteer read Matthew 5:17-20.

a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
b. Is Jesus saying we should be better law-keepers than the Pharisees? Or was He saying something different? Share your thoughts.
c. Personal Application: Have you ever been guilty of being critical of others for not following Christ’s teachings perfectly in some way? Share.
d. Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.

(Note : “Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.” MH p. 149.

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