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It is also written:
"But be doers of the word, and not only hearers, deluding your own selves.” James 1:22
And again,
“As I urged you…that you might command certain men not to teach a different doctrine.” 1 Timothy 1:3
You do realize, he was specifically commanding people to not teach beyond what they taught in the scriptures, right?
“Now these things, brothers, I have in a figure transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that in us you might learn not to think beyond the things which are written, that none of you be puffed up against one another.” 1 Corinthians 4:6
Peter referred to being, “established in the present truth” that he and the other apostles delivered:
12Therefore I will not be negligent to remind you of these things, though you know them, and are established in the present truth. 13I think it right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you; 14knowing that the putting off of my tent comes swiftly, even as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me. 15Yes, I will make every effort that you may always be able to remember these things even after my departure.” 2 Peter 1:12-15
“1This is now, beloved, the second letter that I have written to you; and in both of them I stir up your sincere mind by reminding you; 2that you should remember the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and the commandments of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior” 2 Peter 3:1-2
Paul also wrote:
“17Now I beg you, brothers, look out for those who are causing the divisions and occasions of stumbling, contrary to the teachings which you learned, and turn away from them. 18For those who are such don't serve our Lord, Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by their smooth and flattering speech, they deceive the hearts of the innocent.” Romans 16:17-18
So tell me, how much time, care, and effort, do you, personally, take to check and purge yourself of beliefs that originated and were developed after the writing of the New Testament? Do you just automatically presume that what you have been taught, and the way you interpret scriptures, is the way the earliest disciples of Christ read and understood them? And what is your attitude when others challenge you regarding your extra-biblical beliefs?
Here's the attitude we are supposed to have:
“21Therefore, putting away all filthiness and overflowing of wickedness, receive with humility the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. 22But be doers of the word…” James 1:21-22
Note that Jesus said who it is that talk about keeping the commandments to others but don't keep them themselves:
“1Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to his disciples, 2saying, "The scribes and the Pharisees sat on Moses' seat. 3All things therefore whatever they tell you to observe, observe and do, but don't do their works; for they say, and don't do. 4For they bind heavy burdens that are grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not lift a finger to help them.” Matthew 23:1-4
“1Then Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem, saying, 2"Why do your disciples disobey the tradition of the elders? For they don't wash their hands when they eat bread." 3He answered them, "Why do you also disobey the commandment of God because of your tradition? 4For God commanded, 'Honor your father and your mother,' and, 'He who speaks evil of father or mother, let him be put to death.' 5But you say, 'Whoever may tell his father or his mother, "Whatever help you might otherwise have gotten from me is a gift devoted to God," 6he shall not honor his father or mother.' You have made the commandment of God void because of your tradition. 7You hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy of you, saying, 8'These people draw near to me with their mouth, and honor me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. 9And in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrine rules made by men.'" Matthew 15:1-9
Do you have the same heart as Jesus did–negatively–towards the traditions of men, in saying that they negate and make null true worship? Or do you make every attempt to elevate the extrabiblical traditions of men on a level at or above the God-breathed Scriptures just like the false professors did in Jesus’ day?
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