Beware Human Doctrines
*Beware Doctrine/Teaching of Men
Matthew 16:5-12 (NKJV)
(5) Now when His disciples had come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread. (6) Then Jesus said to them, "Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees." (7) And they reasoned among themselves, saying, "It is because we have taken no bread." (8) But Jesus, being aware of it, said to them, "O you of little faith, why do you reason among yourselves because you have brought no bread? (9) "Do you not yet understand, or remember the five loaves of the five thousand and how many baskets you took up? (10) "Nor the seven loaves of the four thousand and how many large baskets you took up? (11) "How is it you do not understand that I did not speak to you concerning bread?--but to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees." (12) Then they understood that He did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
Isaiah 29:13 (NKJV)
Therefore the Lord said: "Inasmuch as these people draw near with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but have removed their hearts far from Me, and their fear toward Me is taught by the commandment of men,"
Acts 2:42 (NKJV)
And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.
Some say that this applies to "the ways of the world" and how the church should avoid them.
However, since the Pharisees & Sadducees were the religious leaders of their generation of "God's chosen people", I believe Jesus spoke of something else to avoid.
Church rules, rituals, traditions and teachings, as well as non-biblical wisdom, are not evil per se, but they do distract us from focusing on our relationship with God and His daily provision for us.
Many traditions and rituals were started with excellent intentions, and over the years we have forgotten their original purpose and allowed ourselves to lose focus. The challenge is that they take us away from what God wants, to that with which we feel comfortable.
We have held these up too much, and they have become idols to us, in violation of the Second Commandment.
The following are examples of some "leaven" of our religions and religious leaders. Those that are already addressed on this site are links, the rest are coming soon!
- Child baptism, (as if innocent children really need this!)
- Switching philosophy for personal relationship.
- Church buildings & steeples.
- Church centralization.
- Forbidding marriage for leaders.
- Allowing government-run social services.
- Allowing government-run schools.
- Claims of righteousness.
- Hating Jews, Muslims, Mormons, Buddhists, Hindus, even other denominations, etc.
- Teaching church history instead of God's story.
- Seeking financial security.
- Claiming God is distant.
- Claiming there are no active spirits, loving or evil.
- Claiming God is silent.
- Leading without following.
- Translating without speaking.
- Seeking self-Lordship.
- Using the word 'Christian' as an adjective, especially as a marketing tool!
- Meaning of 3rd commandment.
- Use of fasting and lent as a temporary self-denial of pleasure instead of an opportunity for long-term spiritual growth.