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Evaluating Tradition and Example in Christian Decision Making

Christian decision-making involves a careful evaluation of both tradition and the examples set forth in scripture, particularly the example of Christ. Believers are called to exercise diligence and make deliberate choices in their service to God [3, 4].

The Role of Tradition The term "tradition" can carry different connotations within Christian thought. In some biblical contexts, it refers to human interpretations or practices that can be arbitrary or even degenerate, as seen in Mark 7:3, 9, 13, and Colossians 2:8, where it describes the "arbitrary interpretations of the Jews" [2]. Peter also uses the term in 1 Peter 1:18 to refer to the "degenerate Judaism" of his audience [2]. These instances highlight a negative aspect of tradition, where human customs might supersede divine commands, as Jesus himself pointed out when addressing how Jewish traditions could nullify God's word (Matthew 15:2-6) [2].

However, "tradition" is also used in a positive sense in scripture. For example, in 2 Thessalonians 2:15 and 3:6, the term refers to teachings, whether written or spoken, that are "handed down from generation to generation" [2]. This suggests that there is a legitimate and valuable role for the transmission of sound doctrine and practice within the Christian community. The early church, for instance, adopted the practice of reading scripture publicly, a tradition transferred from the Jewish synagogue (Luke 4:16-20; Acts 13:15; Acts 15:21; 2 Corinthians 3:14) [9]. This practice included the reading of New Testament Gospels and Epistles as they were recognized as inspired [9].

The Primacy of Scripture and Personal Judgment Despite the positive role of certain traditions, Christian decision-making ultimately rests on the foundation of God's word. Believers are encouraged to "prove his own work" by examining their conduct against "the words and example of Christ" [6]. This self-examination is crucial for ensuring that one's actions align with divine standards rather than merely comparing oneself to others [6]. The "only rule for a Christian is the word of Christ; the only pattern for his imitation is the example of Christ" [6].

This emphasis on personal examination and adherence to Christ's word underscores the importance of individual judgment. Christians are called to "approve things that are excellent" or, as another translation suggests, "try things that differ" [11]. This involves discerning between various doctrines and practices, recognizing that some things, like morality and grace, or earthly and heavenly matters, are distinct and require careful evaluation [11]. John Gill, commenting on Philippians 1:10, notes that these differing things "are to be tried and proved; they are not to be received without distinction, but should be examined, which is right and best to be chosen and preferred" [11]. This process of discernment is not a weakness but a necessary exercise of responsibility [10]. As the Jamieson, Fausset & Brown commentary on 1 Corinthians 10:15 states, "We cannot divest ourselves of the responsibility of 'judging' for ourselves. The weakness of private judgment is not an argument against its use, but its abuse" [10].

The Psalmist expresses a commitment to this discernment, declaring, "The way of faithfulness I have chosen, Thy judgments I have compared" (Psalm 119:30 YLT) [5]. This highlights a deliberate choice to align with God's truth, recognizing that "the way of serious godliness is the way of truth" [8]. Matthew Henry emphasizes that this choice should be "serious and deliberate," not merely a default path, but one chosen because "we know no better; nay we know no other safe and good way" [8].

The Example of Christ Central to Christian decision-making is the example of Jesus Christ. He serves as the ultimate pattern for believers in various aspects of life. Christ demonstrated self-denial, as seen in his resistance to temptation (Matthew 4:8-10), his lack of a permanent home (Matthew 8:20), and his submission to the Father's will (John 6:38) [1]. His self-emptying and obedience, even to death on a cross, are presented as an example for believers (Philippians 2:6-8) [1]. Self-denial is considered a test of devotion to Christ and necessary for following him (Matthew 10:37-38; Luke 9:23-24; Luke 14:27-33) [1].

Christ also exemplified diligence. He rose early to pray (Mark 1:35) and was dedicated to his Father's work (Luke 2:49) [4]. This diligence is required of believers in seeking God, obeying Him, and striving for spiritual perfection (1 Chronicles 22:19; Hebrews 11:6; Deuteronomy 6:17; Philippians 3:13-14) [4].

Deliberate Decision-Making Christian decision-making is characterized by intentionality and resolve. It is "necessary to the service of God" (Luke 9:62) and involves actively seeking God, keeping His commandments, and being fully committed to Him (Joshua 24:14-15; 2 Chronicles 15:12; Nehemiah 10:29; Exodus 32:26) [3]. This requires a firm resolve to "follow God fully" (Numbers 14:24; 32:12; Joshua 14:8) and to "love God perfectly" (Deuteronomy 6:5) [3]. Such decision-making stands in contrast to "a divided service" (Matthew 6:24), "double-mindedness" (James 1:8), or "halting between two opinions" (1 Kings 18:21) [3].

The story of Moses, choosing to suffer with God's people rather than enjoy the temporary pleasures of sin, illustrates this deliberate resolution [7]. His choice was not a "hasty impulse" but a matured judgment, balancing the world's best with religion's perceived worst, and choosing the latter [7]. This reflects a recognition that worldly pleasures are "but for a season," while the "pleasures of religion are for evermore" [7].

Sources

  1. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Self-Denial — Christ set an example of -- Mt 4:8-10; 8:20; Joh 6:38; Ro 15:3; Php 2:6-8. A test of devotedness to Christ -- Mt 10:37,38; Lu 9:23,24. Necessary In following Christ. -- Lu 14:27-33. In the warfare of saints. -- 2Ti 2:4. To the triumph of saints. -- 1Co 9:25-27. Ministers especially called to exercise -- 2Co 6:4,5. Should be exercised in Denying ungodliness and worldly lusts. -- Ro 6:12; Tit 2:12. Controlling the appetite. -- Pr 23:2. Abstaining from fleshly lusts. -- 1Pe 2:11. No longer living to lusts of men. -- 1Pe 4:2. Mortifying sinful lusts. -- Mr ”
  2. Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Tradition — Any kind of teaching, written or spoken, handed down from generation to generation. In Mark 7:3, 9, 13, Col. 2:8, this word refers to the arbitrary interpretations of the Jews. In 2 Thess. 2:15; 3:6, it is used in a good sense. Peter (1 Pet. 1:18) uses this word with reference to the degenerate Judaism of the "strangers scattered" whom he addresses (comp. Acts 15:10; Matt. 15:2-6; Gal. 1:14).”
  3. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Decision — Necessary to the service of God -- Lu 9:62. Exhortations to -- Jos 24:14,15. Exhibited in Seeking God with the heart. -- 2Ch 15:12. Keeping the commandments of God. -- Ne 10:29. Being on the Lord's side. -- Ex 32:26. Following God fully. -- Nu 14:24; 32:12; Jos 14:8. Serving God. -- Isa 56:6. Loving God perfectly. -- De 6:5. Blessedness of. -- Jos 1:7. Opposed to A divided service. -- Mt 6:24. Double-mindedness. -- Jas 1:8. Halting between two opinions. -- 1Ki 18:21. Turning to the right or left. -- De 5:32. Not setting the heart aright. -- Ps 78:8,37. Exe”
  4. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Diligence — Christ, an example -- Mr 1:35; Lu 2:49. Required by God in Seeking him. -- 1Ch 22:19; Heb 11:6. Obeying him. -- De 6:17; 11:13. Hearkening to him. -- Isa 55:2. Striving after perfection. -- Php 3:13,14. Cultivating Christian graces. -- 2Pe 1:5. Keeping the souls. -- De 4:9. Keeping the heart. -- Pr 4:23. Labours of love. -- Heb 6:10-12. Following every good work. -- 1Ti 5:10. Guarding against defilement. -- Heb 12:15. Seeking to be found spotless. -- 2Pe 3:14. Making our call, &c, sure. -- 2Pe 1:10. Self-examination. -- Ps 77:6. Lawful business. -- Pr 27:”
  5. Psalms “Psalms 119:30 (YLT) — The way of faithfulness I have chosen, Thy judgments I have compared,”
  6. Galatians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Galatians 6:4: Prove his own work - Let him examine himself and his conduct by the words and example of Christ; and if he find that they bear this touchstone, then he shall have rejoicing in himself alone, feeling that he resembles his Lord and Master, and not in another - not derive his consolation from comparing himself with another who may be weaker, or less instructed than himself. The only rule for a Christian is the word of Christ; the only pattern for his imitation is the example of Christ. He should not compare himself with others; they are not his standard. Christ hath ”
  7. Hebrews (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Hebrews 11:25: He balanced the best of the world with the worst of religion, and decidedly chose the latter. "Choosing" implies a deliberate resolution, not a hasty impulse. He was forty years old, a time when the judgment is matured. for a season--If the world has "pleasure" (Greek, "enjoyment") to offer, it is but "for a season." If religion bring with it "affliction," it too is but for a season; whereas its "pleasures are for evermore."”
  8. Psalms (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Psalms 119:30: Observe, I. That those who will make anything to purpose of their religion must first make it their serious and deliberate choice; so David did: I have chosen the way of truth. Note, 1. The way of serious godliness is the way of truth; the principles it is founded on are principles of eternal truth, and it is the only true way to happiness. 2. We must choose to walk in this way, not because we know no other way, but because we know no better; nay we know no other safe and good way. Let us choose that way for our way, which we will walk in, though it be narrow. I”
  9. 1 Timothy (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Timothy 4:13: Till I come--when Timothy's commission would be superseded for the time by the presence of the apostle himself (Ti1 1:3; Ti1 3:14). reading--especially in the public congregation. The practice of reading Scripture was transferred from the Jewish synagogue to the Christian Church (Luk 4:16-20; Act 13:15; Act 15:21; Co2 3:14). The New Testament Gospel and Epistles being recognized as inspired by those who had the gift of discerning spirits, were from the first, according as they were written, read along with the Old Testament in the Church (Th1 5:21”
  10. 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 10:15: Appeal to their own powers of judgment to weigh the force of the argument that follows: namely, that as the partaking of the Lord's Supper involves a partaking of the Lord Himself, and the partaking of the Jewish sacrificial meats involved a partaking of the altar of God, and, as the heathens sacrifice to devils, to partake of an idol feast is to have fellowship with devils. We cannot divest ourselves of the responsibility of "judging" for ourselves. The weakness of private judgment is not an argument against its use, but its abuse. We should t”
  11. Philippians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Philippians 1:10: That ye may approve things that are excellent,.... Or "try things that differ". There are some things that differ one from other; as morality and grace, earthly things, and heavenly things, carnal and spiritual, temporal and eternal things, law and Gospel, the doctrines of men, and the doctrines of Christ; all which differ as much as chaff and wheat, as gold, silver, precious stones, and wood, hay, stubble. These are to be tried and proved; they are not to be received without distinction, but should be examined, which is right and best to be chosen and preferred;”
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