Heart Problems > Mark 7:1-23
7:1-5 Following traditions. A challenge is brought to Jesus from the religious officials: why don’t Jesus’ disciples follow the religious traditions?
7:6-13 Following God. Christ’s answer is direct: the religious traditions that these leaders require are not what God said in his law. In fact, these traditions were enabling people to disobey God and think themselves justified in doing so.
7:14-23 The real problem. At rock bottom, Christ’s point is that traditions aren’t what makes one holy or acceptable to God. Our problem is internal – our own sinful heart and desires. Cleaning up the “externals” doesn’t fix that.
The Point: Our biggest problem as humans is that we are sinners through and through. What will fix our problem isn’t a few external changes to look good in front of others. No, we need new hearts – and that is something only God can give.
Prayer: Lord, we are just as easily tempted to trust our traditions and practices today rather than knowing and believing what you have said. Keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and our ears open to your word. Let us be satisfied with nothing less than heart-transformation from Jesus himself.
Application: In what ways are you tempted to downplay or ignore God’s word? Are there ways that you are trusting your actions as a person more than what Christ has done for you on the cross? Let your trust be in him, not in your performance.
Here is how I will apply these truths: ___________________
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