Observing Religious Holidays What is allowed / forbidden in the observance of religious holidays?

Many Religious Holidays

Three Views Nothing WrongNothing Wrong –We can observe them just like denominations do Personal ChoicePersonal Choice –Not a “church” ritual –But each individual can choose to observe as they choose All Observance ForbiddenAll Observance Forbidden –We must not acknowledge the day in any way

Apply the Principles What does the Bible teach on this subject? –Not a direct command in NT –But we must apply the principles of NT Two Passages touch this matter –Galatians 4:9-11 –Romans 14:5-7

Galatians 4: But now after you have known God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you turn again to the weak and beggarly elements, to which you desire again to be in bondage? 10 You observe days and months and seasons and years. 11 I am afraid for you, lest I have labored for you in vain.

Examine Galatians 4:9-11 Addressed to Jewish Christians Don’t allow yourself to be enslaved with rituals DAYSDAYS – Atonement, Sabbath MONTHSMONTHS – New Moon feasts TIMESTIMES – Passover, Pentecost, Tabernacles, annual feasts YEARSYEARS – Sabbath year, Jubilee year

Examine Galatians 4:9-11 Here is the message of these verses: IF YOU CONTINUE TO OBSERVE ALL THESE JEWISH FESTIVALS – TO WHAT WERE YOU CONVERTED? YOU HAVE RETURNED TO THE LAW OF MOSES AND AWAY FROM THE FREEDOM IN CHRIST

Romans 14:5-7 5 One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. 6 He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks. 7 For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself.

Examine Romans 14:5-7 Addressed to Gentile Christians Be assured in your mind –You cannot bind on others –They cannot bind on you Meat vs. Vegetarian; Eat vs. Fast; Observe vs. Ignore

Examine Romans 14:5-7 All of us bring along some “baggage” Each of us has different backgrounds, cultures, family customs, traditions What matters most is – Is God praised in your actions?

Examine Romans 14:5-7 NOTENOTE: –We are not alone in this life –Consider each other – feelings, background, customs, traditions DON’TDON’T: –Force your views on others –Allow others to force their views on you

Conclusions: Both Jews and Gentiles are condemned PRINCIPLEPRINCIPLE: Do not bind on others what God has not bound! PRINCIPLEPRINCIPLE: Individual liberty is allowed –It must not conflict with NT teaching –You may – blow out candles, send cards, decorate trees, give gifts, have family for dinner, eat sloppy joes, sing songs, read the Bible, take a day off work

Conclusions: PRINCIPLEPRINCIPLE: What these passages forbid is the “BINDING” – –Forcing others to observe your rituals –Elders, deacons, song leader, minister OBSERVATIONOBSERVATION: There are two dangers facing the church today: –Some seek to make rules that God did not make –Others seek to ignore the rules that God did make

Where are you? Some questions to ask yourself: –Do you demand that others observe your rituals, customs, or traditions? –Do you make sure that God is glorified in how you observe each day of the year? God is the only one who can BIND His rules on you.God is the only one who can BIND His rules on you. –Are you bound to obey the rules of God?