1. The “traditions” Jesus condemns are those that allow people to sidestep what Holy Scripture authoritatively teaches (1-13).

2. In contrast to the “traditions of men”, and even the law of Moses, Jesus is the ultimate revealer of God (19b).

3. Our hearts are defiled and produce defiled works. That means we are defiled and need Jesus to purify us (14-23)

__________

Definition of Legalism: “The tendency to regard as divine law things which God has neither required nor forbidden in Scripture, and the corresponding inclination to look with suspicion/judgmentalism on others for their failure or refusal to conform.” (Sam Storms)

How to Become a Legalist:

• Make rules outside the bible.
• Push yourself to try to keep those rules.
• Castigate yourself when you don’t keep those rules.
• Become proud when you do keep those rules.
• Appoint yourself judge over other Christians.
• Get angry with Christians who break your rules, or who have different rules.

Summary of Old Testament Food Regulations (Leviticus 11)

• Split-hoofed, cud-chewing land animals (e. g., sheep and cattle) may be eaten. Other mammals are unclean (e. g., pigs and camels) and may not be eaten (vv. 2–8).
• Only fish with fins and scales may be eaten (vv. 9–12).
• Certain named birds (probably birds of prey) may not be eaten (vv. 13–19).
• Flying insects may not be eaten, but hopping insects are edible (vv. 20–23).
• Touching the carcass of an unclean animal makes a person unclean. They must wash themselves (vv. 24–28).
• Other “swarming” animals, such as mice and lizards, are also unclean. If they are found dead inside a vessel, the vessel becomes unclean and must be destroyed or purified (vv. 29–43).
• Clean animals that die of natural causes become unclean, unfit to eat and a source of pollution (vv. 39–40)
• The Israelites reflect the holiness of God, who brought them out of Egypt, by obeying these divine regulations and distinguishing between unclean and clean creatures (44–47).