TITLE:  Observing Religious Holidays
TEXT:  Galatians 4:9-11; Romans 14:5-7
PROPOSITION:  Binding the observance of special days is forbidden.
QUESTION:  Why?
KEY WORD:  Bindings
SCRIPTURE READING:  Same

INTRODUCTION:

1. Three views have been taken
   1. Nothing wrong – observe them just like denominations do
   2. Forbid any observance of any kind, don’t acknowledge that such a day exists in any way
   3. Personal choice – not a “church” ritual, each individual determines
2. What the Bible teaches requires some study – application of principles
3. Two passages on this subject
   1. Galatians 4:9-11 – addressed to Jews converted to Christianity and seeking to continue to bind Jewish holy days on the church.
   2. Romans 14:5-7 – addressed Gentiles converted to Christianity and seeking to continue to bind pagan festivals on the church.

Examine each passage in detail – Galatians 4:9-11
 

1. How can you return to the weak elements?
2. Don’t allow yourself to be enslaved rituals
3. Days – Sabbath, Day of Atonement
4. Months – New Moons
5. Times – seasons – Annual feasts – Passover, Pentecost, Tabernacles
6. Years – Sabbath year, Jubilee Year
7. If you continue to observe all these Jewish festivals – to what were you converted? You have returned to the Law of Moses, and have not salvation.

Examine each passage in detail – Romans 14:5-7

1. Cultures, backgrounds, family customs differ
2. You bring to Christianity some “baggage”
3. Be assured in your own mind.
   1. You cannot bind your mind on others.
   2. They cannot bind their traditions on you.
4. Eat or fast – Meat or vegetarian – observe or not observe
5. What matters is if God praised in your actions?
6. Final note:
   1. We are not alone in this life.
   2. Consider each other – feelings, background, customs
   3. Don’t force your view on others – or allow others to force their view on you

Both Jews and Gentiles are condemned. Why?
 

1. Binding what God has not bound is wrong.
2. Individual liberty is allowed (as long as it does not conflict with New Testament teaching) – you can eat cake, blow out candles, exchange presents, have Sloppy Joes, enjoy being with family, take the day off work, send cards, etc.
3. What these passages forbid is the “binding” – forcing others to observe your rituals, elders making a day special for the church, song leaders and preachers forcing people to observe a special day