Mark 7:1-23

I. The accusation (Mark 7:1-5)

A. The tradition—which may have started as a good reminder to the Jews—had been reduced to mere ritual
B. Accusing Jesus and His disciples was becoming common practice for the Pharisees (Mark 2:16, 18, 24)

II. The admonition (Mark 7:6-13)

A. Man’s tradition must not trump God’s truth! (Isaiah 29:13)
B. Acceptable worship and godly service requires both attitude and action – spirit and truth (John 4:24)
C. The example cited by Jesus: “Corban”

III. The source of defilement (Mark 7:14-23)

A. Defilement doesn’t come from one’s outward circumstance, but from his heart (Proverbs 4:23)
B. Sin is connected to the character and integrity and purity of one’s heart (Matthew 5:21ff; Galatians 5:19-21; Revelation 21:8)
C. We have the choice (2 Timothy 2:22)