In a powerful message delivered on 10 January 2026, renowned Nigerian cleric Pastor W.F. Kumuyi issued a stern warning against modern traditions that are ensnaring the contemporary church. Drawing parallels with biblical Pharisees, he highlighted a critical need for believers to prioritize God's word over man-made doctrines.
The Danger of Modernizing for Profit
Pastor Kumuyi pointed out that, much like the Pharisees of old, certain individuals today are introducing their own ideas into the church. These ideas span areas such as communication, application of scripture, dressing, and marriage doctrines. Their primary aim, he stated, is not spiritual growth but to modernize and make the church nominal for their own personal profit and gain.
He used the example of Apostle Paul, who before his conversion was a zealous adherent of his fathers' traditions. "Prior to his conversion, Paul the apostle profited in the Jews’ religion above many of his equals," Kumuyi noted. The lesson is clear: zeal for tradition without true reverence for Christ leads to spiritual emptiness.
A Call for Genuine Transformation
The core of the message was a call for authentic change. God expects a real change in our lives after conversion, the pastor emphasized. As beneficiaries of divine grace, Christians must consciously abandon the world's traditions, practices, principles, and hypocrisies that contradict scripture.
"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind," he quoted from Romans. This transformation allows believers to handle God's word with sincerity and honesty, proving His perfect will. Many preachers and leaders, however, remain trapped by the trending traditions of their society and denominations, unable to break free even as their hearts condemn them.
Allegiance to God Over Tradition
Pastor Kumuyi stressed that freedom comes from understanding that our ultimate allegiance is to God alone, not to any human tradition. He referenced the Pharisees who were offended by Christ's teachings, contrasting them with sincere seekers who are not offended by convicting messages because their true goal is heaven.
He criticized exploitative reformers who, like some religious leaders of old, appear to seek change but fall short of God's holy requirements. They nullify God's commandments by elevating their own traditions, just as was done with the command to honor parents. The path forward requires rejecting these ensnaring traditions to embrace pure, unadulterated faith.
The sermon concluded with scriptural references including Matthew 15, Galatians 1, and Romans 12, directing listeners to the biblical foundation for this urgent call to spiritual integrity.
