Pattern Theology – Part 4
Categories: Bulletin Articles Tags: Pattern Theology
Does Christianity involve a recognition and commitment to God’s pattern? Yes. Paul told Timothy, “Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 1:13). Paul Himself received this pattern from the Lord Jesus Christ. He said, “But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
The blood of Christ has dedicated the pattern of things that God has given us to approach Him (Hebrews 9:23, 24). Christ Jesus sits at the right hand of the throne of God mediating on behalf of those who enter into a covenant relationship with Him. Christ’s pattern as revealed in His covenant was made pure and holy by His sacrifice. When one follows it in faith, one may approach God with purity and holiness with boldness (Hebrews 10:19-22). The apostle Paul wrote, “Finally then, brethren, we urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus that you should abound more and more, just as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God.” Paul received the pattern from Jesus. He delivered the pattern to Timothy, the church at Thessalonica, and everywhere he preached. When they followed that pattern, they could be pleasing to God.
Today, when we follow the pattern, we please God and restore how God desires us to live. When we fail to follow that pattern, we err like Cain and do that which is evil. Let’s not approach God with our own righteousness but hold the pattern of sound words (2 Timothy 1:13). By so doing, we will approach God in His righteousness.
God bless you, and I love you.
Kevin Cauley