Hold Fast the Pattern2 Timothy 1:13

2 Timothy 1:13-14

13 Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. 14 That good thing which was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.

Hebrews 8:5

who serve the copy and shadow of the heavenly things, as Moses was divinely instructed when he was about to make the tabernacle. For He said, "See that you make all things according to the pattern shown you on the mountain."

Introduction

Many argue that God did not leave a pattern by which we must worship.They claim we can worship as we see fit.There is a pattern. We must follow it.How can we hold to a pattern if it does not exist?

Pattern

Ladies make bears for thehospital. They cut thematerial using a pattern.

The pattern is the guide, the standard to follow.Today – 3 purposes of a pattern

Gives Direction

We need direction, guidanceJeremiah 10:23 O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps.God gave Noah a pattern to build the ark – Genesis 6:14-16

Gives Direction

God has given us direction1 Peter 4:11a If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God.God has not left us to do what we want. He has given us a pattern.We are to follow His direction.

Promotes Unity

If all follow the same pattern in making bears – they will be alike.If we follow the pattern from God – we will speak the same thing.1 Corinthians 1:10a Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing,

Promotes Unity

2 Timothy 2:2 And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.Neither time nor culture, will change the pattern

Preserves Identity

Exodus 25:9 According to all that I show you, that is, the pattern of the tabernacle and the pattern of all its furnishings, just so you shall make it. Romans 6:17 But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered.

Preserves Identity

If you lived in the first century or in the year 2014 :If you were a native of Corinth, Ephesus, Rome OR Milan, Gibson County, Tennessee :The identity will remain the same

WARNING

Failure to follow the pattern is seriousNadab and Abihu did not follow the pattern (Leviticus 10:1-3)Jeroboam did not worship according to the pattern (1 Kings 12)

HOLD FAST THE PATTERN

Follow the same bear pattern – get the same bearsFollow the same pattern for salvation – get the same New Testament Christians as you read about in the book of Acts

HOLD FAST THE PATTERN

Follow the same pattern Worship as they did

Believe what they believedTeach what they taught

We will be what they were :

NEW TESTAMENTCHRISTIANS.