Romans 15:04 – Follow the Pattern – audio

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Text: Romans 15:4

Introduction

A. Patterns are very useful. By following them, one can achieve a desired result.

1) If you want to make a quilt with a certain style and color, you follow the pattern exactly to get yours to look exactly like the one you want.

2) Puzzles are fun to work, and the picture on the box shows what the end result ought to be. When all of the pieces are put together in the proper place, the ideal photo is revealed.

B. From the very beginning, God has a pattern for man to follow.

1) By following His directions, one can achieve the intended result.

2) By not following it, an undesirable consequence ensues.

I. Old Testament examples.

A. Paul taught the Romans “for whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope (Romans 15:4).”

B. Noah followed God’s pattern to build an ark, and saved himself, 7 other humans, and animals (Genesis 6:14-22).

C. The children of Israel assisted Moses in building the tabernacle, according to the pattern that God gave him (Exodus 25:9,40). As a result, God had a place to dwell.

D. Aaron made the lampstand according to the pattern God gave him (Numbers 8:4).

E. David gave Solomon the instructions on how to build the temple (1 Chronicles 28:9ff.), since he could not build it himself.

F. Nadab and Abihu did not follow God’s pattern, offering strange fire before Him. As a result, they died before Him (Leviticus 10:1-3; Numbers 3:4; 26:61).

G. Through Ezekiel, the LORD gave Israel a chance to go back to the pattern of the temple (Ezekiel 43:10-12).

II. New Testament examples.

A. Jesus Christ lived the perfect life, and we must follow His example (1 Peter 2:21-24).

B. Paul said Jesus wanted him to be a pattern for others (1 Timothy 1:16).

C. The church at Philippi were encouraged by Paul to follow his example as they have a pattern (Philippians 3:17).

D. Timothy was told to “be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity (1 Timothy 4:12).”

E. Young men are exhorted to be a pattern of good works in all things (Titus 2:6-7).

Conclusion

A. We need to follow God’s pattern to be a good example to the world and lead lost souls to Christ.

B. God gave us His Word as a blueprint.

1) Christ to follow after

2) The gospel to save us

3) He built His church that we can be a part of.

C. The directions are easy to follow.

D. Let us follow that pattern, and be the examples for others!