Message from Scripture: 6/8/2020

Today’s message from Scripture comes from 2 Tim. 1:13; “Hold on to the pattern of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.”

The concept of a pattern plays an important part in the teaching of Scripture. Moses was told to build the tabernacle according to the pattern God was showing him on the mountain where he received the covenant (Num. 8:4). Not just the construction of the tabernacle was to be followed according to God’s pattern, His standard for construction, but the entirety of the Law of Moses was God’s pattern for Israel to live by (Deut. 12:1).

The New Covenant, the gospel of Christ, is God’s pattern for us to live by today. In Rom. 6:17 Paul wrote, “But thank God that, although you used to be slaves of sin, you obeyed from the heart that pattern of teaching to which you were handed over.” We could say Paul is telling us to abandon the pattern of sin, which enslaves us to it and leads to condemnation. We follow instead the pattern the gospel provides, which leads us to liberty from sin and to forgiveness. As Paul goes on to say, “and having been set free from sin, you became enslaved to righteousness” (Rom. 6:18).

Living by God’s pattern in Christ, we are transformed (Rom. 12:2). Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it” (Luke 11:28). There has always been a right way, and a wrong way, to live. God knew, for the Israelites, it would be difficult for them to stay faithful, not to go astray. That’s why He gave them a pattern to live by in the Law of Moses. Today, we need the Biblical pattern found in the New Testament to follow God’s pattern for us today, to have the good life, to live with the assurance of eternal life. Jesus put it this way; “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15).

Let’s follow God’s pattern in Scripture. Let’s have confidence in the life He offers, today and eternally. Live by the pattern, and find the life really worth living. God bless.

Robert