Text: 2 Timothy 1:13
In the previous lessons, we have discussed the need for authority, how authority is established, the difference between generic and specific authority, and the silence of the Scriptures. In this lesson, we are going to talk about the New Testament pattern. God has always used patterns to instruct His people, and the pattern we follow today is found in the New Testament.
Go to the New Testament
- The “pattern” we are to follow consisted of what was taught by Paul (2 Timothy 1:13) – it was received by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:12-13), so he taught the Lord’s commandment (1 Corinthians 14:37); he taught this “everywhere in every church” (1 Corinthians 4:17); universal teaching (Matthew 28:19-20)
- The old law was taken out of the way and nailed to the cross (Colossians 2:14) – we can use it for examples (1 Corinthians 10:11) or definitions (1 Timothy 2:9), but not to authorize a practice
- Some want to do this with practices like instrumental music (2 Chronicles 29:25) and sabbath-keeping (Exodus 31:13-17) – but if we go to the old law for our authority, we obligate ourselves to obey ALL of it (James 2:10); if we attempt to justify ourselves by the law, we fall from grace (Galatians 5:4)
God Has Always Used Patterns
- God gave Moses a pattern to follow in building and furnishing the tabernacle (Exodus 25:40) – this was used as an example for us (Hebrews 8:5); this pattern was the reason why Jesus could not serve as priest under the old law (Hebrews 8:4; 7:11-14)
- God gave Noah a pattern to follow in building the ark (Genesis 6:13-7:3) – Noah followed it (Genesis 7:5); following these instructions was a matter of faith (Hebrews 11:7)
- Today, we are to follow the pattern revealed by the apostles (2 Timothy 1:13; Philippians 3:17) – not in a formulaic, “going through the motions” kind of way; we serve God in faith, from the heart, according to the pattern He has given us
Examples of Patterns
- Plan of salvation – we obey a “form” of teaching (Romans 6:17); “pattern” (NIV)
- Pattern given in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:16; Luke 24:47) – belief, repentance, baptism
- Pattern preached on Pentecost (Acts 2:36-38, 41) – belief, repentance, baptism
- The “form” of teaching we obey (Romans 6:17, 3-4) – belief (implied), repentance, baptism
- If we want to be saved, we have to follow the pattern
- Worship of the church – we worship “in spirit and truth” (John 4:24); how did the early church worship?
- Singing and prayer (1 Corinthians 14:15); preaching/teaching (1 Corinthians 14:26); Lord’s Supper (Acts 20:7); giving (1 Corinthians 16:1-2)
- If we want our worship to be acceptable to God, we must follow the pattern
- Organization of the church – principle that the body is ordered as God designed (1 Corinthians 12:19)
- Overseers (elders), deacons, saints (Philippians 1:1) – consistent with what we read in the New Testament (Acts 14:23; 20:17; 1 Peter 5:1-3)
- These men must be qualified to be appointed (1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9)
- If we want the local church to be structured as God intended, we must follow the pattern
Conclusion
- By rightly dividing the word of God, we can see what He requires of us in the New Testament
- By identifying the pattern found in the New Testament, we can see what to do to please Him
- By looking at the complete picture of what He has revealed, we can know how to faithfully serve Him
