1. Why Do We Need a Pattern?

2. The Bible and Patterns
Pattern, (τύπος, typos), means a model of behavior as an example to be imitated or avoided.
Philippians 3:17
2 Timothy 1:13
Titus 2:7

3. The Bible and Patterns
Hebrews 8:5, See, that you make it according to the pattern
Romans 6:17, “form” of doctrine
1 Corinthians 10:6, 11, examples
Hebrews 9:24, copy

4. Examples of Patterns
God’s plan or redemption was a pattern – Ephesians 3:11, 1:11
Genesis 6:14-16, 22, Noah and the ark
Exodus 25:9,40, 26:30, Acts 7:44, cf. Heb. 8:5 Moses building the tabernacle
1 Chron. 28:11-12, 19, Solomon building the temple

5. Examples of Patterns
Nadab and Abihu – an example of rejecting His pattern – Leviticus 16:12, 10:1-2
Note: We may not understand why God specifies what He did, but He did! Do not question Him! Isa. 55:8-9, Romans 9:20-21

6. Do we really need a pattern?
How far will you take this?
Do we need to believe in the Bible?
Do we need to believe in Jesus?
Does God care what we believe?
Does He approve of division in His name?
Are you willing to risk your eternity on this? Philippians 3:1
Matthew 7:21-27

7. Do we really need a pattern?
John 12:48, If there is no pattern, by what will we be judged in the last day?
1 Corinthians 1:10, If there are to be no divisions & we are to speak the same thing, do we need a pattern?

8. Do we really need a pattern?
1 Corinthians 11:1, Paul instructs us to not think beyond what is written. Does this pattern teach boundaries? (cf. 2 John 9-11) Are not these boundaries a pattern?
Note: Silence is NOT permission to act when God has specified!

9. Do we really need a pattern?
In each of these, and others, we can see the imperative to understand the will of the Lord (Ephesians 5:17)
If we do not have a pattern, why do we really need the Bible (cf. 2 Tim. 3:16-17)

10. The real issue is often that in matters we don’t want to follow, we dismiss the pattern of scripture!

11. Will you follow the pattern of God?