 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Article Archive |
2009
Build According to “The PATTERN”
by Jim Morris
God warned Moses, “And have them make me a sanctuary, so that I may dwell among them. In accordance with all that I show you concerning the PATTERN of the tabernacle and of all its furniture, so you shall make it” (Exodus 25:8-9). Stephen said, “Our ancestors had the tent of testimony in the wilderness, as God directed when he spoke to Moses, ordering him to make it according to the PATTERN (the Greek word - 'typos') he had seen” (Acts 7:44). Later, the writer to the Hebrews explained, “They offer worship in a sanctuary that is a sketch and shadow of the heavenly one; for Moses, when he was about to erect the tent, was warned, 'See that you make everything according to the PATTERN (typos) that was shown you on the mountain'” (Hebrews 8:5).
What is the PATTERN (typos) of the “sanctuary” or “tent of testimony” that God has commanded us to construct today?
First, our pattern is the apostolic teachings. “But thanks be to God that you, having once been slaves of sin, have become obedient from the heart to the PATTERN (typos) of teaching to which you were entrusted, and that you, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness” (Romans 6:17-18).
Second, our PATTERN is the apostolic lifestyle. It is a lifestyle of letting go of the world to reach forth to Christ. “Brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and observe those who live according to the PATTERN (typos) you have in us” (Philippians 3:17). It is a lifestyle of service rather than the claiming of rights. Paul said, “This was not because we do not have that right, but in order to give you a PATTERN (typos) to imitate” (2 Thessalonians 3:9).
Third, our pattern is the evangelists' lifestyle. “Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers a PATTERN (typos) in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12; see also Titus 2:7).
Fourth, our pattern is the NT churches' lifestyle. “And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for in spite of persecution you received the word with joy inspired by the Holy Spirit, so that you became a PATTERN (typos) to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.”
Finally, our pattern is the shepherd-elder-overseers' lifestyle. The apostle Peter commanded the elders, “Do not lord it over those in your charge, but be a PATTERN (typos) to the flock.”
The true PATTERN (typos) is the person of Jesus Christ. God is building His “living sanctuary” in and among His people (1 Corinthians 3:16). It is about a person not just propositions. It is about relationships not just rituals. It is about functions not just forms.
Paul warned of some having “a FORM of godliness but denying its power” (2 Timothy 3:1-5). Let us build by God's pattern!
04-22-09
# 16
