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Sermon Notes

Following the Pattern

Sunday 27 June 2021 Pastor Craig Ledbetter Hebrews 8:5
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I. Introduction (Hebrews 8:5)

“Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.”

A. God Has Patterns

  1. He doesn’t leave us guessing
  2. He shows us how things should be done
  3. He expects us to follow

B. Moses and the Tabernacle

  1. Given detailed instructions
  2. Told to follow exactly
  3. A pattern from heaven

II. Why Patterns Matter

A. God’s Ways Are Higher

  1. Isaiah 55:8-9 - His thoughts are not our thoughts
  2. We don’t know better
  3. His design is perfect

B. Obedience Shows Trust

  1. We trust His wisdom
  2. We submit to His authority
  3. We honor His lordship

C. Results Depend on It

  1. Wrong patterns bring wrong results
  2. God’s patterns bring blessing
  3. Short-cuts lead to disaster

III. Patterns in Scripture

A. Pattern for Salvation

  1. Repentance and faith
  2. Not works
  3. Through Christ alone

B. Pattern for the Church

  1. Organized by Scripture
  2. Led by qualified men
  3. Functioning biblically

C. Pattern for the Family

  1. Marriage between man and woman
  2. Roles clearly defined
  3. Children raised in the Lord

D. Pattern for Worship

  1. In spirit and truth
  2. Not according to human invention
  3. Centered on God’s Word

IV. Dangers of Ignoring the Pattern

A. Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10)

  1. Offered “strange fire”
  2. Not according to pattern
  3. Judged by God

B. King Uzziah (2 Chronicles 26)

  1. Entered the temple to burn incense
  2. Not his role
  3. Struck with leprosy

C. Modern Examples

  1. Churches that ignore Scripture
  2. Families that reject God’s design
  3. Worship that man invents

V. Following the Pattern Today

A. Know the Pattern

  1. Study Scripture carefully
  2. Don’t assume you know
  3. Seek to understand

B. Follow the Pattern

  1. Even when it’s hard
  2. Even when it’s unpopular
  3. Even when you don’t understand why

C. Teach the Pattern

  1. Pass it on to others
  2. Raise children in it
  3. Help the church maintain it

Conclusion

God has given us patterns for a reason. Follow them. Trust them. They lead to blessing.

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