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A Pattern to Follow


              Over the years, the church has spent a lot of time searching the New Testament for patterns.  This search has influenced everything from the way we conduct the Lord’s Supper to the way we baptise people.   Oddly, though, there is one clearly stated pattern that has not garnered that much attention. 
                At the start of Second Timothy, Paul recounts the highpoints of the gospel message.  In fact, he bookends his comments with the word “gospel” (verses 8 and 11) and in-between he lists several important aspects of what that gospel entails. 
                “Join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher” (2 Timothy 1:8-11).
                Did you catch the tone and focus of that summary?  The gospel is about what God has done.  It is preached by his power.  He saved us.  Jesus is our hope both now and in eternity.  We can start again and live a holy life, but (underline this) none of these blessings come about because of anything we have done.
                Is that what you believe?  Is that what you teach?  If you had a chance to explain your faith to someone, is that where you would start?  It better be, because this is the “pattern of sound teaching” (verse 13) that Timothy is supposed to use and that every New Testament sermon follows.
                When we focus on ourselves rather than on God, sermons and classes devolve into self-help sessions that encourage people to try harder, be better and do more. 
                However, as Tullian Tchividjian observed, “If people walk away from a sermon thinking more about what they need to do than what Jesus has already done, the Gospel has not been preached”.
                We must keep our focus on the attractive, hopeful, life-giving message of God’s grace and goodness. 
                That pattern is clear! 

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