Does God Give Us A Pattern For Living?
Some people teach that there are no patterns in the Bible.
We affirm that the Bible IS a pattern for living.

Introduction
Some people claim that the Bible and more specifically, the New Testament does not give us a pattern for living.
A pattern is like a rule-book, a blue-print, an example, and a proto-type.
It is established to set the standard for all others following it.
As Christians, we need to be setting a pattern for living.
Let us notice some scriptures and see if this is true.

Let us see if we can find a pattern in these…
"Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation" (1 Pet. 2:12).
"But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct" (1 Pet. 1:15).
"Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ... " (Phil. 1:27).
"As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, 15 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 since it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy"' (1 Peter 1:13-16).
"Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity" (Colossians 4:5).
"I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth" (1 Timothy 3:14-15).
7. "Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person" (Colossians 4:5-6).
"Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is" (Ephesians 5:15-16).
"If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit" (Galatians 5:25).
"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works" (Titus 2:11-14).
"I appeal to you therefore, brother, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect" (Romans 12:1-2).
"Whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen" (1 Peter 4:11).
"Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity" (1 Timothy 4:12).

Conclusion
A truly honest person cannot read and hear these passages of scripture and determine that they do not set a pattern for living in the Christian faith.
Philippians 4:8 “Finally, Brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatgever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things”.

By Carey Scott

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