BE CAREFUL TO FOLLOW THE PATTERN

By Charles N. Spence, Jr.

"Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern" (Phil 3:17).

If any of the Philippians wanted to know in what manner they ought to walk, they could look at Paul and see in him an example to follow. The same held true for the Corinthians, (1 Cor. 11:1). Thus, the same held true for all the churches. "Therefore I urge you, imitate me. For this reason I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful son in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church" (1 Cor. 4:16-17). All Christians are to show themselves to be a pattern of good works: in doctrine, reverence, incorruptibility, and sound speech (Tit. 2:7-8).

In the word of God, Christians have patterns or examples that they are to follow. Yet, there are some Christians who feel that examples are not binding. They feel that the Bible gives no pattern to follow. First century Christians, however, were exhorted to follow examples and hold to patterns approved by God.

In the Old Testament, the tabernacle served as a copy of the heavenly tabernacle, the Church. As a copy, Moses was instructed to be careful in making all things according to the pattern (Model) that God gave him in the mount (Exo. 25:40). In regard to the church, Christians must be careful to do all things according to the pattern. (Heb. 8:5) This was the basis of the restoration plea, "Where the Bible speaks, we speak; where the Bible is silent, we are silent." Christians cannot afford to be innovative in their collective efforts to do God's will. God has specified exactly what He wants. If any Christian has as his goal to be pleasing to God, he will give God exactly what God wants.

To say that examples are not binding is to take away from the teachings of Jesus. Jesus said in John 13:13-15, "You call me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you and example, that you should do as I have done to you." Here, Jesus is not saying Christians must literally wash each other's feet. He was teaching that they must be willing to serve each other as He served them. By examples and patterns Christians know the day upon which to assemble. (See John 20:19, 26). Pentecost was always on the 1st day of the week. Thus, the disciples were assembled (Acts 2:1). By examples Christians know what it was the disciples did while assembled on the first day (Acts 20:7). Thus, Christians do today. To say there are no binding examples in God's word is to say there is no way of knowing what day to assemble upon. There is neither any way to know exactly the frequency of eating the Lord's supper.

The point is, Christians must follow the patterns and examples as they pertain to all things concerning the Lord's church. "Be careful to do all things according to the pattern."