Pastor Chris Oyakhilome PhD
Sunday, 4th December 2022
SAMPLES AND PATTERNS
For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope (Romans 15:4)
When studying the Bible, be diligent to observe principles, samples and patterns. As you read about the amazing life of the fathers, prophets and apostles, you’ll see samples of faith, and how they framed the course of their lives with the Word. 1 Corinthians 10:11 says, “Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.”
The use of the word, “ensamples” in the King James isn’t exactly the same thing as “example”; it actually means “samples.” A sample is a specimen, an original that’s shown to you, like you say, “This is what it’s supposed to be.” It’s like a pattern or print given to you.
Hebrews 11 gives us a pattern. The Bible says, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report” (Hebrews 11:1-2). When you read further, you’ll be inspired by the extraordinary feats of these great men and women of faith: what their faith accomplished for the kingdom of God (Hebrews 11:32-33).
These champions of faith subdued kingdoms and did wondrous things in their time; they ruled their world! That’s not all! Hebrews 11:3 says, “Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.” In other words, the various eras were framed by the Word of God (the “Rhema” of God). The use of the Greek, “Rhema” here indicates that the Word of God referred to was spoken through the lips of men.
It’s vital to note in this verse that God didn’t frame the “aions”; rather, through faith, the world’s systems—with respect to socio-economic structures and environmental management—were programmed through God’s Word that came out of these men and women of faith. Hallelujah! It shows what you can do today: you can frame things in your life and in your world to synchronize with God’s perfect will by speaking forth God’s Word.
PRAYER
I follow the prescribed pattern of faith and the spoken word. My mind is renewed by the Word to think the right thoughts and speak the right words that transform my life and circumstances. The structure and administration of my life are perfected in line with God’s perfect will for me, and I dwell in health, peace and abundance every day, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY:
2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
Romans 15:4 AMPC For whatever was thus written in former days was written for our instruction, that by [our steadfast and patient] endurance and the encouragement [drawn] from the Scriptures we might hold fast to and cherish hope.
1 Corinthians 10:11 NIV These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come.
1 Year Bible Reading Plan : 1 John 5 & Daniel 3-4
2 Year Bible Reading Plan : Revelation 7:1-10 & Amos 1-2