Tri-Annual Singing!
June 20, 2026
7:00pm - 8:30pm
Category: Authority
Subject: Authority
The Patternists: When Men Dictate in Religion
Paul’s letter to the Colossians contains his defense of Christ as the basis of our standing with God. He speaks of Christ’s preeminence (1:15-18). He contends that reconciliation comes through Christ’s sacrifice (1:21-22). As such, he warns “every man” to labor and strive as he did, “according to His working which works in me mightily” (1:28-29). Notice, we are to strive according to His working.
In chapters two and three, he contrasts the salvation which is in Christ with false influences which endanger Christians. For example, he notes in (2:1-10) that human philosophy is deceptive. In Christ “are hidden all treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (2:3).
He also calls for a rejection of lustful passions in (3:10-11), “For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God” (3:3). Because of this, the Christian is to “put off” (3:8), the sinful inclinations of the flesh.
Our attention is centered in (2:11-23). This section of the text is unfortunately labeled “Not Legalism but Christ” in my NKJV. The label misses the point of what Paul is saying.
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Sermon: “Speaking to One Another”
A discussion about the type of music authorized by God in Christian worship. (With emphasis on the use and definition of the greek term “psallo” in the New Testament).
The Patternists: According to All
For those who are seeking to please God, it is instructive to do a concordance search of all the times the phrase “according to all” is used in scripture. The phrase occurs on multiple occasions in the Old Testament (in English translations such as the King James, New King James and American Standard versions). The phrase is inclusive of what the “all” encompasses. Often the “all” concerns the commands of God. Consider the example in Joshua.
“Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:7-9).
True obedience to God requires obedience to all He has commanded. It is not acceptable to pick and choose the commandments we desire to obey, and ignore the rest. Joshua’s admonition came with the promise that if they were faithful in their obedience to all of God’s commands, that they would have “good success.” The Old Testament reveals both the truthfulness of that statement, and the sad end of Israel when God’s commands were not followed.
This object lesson is applicable to men today. Jesus said, “If you love me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). This is why it is necessary to obey the entire pattern revealed in the scriptures. As Peter said, “If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen” (1 Peter 4:11).
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The Patternists: The Basis for Paul’s Exhortation
In 1 Thessalonians 4, Paul exhorted his brethren to abound in their obedience to the commandments of God. He was especially concerned with their moral purity, instructing them to “abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God” (4:3-5).
Sexual Immorality is the phrase used in the New King James version to translate the Greek term porneia. The term is defined by Thayer as “illicit sexual intercourse.” It is a broad term that would be inclusive of any sexual activity outside of the marriage bed, including adultery, homosexuality, incest and other perversions. “Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge” (Hebrews 13:4).
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The Patternists: Feel Compelled
Religious people typically act in accord with the dictates of the conscience. This is commendable. Paul made clear that we should always do what we believe to be right, “for whatever is not from faith is sin” (Romans 14:23).
What is equally true is that many, in doing what they think is right, are actually violating God’s will. In other words, they are convinced they are doing what God wants them to do, but they are mistaken. This is a serious problem, as noted by the Lord Himself:
The Patternists: Hold Fast
In 2 Timothy 1:13, the apostle Paul exhorted Timothy, “Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.”
The words “hold fast” in the text (echo) means to have or hold fast, to adhere or cling to. Consider a small child who depends upon a blanket or stuffed toy for comfort.
The word “pattern” in the text (hupotuposis) indicates an outline, sketch, brief, example or pattern. Consider the idea of a pattern used by a seamstress, or a blueprint used by a contractor.
The word “sound” in the text (hugiaino) is used metaphorically to refer to something that is free of any mixture of error.
The exhortation to “hold fast the pattern of sound words” is modified by specifying the way that they are to be held, “in faith and love.” Adam Clarke well said, “Faith credits the Divine doctrines. Love reduces them all to practice.”
Much is said of faith and love. All are in agreement that these things are necessary. What is often denied is that we must “Hold fast the pattern of sound words.” Here Paul clearly shows this to be required by God.
Paul here emphasizes that God’s word is a pattern for us. He expected Timothy and us to properly respect and revere the Holy Spirit’s guidance in delivering to us “all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us” (2 Peter 1:3). Our respect for God’s word requires us to obey it, in so doing showing our love both to God (cf. John 14:15), and to others (1 John 2:10).
Are you holding fast “the pattern of sound words”?
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Sermon: R-E-S-P-E-C-T & Disrespect
Three points: 1) Christians must always respect others; 2) Christians must always live in such a way to gain the respect of others; 3) God is worthy of, and demands our respect of Him.
The Patternists: Followers of Us
In Paul’s introductory comments to the congregation in Thessalonica, he was extremely complimentary of their faith. He wrote of his thankfulness as he remembered, “without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father” (1 Thessalonians 1:3).
He also expressed how that faith and obedience was instilled in them. He wrote of them having received the “word”, and in so doing they became “followers of us and of the Lord” (1:6).
The Patternists: The Chastisement of the Lord
Hosea prophesied during a very dark period in Israel’s history. To show to Hosea and the people how far they had fallen from Him, He had the prophet take a harlot as a wife. The reason? “For the land has committed great harlotry by departing from the Lord” (Hosea 1:2).
Hosea married the harlot Gomer, and she conceived and bore him children. The name of each child was given by God, as a means of emphasizing the broken relationship between God and His people. Hosea’s first son was named Jezreel, “for in a little while I will avenge the bloodshed of Jezreel on the house of Jehu, and bring an end to the kingdom of the house of Israel” (1:4). His first daughter was named Lo-Ruhamah, “for I will no longer have mercy on Israel, but I will utterly take them away” (1:6). Hosea’s second son was named Lo-Ammi, “for you are not My people, and I will not be your God” (1:9).
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The Patternists: Bound by Promise
The Hebrew writer speaks of the promise God made to Abraham. “For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself, saying, ‘Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you’” (Hebrews 6:13-14). We know that God kept His promise to Abraham. We know this because it has been revealed through scripture. However, the promise was certain to be fulfilled as soon as it was made, because God was the One who made it! Consider the writer’s point: “Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath, 18 that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us” (Hebrews 6:17-18).
Only one thing was needed to show Abraham the surety of the future promise. God cannot lie. The oath He swore by Himself simply showed it “more abundantly.” Because of His nature, what God promised was assured. In this we rejoice, because He has promised hope to those who are His. “This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast…” (Hebrews 6:19).
Sermon: We give thanks to You, O God!
An analysis of a wonderful Psalm of praise to God. The 75th Psalm. For His wondrous works, His authority, His compassion for the humble, and judgment of the prideful.
