Following the Pattern of Faith
Philippians 3:17 Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example. The believer follows a pattern. We follow patterns in the kingdom. Follow examples of men of faith.
Understanding God’s Sufficiency
Psalm 23:1 The Lord is my shepherd; I have everything I need.
- A believer can be sufficient in God’s sufficiency.
- In God, a believer has everything and lacks nothing.
- We live by principles, not miracles, by looking at the examples of those ahead of us.
- Everything originates from faith, understanding that all we need comes from God.
- We must be persuaded that God is for us, and we cannot lack.
Genesis 48:15 Then he blessed Joseph and said, ‘May the God before whom my grandfather Abraham and my father, Isaac, walked—the God who has been my shepherd all my life, to this very day.
- God is our sufficiency in all areas of life.
2 Corinthians 3:4 We are confident of all this because of our great trust in God through Christ. Our sufficiency is of God.
- This is the believer’s advantage.
- We must come to a place where we see God as our source.
- He provides all in abundance, always in advance and on time.
- Every good father makes provision for his children in advance, and God’s provision is never late.
Following God’s Leading and Provision
- God’s provision is always linked to an act of obedience.
- His provision is preceded by divine instruction.
- We must act in faith and participate in His plans.
Diligence in Work
Colossians 3:23-24 Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ. “Whatever your hands find to do, do it well.”
- Genesis 26:12 – Isaac remained in the land during famine and cultivated it.
- Genesis 30:27 – Jacob served diligently and responsibly under Laban, ensuring business success.
- Genesis 39 – Joseph’s diligence, excellence, and dedication opened doors for him.
- Proverbs 22:29 – “Seest thou a man diligent in his business? He will stand before kings and not ordinary men.”
Dedication to Giving
- The patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob) were committed to giving after every key milestone.
- They honored God by giving first, acknowledging Him as their provider.
- There is grace in honoring God through giving.
- Giving is an act of faith, recognizing God as our source.
Conclusion
When we follow the patterns of those who have gone before us in faith, we can enjoy the blessings they received.
