Scriptural Principles -vs- Worldly Standards

Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written 

for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

1 Corinthians 10:11

God has established a specific plan for His church. It is outlined throughout His word. When reading the Old Testament, you can see that it was a pattern or a shadow of the fulfillment of God’s word as outlined in the New Testament. Apostle Paul tells us to take heed to those things written of old so that we don’t make the same mistakes resulting in missing out on the promises of God.

Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. 1 Corinthians 10:12

When we are born again into the newness of Christ Jesus, we no longer use the world as our standard for living.  We use the word of God. His stardard is so far removed from the world; it is as different as night and day. It is because of this that our light for Jesus shines into the darkness of the world and we are able to draw people to Jesus or repel those that are too far gone with the enemy.  Not only do we have the life and instructions of Jesus, we have the example of the children of Israeal to learn from and to understand what happens when we do not follow the pattern established by God through His word.

When the children of Israel once again began to follow their own mind instead of the pattern and principles that God had designed for them, God's anger was revealed to Ezekiel:

In their setting of their thresholds beside my thresholds and their posts beside my posts and the wall between me and them, they have even defiled my holy name by their abominations that they have committed:  wherefore, I have consumed them in mine anger.   Ezekiel 43:8  

The prophet Ezekiel told the people to look at God's pattern and measure the pattern of their lives accordingly:

Thou son of man, shew the house to the house of Israel, that they may be ashamed of their iniquities; and let them measure the pattern.   Ezekiel 43:10

When people set up their own pattern of conduct, their own denominational, religious, or cultural rules, they set up a false standard of measurement.  

They begin to teach as biblical doctrine things that are nothing but commandments of men.  This is confirmed by Jesus when he spoke to the scribes and pharisees.  Of these types of people, Jesus referred them back to what the prophet Isaiah said: 

Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:  Isaiah 29:13

. . .but in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.  Matthew 15:9

All throughout the bible, God gives us biblical patterns and principles to follow so that we don't fall short of the glory of God.  

Biblical pattern 

A spiritual model or example given in Scripture for purposes of imitation. For example, the life of Jesus Christ is given as the pattern or model which believers are to follow.  

Biblical principle 

A spiritual truth taught in Scripture. Such principles often incorporate underlying principles which apply to many different situations. For example, one Biblical principle taught by Jesus is "Give and ye shall receive." Its underlying truths apply to giving money, material goods, love, friendship, etc. In each of these, spiritual benefits are received as a result of the act of giving.

It is very important to understand biblical patterns and principles because otherwise your worship of God will be in vain.  You cannot measure yourself by the worldly standards of measurement.  The world's standards are not the same as biblical standards.  

'For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but, they measuring themselves by themselves and comparing themselves among themselves are not wise. 2 Corinthians 10:12 

Apostle Paul goes on to say:

For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth. 2 Corinthians 10:18

Refer to Noah as he followed God's instruction for building the ark.  There was not a single section of the ark that was not left to the design of God.  (Genesis 6)

Refer to Moses as he followed God's instruction for building the tabernacle; from the type of wood down to the specific type of cloth to be used.  (Exodus 25:9, 40)

Refer to King David as he gave Solomon the instructions that God had given him for building the Temple.  

All this, said David, the Lord made me understand in writing by his hand upon me, even all the works of this pattern.  1 Chronicles 28:19

God gave each of these men specific patterns that they were to follow.  In the case of the tabernacle, He even prepared certain men to construct the more intricate parts of the temple.

Jesus is the pattern that we are to follow.  In this manner, we can reach others as they see our patterns of behavior.

Christian leaders are to be examples to their followers.  It is imperative that they follow Christ.

Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.  1 Corinthians 11:1

Believers are to be spiritual patterns.  We are to provide a positive spiritual example for others to follow.  There is a reason we do not follow the patterns of this world.

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.  Romans 12:2

Apostle Paul said to those that believed for them to be followers together with him and to mark those that do not follow his and the disciples' patterns.  He explained to them not to follow because of their power, but because of the pattern or example that he presented.  

Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.    Philippians 3:17 

God is a God of decency and ORDER and so we should be also.

For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.  1 Corinthians 14:33

Get to know the principles of the doctrine of Christ and build upon the foundation which Jesus laid.  

Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; . . .  Hebrews 6:1-2 



(Biblical Studies)


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