Follow the Pattern

Introduction

Quiz: How good are you at spotting patterns?

Shave and a haircut… two bits

ABCDEFG… HIJKLMNOP

Mon, Wed, Fri… Sun

J, F, M, A… M, J, J, A

Personal: We are wired to see patterns.

Patterns in music, sequence, poetry, art, logic (socks are to feet as gloves are to hands).

Patterns in behavior: “How are you?” What do you say? Good (even if you’re not). // When we say, “I’ll pray for you,” but most of the time, we don’t. // Midwestern goodbyes…

Patterns that are passed on: I learned how to tie my shoes like my Grandpa tied his shoes.

Biblical: New series in 2 Timothy, key verse 2 Tim 1:13-14. There is a pattern to life in Christ… pattern of healthy words and trustworthy sayings… of sound teaching and godly living… a pattern that shapes our lives and forms our identity… a pattern that meant to be repeated, remembered, and passed on.

Subject: How do we follow the pattern? How do we guard the good deposit?

Body

Follow the pattern by believing truth and speaking life. Guard the good deposit by accepting what is real and sharing it.

Exposition

Believe truth. Here’s truth: 2 Tim 1:9-10… Before God said, “Let there be light,” God said your name.

Speak life. Paul spoke life into Timothy (2 Tim 1:2-5)… Never underestimate the power of words: they can destroy or build up, kill or give life.

Illustration: Insecure people try to make themselves look good by putting others down. But the best way to make yourself look good is to make others feel better… to be a “life-speaker.”

Application: What am I believing? What am I speaking?

Follow the pattern by matching God’s rhythm. Guard the good deposit by shaping your life around God’s pattern (2 Tim 1:1).

Exposition: Rhythms/patterns that shape our lives.

Thankfulness and prayer (2 Tim 1:3).

Holding to your faith, even under pressure (2 Tim 1:7-8).

Commitment to the fellowship of believers (2 Tim 1:15-18).

Illustration: “Life is not about balance but rhythm.” A metronome keeps your rhythm steady… What is your spiritual metronome, your center that governs the rhythm of your life and keeps you in time with God’s direction?

Application: Learning, Belonging, Worshiping, Praying, Giving, Sharing… Fill your life with God and God will fill your life.

Follow the pattern by pursuing your calling. Guard the good deposit by going after God’s purpose for you.

Exposition: Paul’s calling (2 Tim 1:11-12)… Timothy’s calling (2 Tim 1:6).

Illustration: My calling (husband, then dad, then pastor): engineering the church to create kingdom glimpses. Leading a congregation to become a faith community that is a reflection of God’s kingdom.

The preaching God has entrusted to me.

Putting things in order.

Developing and appointing leaders.

Application

What is your calling? Your calling is where your passion, abilities, and spiritual gifts intersect with the needs in front of you.

What is your season?

20s & 30s — Learning

40s & 50s — Leveraging

60s & 70s — Leaving a legacy

Conclusion

Keep the pattern with faith and love in Christ. Guard the good deposit with the help of the Holy Spirit.

Believe truth and speak life.

Match God’s rhythm.

Pursue your calling in Christ.