Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "pattern". We'll be looking at a couple of different Greek words. The first is found in these verses:

Titus 2:6 Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. 7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, KJV

Hebrews 8:5 Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount. KJV

These are both the Greek word "tupos". Strong's Concordance says: a die; a stamp or scar; a shape, i.e. a statue, style or resemblance; a sampler, a model. Thayer's Greek Lexicon adds: a print; a figure or impression; an example. The young men that Paul was referring to in Titus were encouraged to give the congregation, especially the young people, an example of how a believer should look and behave, so that they could emulate these good things. In 1 Timothy 1:15-16 we see another Greek word:

1 Timothy 1:15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. 16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. KJV

This is the Greek word "hupotuposis". Strong's Concordance says: a sketch for imitation. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: an outline, sketch, brief, summary exposition; an example. Paul was telling Timothy that his (Paul's) life was an example, or a picture, of what the grace and mercy of God looked like when played out in the life of a born again believer! They, too, could expect and count on this for their own lives if/when they gave themselves to the Lord Jesus! The next Greek Word is found in this verse:

Hebrews 9:23 It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. KJV

This is the Greek word "hupodeigma". Strong's Concordance says: an exhibit for imitation or warning. A specimen. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: A sign suggestive of anything, representation of a thing, imitation, copy. The whole picture for this word is seen in the entire portion of Scripture. Verses 22-28:

Hebrews 9:22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. 23 It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. 24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: 25 Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; 26 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: 28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. KJV

All of the animal sacrifices of blood made under the Old Covenant were examples that pointed to the 'once and for all' REAL sacrifice of the Son of God! By obeying the commandment for the sacrifices for sin, the people were being reminded that there would come a time when the Messiah of Israel would come and He would free them from all bondage. SOME recognized JESUS when He came and ministered and told of the Father. Others would not believe because they expected that the Messiah would be a man of war and that he would defeat all the nations as a conquering King. Those that were paying attention to all of the many details of the ministry of JESUS would have seen proof, over and over again, of Who He really was! We have the benfit of looking back on what has already been done! And still some people do not see all that God has provided for us through everything that JESUS did! I am learning every day that there is SO MUCH MORE in this Word than I ever realized, and it has been a real joy to be made aware and to be able to comprehend these things and how I am to respond! PRICELESS! I want to encourage you and Kristine on the fine job that you are doing in guiding your beautiful, intelligent, creative, unqiue, fun and loving daughters through this difficult time with such good attitudes! They are being so well equipped to handle anything with joy and creativity! I am believing with you for some 'EXTRORDINARY MANNIFESTATIONS' of God's favor and anointing and goodness and grace! Here is Hillsong UNITED with an older song I have been hearing a lot lately called "Take It All":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!