BUILDING ACCORDING TO THE PATTERN
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: 1 Chronicles 28:11-19
Supporting Texts: Exodus 25:8-9, Hebrews 8:5, Proverbs 3:5-6, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, Matthew 7:24-27
INTRODUCTION:
In every generation, God seeks people who will carry out His assignments with precision, obedience, and reverence for divine order. The construction of the temple in Israel was not left to human ingenuity or preference but was executed strictly according to God’s detailed instruction. David, though not permitted to build the temple, received the divine blueprint and passed it on to Solomon to ensure nothing was done by assumption or error.
This theme reveals the importance of spiritual sensitivity and obedience in handling divine assignments. In an age where personal ambition and secular methods often blend into ministry, it is crucial for believers to return to the principle of building only what God has instructed. The success and endurance of any ministry or calling depend on how well it aligns with God’s original design.
Building according to God’s pattern is not about rigidity but about divine alignment. It calls for humility to receive instructions, discipline to follow through, and patience to wait for divine timing. As we explore this study, we will understand the necessity of pattern-following in fulfilling divine purpose, avoiding costly errors, and leaving a lasting legacy that pleases God.
1. GOD IS A GOD OF PATTERNS
God always works with patterns, order, and principles; He never leaves His purposes to guesswork.
a) Divine Blueprints Are Real
God gave Moses a clear pattern for the tabernacle (Exodus 25:8–9), showing that He expects His instructions to be followed exactly.
b) Patterns Provide Guidance and Clarity
A divine pattern eliminates confusion and provides the framework for effective execution (Proverbs 3:5–6).
c) God's Pattern Is Superior to Human Wisdom
Attempting to do God’s work through carnal strategies leads to frustration (Isaiah 55:8–9).
d) Patterns Preserve the Presence of God
When things are done God’s way, His glory rests upon the work (2 Chronicles 5:13–14).
Biblical Example:
Moses was instructed to make the tabernacle exactly as he was shown on the mountain. Hebrews 8:5 reminds us that the earthly sanctuary was a shadow of the heavenly. Any deviation would misrepresent divine intent and result in loss of presence and power.
2. LEADERS MUST RECEIVE AND TRANSMIT DIVINE INSTRUCTIONS
David did not assume what the temple should look like; he received divine direction and ensured Solomon understood it.
a) Spiritual Leadership Requires Revelation
David received the pattern by the Spirit (1 Chronicles 28:12); leadership must be rooted in divine encounter.
b) Instructions Must Be Documented and Handed Down
David gave Solomon a written plan to avoid forgetfulness or misinterpretation (1 Chronicles 28:11,19).
c) Successors Must Honour the Original Vision
Solomon was charged to build without deviation; continuity requires fidelity (1 Corinthians 3:10-11).
d) God Holds Leaders Accountable for Patterns
Misleading others from God’s plan is a serious error (Jeremiah 23:1-2).
Biblical Example:
God chose Joshua to succeed Moses and instructed him to follow the book of the law without turning left or right (Joshua 1:7-8). This shows the seriousness of divine consistency in leadership transitions.
3. DEVIATING FROM GOD'S PATTERN BRINGS CONSEQUENCES
God does not bless what He didn’t command. Human substitutes cannot produce divine results.
a) Presumption Is Dangerous
Nadab and Abihu offered strange fire and died for it (Leviticus 10:1-2); assumption in ministry can lead to disaster.
b) Partial Obedience Is Still Disobedience
Saul lost the kingdom for not fully following instructions (1 Samuel 15:22-23).
c) God Withdraws from Unsanctioned Works
Ichabod was declared when the Ark was misused (1 Samuel 4:21-22).
d) God’s Pattern Ensures Lasting Impact
Only divinely patterned works will stand the test of time and eternity (Matthew 7:24-27).
BIBLICAL EXAMPLE:
Uzzah was struck dead when he touched the Ark, which was being carried the wrong way (2 Samuel 6:6-7). Even with good intentions, breaking God’s order invites judgment.
CONCLUSION:
Building according to the pattern is a call to radical obedience and spiritual sensitivity. It means letting go of human assumptions and waiting on God to reveal His instructions. The enduring value of any work lies in its conformity to divine standards. Ministries crumble, callings fail, and destinies are cut short when God’s pattern is ignored.
Believers must be people of vision and instruction—seeking God for direction before acting. Let us rise with the determination to align with Heaven’s design, to build what will bring glory to God, and to transmit that pattern faithfully to future generations.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, help me to discern Your divine patterns for my life and ministry.
2. Father, deliver me from the danger of presumption in spiritual matters.
3. Lord, make me sensitive to Your instructions and obedient to follow them.
4. I reject every carnal strategy that contradicts God's original design for me.
5. Holy Spirit, reveal to me the blueprint for every assignment You’ve given me.
6. Father, raise leaders who will build according to Your pattern.
7. Let every area of my life be aligned to Heaven’s blueprint.
8. Lord, let my life and ministry attract Your glory by divine order.
9. I will not lead others astray; I will uphold the truth of Your instructions.
10. I receive grace to follow through with Your plan without deviation.
