Patterns

“Patterns”...

Intro: Large scale deception seems to me to follow certain patterns... ongoing 

compromises and the “go along - to get along” mentality appears to be central to 

its success. Change also has its patterns... some typical responses are to resist it, 

embrace it and some even find ways to ignore it... which is in itself a less drastic form 

of resistance. In righteousness you are even likely to find patterns... mostly patterns 

of faith & discipline in striving for closeness to God with Prayer, Study, Meditation, 

Fasting & Application through adherence to law and principles learned also from God of 

forgiveness and applied grace... and imputed righteousness. 

SPS: To discuss the existence and powerful influence of patterns in our lives.

#1. Realize There Are All Kinds Of Patterns... The Good, Bad & the Ugly... 

 (Clint Eastwood whistle)

When we think of the term pattern some things that come to mind may be... Godly, 

worldly, physical, spiritual, thought, behavioral, vehicle traffic, sewing, harmful, 

self-destructive, male baldness, emotional, sleep, recidivism (prim. Incarceration 

aka backsliding), success in making a change (a new track record... pattern of good 

Rojets's II The New Thesaurus (copyright 1980): breaks out the word pattern 

1. Model - One that is worthy of imitation or duplication.

2. Figure – An element or component in a decorative composition.

3. Form – The external outline of a thing.

4. Habit – An activity done without thinking.

5. Method – Systematic arrangement and design.

 Follow – To take as a model.

What do we say we take as a model?... What do we want to follow? The Bible, 

God's Law, Jesus Christ... contending for the Faith Once delivered... as outlined in 

Jude 1:3... All very good things! 

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“Patterns”...

So what does the Bible say about Patterns? Strong's Concordance shows 7 words 

which may be translated as Pattern:

H4758 104 From H7200; a view (the act of seeing); also an appearance (the thing seen), whether 

(real) a shape (especially if handsome, comeliness; often plural the looks), or (mental) 

a vision: - X apparently, appearance (-reth), X as soon as beautiful (-ly), countenance, 

fair, favoured, form, goodly, to look (up) on (to), look [-eth], pattern, to see, seem, 

sight, visage, vision.

pattern, similitude.

H8403 20 From H1129; structure; by implication a model, resemblance: - figure, form, likeness, 

H8508 2 admeasurement, that is, consummation: - pattern, sum.

G4964 2 From G4862 and a derivative of G4976; to fashion alike, that is, conform to the same 

pattern (figuratively): - conform to, fashion self according to.

G5179 16 From G5180; a die (as struck), that is, (by implication) a stamp or scar; by analogy 

G5262 6 From G5263; an exhibit for imitation or warning (figuratively specimen, adumbration): 

a shape, that is, a statue, (figuratively) style or resemblance; specifically a sampler 

(Type ), that is, a model (for imitation) or instance (for warning): - en- (ex-) ample, 

fashion, figure, form, manner, pattern, print.

- en- (ex-) ample, pattern.

G5296 2 From a compound of G5259 and a derivative of G5179; typification under (after), that 

is, (concretely) a sketch (figuratively) for imitation: - form, pattern.

There are 152 total instances of all 7 of these Hebrew & Greek words in scripture 

goal... As we get going on the subject I've decided to get some unpleasantness out 

on the table which may help some get some things out of the way of their having 

the proper vision and goals in their life... 

 one... which relates to seeing something... having a vision – a 

#2. Practice The ABC's Of Breaking Bad & Ugly Personal Patterns 

This section is mostly excerpted w/ emphasis added from a Breaking Free Journal Article 

entitled... Emotional Patterns by Rachel Quast (http://breakingfree.ucg.org/content/emotional-patterns) 

which contains a great deal of insight showing how things from our childhood may be 

powerfully affecting us in negative patterns now in adulthood without us even realizing 

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“I know there are adults in churches suffering at this very moment. It may not be 

from an eating disorder: It could be from alcoholism, depression, perfectionism, sex 

addiction, co-dependency, arrogance about one's knowledge or status, and on and 

on. There are thousands of patterns we develop to fill the void within. We all have 

patterns. The purpose in finding our patterns is to acknowledge them and change, 

not put ourselves down or feel worthless (which many of us do). That only creates a 

Patterns develop because our needs were not met. Unknowingly, we develop 

patterns as children to protect ourselves from the hurt. It is a form of survival. Once 

we find the need that wasn't filled, we can heal the initial wound. When the wound 

is healed, the pattern naturally disappears. To begin, let's identify what those 

 6. Control (Psychological Trauma and Adult Survivor by McCann).

Our needs can become a void in many ways—too many to list them all.” 

The author then goes through a few detailed examples which I'll leave alone now for sake 

of time but; which you may look up later if you like... and then she ties down some 

reasons why we should break these patterns and gives some steps that may be taken to 

get their destructive affects out of our lives. 

“Until the patterns are acknowledged and their source healed, they will continue to 

be a part of your life and then passed from generation to generation (Exodus 34:7).

I'll add here that the scripture she cites is a super big motivator to address these issues and 

get them gone so that we are not passing the negative affects along to our offspring and 

those we love around us. << read scripture>> She continues...

 The Bible is a book of history from which to learn. Looking into the past does have 

its place. I need to clarify that you are not evaluating your past to play the "blame 

game." It is important that no one accuses his or her guardians for his or her 

current problems or patterns. Look at your past experiences to better understand 

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why you do and feel what you do. As we look at our patterns, we can see how they 

(are an attempt to) fulfill our original need....”

“...When we clearly see how our past connects with our patterns, we can take 

action to heal the initial wound. 

The steps she outlines are easy to remember follow the letters A-B-C:

A) Admit it. You can't heal what you don't know is broken. 

B) Be real. Be real with yourself, be real with God and be real with others. If we 

are trying to put on a façade, our energy goes into keeping up that front. It is 

hard to let others and God inside to help us when denial reigns in our heart. 

Let go of the beliefs like, "It isn't that bad" or "I can fix this by myself."

C) Confess the initial wound and pattern. Find trustworthy people to talk with 

and let those emotions out. Emotions of and by themselves are not wrong. 

Our God-given emotions can help regulate our inner thoughts and outer 

circumstances. It is the choices we make with the emotions that get us in 

trouble. So let the anger out or get a box of Kleenex and cry until you can't 

cry anymore as your friend gives you full attention.”

I'll add personally here that you can always talk about these things with God... He 

certainly knows about your situation and coping mechanisms already and wants you to 

take the step of asking Him for His help. She continues...

“...Our emotions were shut down. We had nowhere to go with the wound. The pain 

was then internalized and we developed patterns for self-protection. Those patterns 

are continually retriggered by experiences that remind us of the past. We are 

trapped in this cycle. If we don't face these issues, Satan can push those buttons all 

day long so our attention and energy is invested in the pain, not on the tasks God 

It is very important to acknowledge your past experiences. Everything you went 

through contributes to making the person you are today. Be positive about yourself 

and, with God's Spirit, admit and be real with what needs to be changed. As you 

notice what needs to be changed, do so with a gentle hand. Remember, no matter 

what problems you have, God loves you. His love and attention is infinitely greater 

than that of human beings. His love is perfect.“

To close out this point... this may be some tough stuff to wade through... but it will be 

totally worth it to gain back your freedom of thought and energy spent on the affects and 

be able to re-apply that “emotional capital” to doing God's will! Next Point (#3)...

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“Patterns”...

#3. Meditate On Possible Patterns In Your life:

Following are some questions I thought of for meditation which could be used to 

jump start our analyzing of what patterns may be affecting us and others: 

a) How do I feel most of the time... why?

b) How do I think others feel most of the time... why?

c) How would I like to feel most of the time... why don't I? 

d) How would others probably like to feel most of the time... why don't they? 

e) What activities do I do a lot of... why?

f) What activities do I see others do a lot... why?

g) What do I think I should be doing more of... why haven't I?

h) What do I think I should be thinking of more... why haven't I?

i) What do I think of a lot... why?

j) What do I think others think of a lot... why?

k) What do I think others think of me... why?

l) What would I like others to think about me... why wouldn't they?

m)What do I think should be happening in my life... why isn't it? 

n) What things / scenarios happen a lot to me... why?

o) What things / scenarios happen to others a lot... why?

p) How do I effect others?... why?

q) How would I like to effect others?... why haven't I?

r) Do I focus on pursuing the most important things? Why or Why Not?

s) How could I better pursue the most important things? why haven't I?

Using the answers to some of the above and maybe other things you may already have 

identified will be useful in subsequent points discussed... This brings us to the next 

#4. Seek To Implement Some Beneficial Patterns: 

 the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness...

like was outlined a little bit at the beginning of this message (and inferred 

within the last question “How could I better pursue the most important 

things?” in point 3)... we could work to set up and maintain a better pattern of 

seeking closeness to God through more:

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b) Working On treating Others Better... 

Leveraging the question “How would I like to effect others?”... think about 

the things others do which we ourselves are pleased with... these don't have 

to be huge ovations but just little things done consistently within various 

venues... something as simple as: 

1. smiling at others as you drive.

2. holding a door open for someone you don't know.

3. allowing someone with fewer items to go ahead of you in a store check 

4. Paying someone we don't know a complement... an example of this is 

my wife and I were on a date at Denny's (hey FPU Budget is in effect...) 

and I noticed and mentioned on my way out to the parents sitting in a 

booth directly next to us how good of a job I thought they were doing 

and how pleasurable it was to sit and observe a well-behaved happy 

came onto both their faces and the man said thank you and the lady said 

in a soft low voice that they have really been trying... obviously these 

people thought they were struggling with this... but a good word brought 

 they seemed shocked at the interface... then a glow of warmth 

5. Even the simple act of thinking of others in a more esteeming fashion 

(think the best of & for them) will change for the positive the dynamic 

between us and others. 

Again leveraging further off of what may be identified as patterns in our lives...

#5. Be Vigilant To Continually Identify & Get Rid Of Any Detrimental Patterns:

a) Are we procrastinators? If so... we can recognize and combat that by seeking 

to be more like The Father & Jesus as they are planners and doers... 

• 2 Timothy 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy 

calling, not according to our works, but according to his own 

purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the 

They thought it through, made a plan and are actively working it toward fulfillment... 

b) Do we have a lot of negative thoughts? Do we mainly see the worst in others 

and the world around us If so... we should strive to see the God given potential 

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in others and combat negativity with a pure focus on God's power, His plan 

of salvation and what He is doing in and through even the most difficult 

• Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, 

whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, 

whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, 

whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if 

there be any praise, think on these things.

c) Do we have a tendency to have defeatist thoughts? Are we a failure before we 

even try to think about starting? If so... we can recognize and combat those 

with the fact that the most powerful beings in the universe are pulling for and 

• Philipians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which 

hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of 

• 2Timothy 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly 

furnished unto all good works. 

d) Do we seem to be easily angered? Do we find ourselves in an upset state 

of mind a good part of the time? Do others perceive this in us & or give 

us feedback about our “energy level” toward situations? If so... we can 

recognize and combat this pattern by identifying our triggers, what it is that 

is riling us up, and then thinking on what really is it about those that gets us 

going... and then, we can make a plan ahead of time on how we will respond 

to these in the future. There is great power in doing this... Some experts even 

advise to write out a contract with yourself outlining probable situations & 

with people who are triggers for us identified with what you will and, most 

importantly, will not do when faced with those... you then sign and date it 

and have a witness sign it too and file it away. There is no limit on how many 

contracts you can have out on yourself... you're just limited to having “0” 

contracts out on others! You know quite often scenarios of ongoing frustration 

and anger are responses to pain, fear or perceived injustice that we truly can 

manage down with God's help. These may also be related to things gone over 

♠ Ephesians 4:26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down 

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♠ 2 Corinthians 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing 

that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into 

captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

e) Are we spending time on meaningless or less than fulfilling activities at the 

expense of more meaningful and fulfilling ones? If so... Make a choice to 

ask God to help us with the will and ability to trade out some less productive 

habits for some more productive ones. 

• Philippians 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will 

and to do of his good pleasure.

Something to remember in all of this is to practice the ABC's (Admit, Be Real, Confess). 

#6 Consider Looking Into The Scriptures For Patterns:

♠ In Ezekial 46:9 a Millenial traffic pattern is outlined http://bible.ucg.org/bible-
commentary/Ezekiel/Offerings-cont'd/

♠ In Duet 32:11-12 there is a plan of our protection patterned after an Eagle 

http://bible.ucg.org/bible-commentary/Deuteronomy/The-Song-of-Moses/

♠ In I Timothy 1:16 Paul relates to himself as being used as a sort of pattern by 

God to show His love and power to help people overcome great obstacles.

♠ In I Chronicles 28:11-12 patterns were given by God to Kind David for a 

house of God and Davis was used to instruct his son on how it should be 

built... this wonderful vision was given to David even though he himself was 

restricted from actually building it. 

 What about us... Is there something we are not in a position to do ourselves 

 but that maybe we could help others out with a pattern for? Just a thought...

#7. Consider Our Strongest Pattern:

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“Patterns”...

Ephesians 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the 

Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

Jesus, the Christ is our pattern... let us consider this for a moment using the words 

translated as pattern that he inspired to be preserved for us in the Hebrew & Greek 

languages which we reviewed earlier from Strong's Concordance... 

He is our: 

• (mar-eh')... our view; appearance, shape & mental vision; 

• (tab-neeth')... our structure model, the resemblance we desire & seek.

• (tok-neeth')... full measurement, our consummation: our sum pattern.

• (soos-khay-mat-id'-zo)... goal to be conformed to, for us to fashion ourselves 

• (too'-pos)... model for imitation & instance for warning. 

• (hoop-od'-igue-mah)... exhibit for imitation; our ample pattern. 

• (hoop-ot-oop'-o-sis)... solid typification and sketch for imitation.

Conclusion: 

We must truly recognize Christ as an incredibly powerful and impactful figure for us as 

we look at all that relates to what He is to be for us as contained in just the one English 

It is my hope and goal for you each to take-away today a firmer understanding of 

the existence and power for good & for bad of patterns in all of us... and that this 

knowledge will also spur us on to really make concentrated efforts to root out the 

bad ones and implant more good patterns in our lives... always considering our 

strongest and most impactful pattern to be Jesus Christ.