The
Master Architect Scripture Reading: Matthew 7:24-27.
Memory Verse: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord" (Isaiah 55:8).
Introduction: "For which of you, intending to build a tower,
sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient
to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not
able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, saying, 'This
man began to build, and was not able to finish' " (Luke 14:28-30).
The first step in any construction project is to have an architect
draft a blueprint--a detailed drawing that shows all the specifications
for each step in the building process--from foundation to finish work.
By reading the blueprint, the general contractor and sub-contractors (i.e.,
the electrician, plumber, dry-waller, etc.) can see what materials they
need and how they must assemble them. By law, the blueprints must conform
to the building codes in that area, and must be approved prior to construction.
At various intervals, the city or county building department inspects
the work being done to make sure it is following the blueprint design and
meets the requirements of the building code.
It is much the same with the Church of God. God Himself is the
Master Architect--the Church is His design and the building code imposed
on the construction is His own holiness. God builds the Church through
the General Contractor, Jesus Christ, who is Himself the foundation and
chief cornerstone. Also involved in the work are many sub-contractors (God's
chosen leadership) who each have an important role in helping to finish
the building and are accountable for the way in which they build. Finally,
there are millions of laborers (the Body of believers) who work in submission
to the blueprint of the Master Architect, the lordship of the general contractor,
and labor in harmony with their sub-contractors. By God's design, all are
needful, and are set in their place by Him.
This building is unique in that the laborers who build are also
the material of the building. We are to be much more than a gathering of
stones and materials scooped together in one place. By God's ability we
are to be assembled, builded together, strengthened, and prepared for the
habitation of His glory. The blueprint is God's Word.
Lesson Questions:
1. Examine God's design for the saving of Noah's family and animal life
from the great flood. Genesis 6:14-22; Hebrews 11:7.
Note: The Hebrew word
"fashion" (mishpat) means (a) A verdict or judgment, especially divine,
(b) A sentence or formal decree, (c) A Divine law, (d) A Divine style.
It is also translated "manner" (Leviticus 5:10; 2 Chronicles 30:16); "likeness"
(Genesis 1:26); "similitude" (Daniel 10:16; and "order" (1 Chronicles 6:32).
2. What was God's instruction to those delivered from Egypt on the building of proper sacrificial altars? Exodus 20:22-26.
3. Discuss the prophetic significance of the ordering of Israel's camps
into the shape of a cross. (Reference Numbers 2--this may be too long to
read.)
The Israelite camp was arranged
in four arms proceeding out from Moses' tabernacle. God's presence dwelt
in the midst of His people.
4. The symbolic significance of Moses' tabernacle is profound and extremely
detailed (Exodus 25-40). What specific instruction did Moses receive to
prevent him from taking shortcuts in its construction and furnishing? Exodus
25:8,9; 26:30; 27:8; 39:32-43; Numbers 8:4; Hebrews 3:1-5.
Seventeen times in Exodus
39-40 we are told that all was done ". . . as the Lord commanded Moses."
He built everything by God's meticulous standards.
5. Consider the intricate details of the sacrifices of Leviticus 1-7 and Numbers 19, and the feasts of Leviticus 23, Deuteronomy 12 & 16, and Numbers 28 & 29. Shouldn't we be reverently aware that God still maintains a specific way for us to seek Him? John 14:6.
6. Did God also have a pattern for the building of the Tabernacle of David, the Temple of Solomon, and for Ezekiel's "Temple Vision?" 1 Samuel 6:17; 1 Chronicles 15:1-3, 27-29; 16:1-6; 28:9-13, 19-20; Ezekiel 43:10-13.
7. Does the Word of God confirm that the Lord has a blueprint for the New Testament Church? 1 Peter 2:5-10; Matthew 16:18,19; 1 Corinthians 3:9-13; Ephesians 2:19-22; 4:15,16; 2 Timothy 3:14-17.
8. Does the Bible describe the New Jerusalem as a city of divine order and design? Revelation 21:10-23.
