Philippians 3:17 “Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.”
In Old English, the word “ensample” is more authoritative than example. An example is a pattern or a way of doing something. An “ensample” is much more weighty in it’s meaning, it means ‘a precedent to be followed’. The Greek word that is translated “ensample” refers to an indelible inscription beaten into stone or metal with a hammer and chisel. In this context, the Apostles “ensample” for Christian Doctrine and Practice is a precedent that must be followed by all Children of God, in every age of time. This “ensample” does not change, and men must not alter it. Our authoritative and permanent “ensamples” are given to us through the Apostles and other faithful Children of God who worshipfully and lovingly submit “themselves unto the righteousness of God” (Romans 10:3), claiming no “righteousness” of their own; but, declaring “the righteousness of God” and giving God all the credit and glory, most especially for their Eternal Salvation and their own righteous state before God. Paul captures the nature of this humble “ensample” in his explanation of “charity” (I Corinthians 13). Those who conform themselves to this blessed and holy “ensample” have a state of mind and behavior that is humble, gentle, and gracious in their daily demeanor and behavior. These humble folk will never lay claim to making themselves righteously fit for Eternal Heaven by their own works or decision or declaration; they will not even claim that it is possible to do so; but, they daily declare that our Blessed Savior hath made His People perfectly righteous by His Sacrifice; thus, fit for Eternal Heaven. Paul put it this way, it is “God” alone “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 world began,” (II Timothy 1:9). Simply put, our “ensample” is to worship and glorify God and not ourselves or any other human being.