Philippians 3:17 “Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.”
Paul, having received the Word of God from God Himself (Galatians 1:12), was confident that God had also led him to “walk” in truth and obedience to the Word of God. Thus, by Divine Grace and Mercy he, and others like him, were and are a fit “ensample” for those who, being Born Again of the Holy Spirit, yearn to not only believe, but also “walk” in truth and obedience to the Word of God. He was not setting himself up as a superior being, having spiritual powers to give or govern anyone’s Spiritual Birth, life in Christ, or their Eternal Salvation. But, God had given him the understanding and faith to, not only teach the Word of God, but to live it as an “ensample” for those who similarly love the Lord. Even now, our Lord raises up leaders among His people to, not only profess His Holy Word, but to live it; and in doing so, they are an inherent “ensample” to those who would “follow on to know the LORD” (Hosea 6:3); that is, lovingly “know” Him by experience, and strongly desire to show their love for Him by their obedience to Him (John 14:15). We recognize a good “ensample” by comparing a persons “walk” in life to the Word of God; thus, we must learn as much as we possibly can about the Word of God!