The Tradition that Counts: Life
Paul consciously set a pattern for others to follow by his life. Paul was very aware that his every action must constitute a clear example to the new believers, and was willing to make great sacrifices to do so. This over rode any rights he might have.
A. The Pattern we gave you – Follow my example
“One thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained. Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you.” Phil 3:13b-17 NIV
B. The Tradition you received from us – the Example we set for you to follow
“Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us. For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; Neither did we eat any man’s bread for naught; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us. –II Thess 3:6-9