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The apostle persuades the Philippians to agree in the imitation of his practice in forsaking all for Christ. There were differences among them. He would have them agree in one common rule, hope, example, that they might avoid those whose walking was not a pattern (ver. 18). The lesson is also enforced in 1 Corinthians 4:16; 1 Thessalonians 1:6; 1 Thessalonians 2:14; 2 Thessalonians 3:7; Hebrews 13:7.

I. THERE ARE SEVERAL SORTS OF EXAMPLES.

1. That of saints living in former ages and now.

(1) Those in former ages (Hebrews 6:12; Hebrews 12:1; James 5:10). These should be regarded by us because —

(a) They are so many and various, suited to all, and for all Christian ends. The prince in Josiah and Hezekiah; the councilor in Hushai; the rich in Abraham; the poor in the Shunamite; the courtier in the Ethiopian eunuch; the captive in Daniel; the afflicted in Job; the banished in Joseph; the soldier in Cornelius; women in Sarah (1 Peter 3:6); magistrates in Moses and Nehemiah; ministers in the apostles. And then of all graces: Abraham for faith, David for devotion, Job for patience, Paul for diligence.

(b) These show that there is nothing impossible in our duty. Difficulties have been overcome in Divine strength and can still be. They were of the same nature, etc., with us (James 5:17).

(c) Their examples are a standing testimony to confirm by experience the truth and reality of our blessed hopes (Hebrews 12:1), and thus serve to confirm our faith and excite our hope and love.

(2) Those now living; for God has left us a continual succession of good examples, and these add this above all that are past.

(a)  That they are in our eye.

(b)  There is greater provocation in the examples of the living (2 Corinthians 9:2; Hebrews 10:24).

(c)  These are yet in the way and can better help us as being within our reach (Hebrews 13:3; 1 Peter 5:9).

2. That of pastors and ordinary Christians (1 Peter 5:3; 1 Corinthians 4:15-16; Hebrews 13:7).

II. WHAT IS THIS IMITATION.

1. There must be an action. To imitate is not to commemorate, or admire and commend, but to do likewise (John 8:39).

2. A conformity to the example both for matter and manner (Luke 1:17) with the same affection of zeal and courage against sin.

3. A purpose and endeavour of imitating and not by accident. Christ must be imitated principally, and then His choice servants.

III. HOW FAR WE MUST IMITATE.

1. Not in evil things; for the best have their blemishes 2 Not in exempted cases or things done by special command (Genesis 22:10; Exodus 12:35; Numbers 25:27; 2 Kings 1:10) or infallible gifts.

IV. WHY WE MUST IMITATE THE GOOD EXAMPLES SET BEFORE US.

1. Because it is a great part of the communion of saints to profit by one another's graces (Romans 1:12).

2. It is one end of these graces; for God hath bestowed them, not only for their benefit who have them, but also for the sake of others (chap. Philippians 1:11; 1 Thessalonians 1:7).

3. They show us the way to heaven more clearly and compendiously (1 Peter 3:1).

4. In the example of others we have encouragement as well as instruction (1 Peter 5:9; 1 Corinthians 10:13; Hebrews 6:12).

V. USES.

1. To show us that good examples(1) must be given,

(a)  Consider what regard we owe to weak Christians that we set them not an ill copy.

(b)  We shall have to give an account of those sins into which we draw others. Jeroboam's idolatry outlived him, and so a man may sin after he is dead (1 Timothy 5:22).

(c)  God is severe on His scandalous children (1 Samuel 12:14; 2 Samuel 12:10-12).

(d)  God's people are to show forth His praises (1 Peter 2:9; Isaiah 43:10).

(e)  It is a greater honour to be than to take an example (1 Thessalonians 1:7; Ephesians 1:12).

(2) Must be taken.

(a)  It is a shame to come short of those who are upon the same level with us.

(b)  There are none but may learn something from others.

(c)  We are accountable for good examples as for other helps and means of grace.

2. To show us how cautious we should be not to be infected by bad examples.

VI. HEROES TO MAKE US EXEMPLARY.

1. Love to God or zeal for His glory (Psalm 119:165).

2. Love to the brethren's souls (1 John 2:10).

3. A sincere seriousness in our profession (Philippians 1:10).

4. Watchfulness (2 Corinthians 6:3; 1 Corinthians 10:32; Luke 17:3).

5. Mortification (Matthew 5:9).

6. A heart in heaven.

(T. Manton, D. D.)

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KJV: Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.

WEB: Brothers, be imitators together of me, and note those who walk this way, even as you have us for an example.