2 Thessalonians 3:7

“For yourselves know how ye ought to imitate us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you”

“For”: Not only were the disorderly ignoring clear commands, they were also ignoring the example that Paul and his companions had set. Hence, they found themselves in an inexcusable position, and condemned by God's word and the example of Paul, Silas and Timothy. “Yourselves know”: In no way possible could Paul be blamed for giving. misleading example or impression. Paul, Silas and Timothy believed that Jesus would come unexpectedly, but they still worked. That, in and of itself should have taught the idlers that they had assumed. false position. “How ye ought to imitate us”: Paul often urges that people follow his example-inasmuch as he follows the example of Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1).

Fields notes, “Often. have marveled that Paul never hesitated to urge people to follow him. We are all aware of our own failings, and are therefore reluctant to tell people to imitate us. We should not boast about doing good, but we should not hesitate to be. visible and unashamed example” (p. 230).. serious question to ask ourselves, “Is my faith worth imitating?” “Can. even offer myself as an example for new converts or young Christians to follow?” Morris notes, “While we feel some diffidence today about appealing to our own example it still remains true that no preaching of the gospel can ever be really effective unless the life of the preacher is such as to commend his message. Those who hear must feel that they are listening to one whose life shows his sincerity and the power of the message he brings” (p. 252).

'”For we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you”: Notice that Paul did not have the attitude, “We can't withdraw from them because after all, we are not perfect ourselves”. Paul could say without hesitation, that he had set the proper example. In fact, the next verse reveals that he had even gone beyond the demands of duty or necessity.