The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
The writings of the Apostle Paul, even though specifically written to others, has special meaning for us today. His writing could not have been more practical if it had been penned in our own generation. The first application should be to live what we preach. Paul says, "For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us..." (3:7). In verse 9, Paul states the purpose for his actions, and that is to be an example before them. Living what we preach would make us better church members, better fathers and mothers, better people in general.