Are we to follow the example of Paul today?

QUESTION:

Based on 1 Corinthians 4:15 and Philippians 3:17, are we to follow the example of Paul today?

TYPICAL REPLY (Non-Dispensational):

Are we to base our faith on a sentence fragment and a scripture verse taken out of context? No. Your use of fragments of scripture is dishonest and misrepresents the meaning of the scriptures you purposely abuse.

ANSWER:

I cannot disagree more on this statement! Paul was chosen by the risen Christ to be the first into the body of Christ and likewise, to be the pattern and format for all that come to salvation through the grace gospel.

1 Timothy 1:16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.

The two scriptures posted in the question are hardly fragments. It is clear that Paul introduced a new gospel and doctrine specific for the body of Christ. Who better to be that pattern to follow than imitating the lifestyle (1 Cor.4:16) and practices that Paul provided. Being the first, Paul could say that he had begotten us (or 'fathered' us) as converted grace believers, through the gospel (of grace). As Abraham was the first man to become a Jew, and from him came the Jewish nation in the flesh, so Paul became the first member into the Body of Christ (1 Tim.1:16) and from the gospel message given to him by the glorified Lord, he fathered, in the spirit, all grace believers.

If you want more proof of this important topic, I provide a full 6-part study of it, including many scriptural proofs.