The word of the day is “pattern.”  Paul presented himself as a positive example of life in Christ.   Yet he also admitted that he was a great sinner and he had to depend on the grace of God for the promise of eternal life (1 Timothy 1:15-17), Paul writes, “However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life (vs. 16 OSB). In 1 Corinthians, Paul directed that the Corinthians consider him their father “through the Gospel” (1 Cor. 4:15).  As their father in faith, he instructed his flock to “imitate him” (vs.1 Cor. 16), following his example…