Paul uses himself as an example though only briefly. In fact he uses only one verse to describe his own attitude and conduct here not wanting to overemphasize himself. In verse 17 Paul is using a strong image. The verb that is translated poured out is a technical word for a certain part of a sacrificial offering. In performing such an offering first a valuable animal would be killed and then burnt on the altar. Following this sacrifice the priest would make an additional offering called a drink offering. He would take a cup of wine and pour it on the altar thus pouring it on the sacrifice that was already burning because the altar was hot and the drink offering would immediately disappear in a puff of steam. So Paul refers to this offering here in verse 17. Essentially he is saying to the members of God's church in Philippi that his life is not important. The important thing is their faith. Their faith is a substantial and valuable offering and when he is killed it will only be a drink offering poured out upon a greater offering of their faith which they show by their sacrifice and service. Paul was placing his own achievements even his martyrdom at a very low point on the scale of Christian service. This is an example of the humility and obedience to Jesus Christ that Paul was writing about here. Paul's frame of mind was not something that came about in an instant of course. His humility was the product of a long-term relationship with God. If one is to emulate Paul's unpretentiousness one must be prepared to begin early in conversion and one must learn small lessons in humility before one can actually be larger examples so to speak.