Page 89 - Ephesians

8 and the expression, “The very least of all the saints”. This
sometimes comes across like humble pie. You might say, “Come
on. He’s just cutting himself down. It’s a figure of speech. Paul
is the greatest of all the saints; listen to him talk.” “Unto me, the
very least of all the saints.” He makes other comments in other
places that sound equally strange. 1 Corinthians 15:9-10, (talking
about Saint Paul),

“I am the least of all of the apostles and I’m not worthy to be
called an apostle.”

And we say, “Come on, Paul. We know you’re humble. But you
don’t have to go that far!”

2 Cor. 12:11, “I am a nobody.” That’s what Paul said. 1Timothy
1:15,

“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners of whom I
am chief”.

What is Paul doing when he calls himself “The least of all the
saints”, “The least of all the apostles”, “I am a nobody” and “I
am chief of sinners”? Is he just using strong language to drive
home a point? Doesn’t he know, what you and I know…. he’s top
brass? He’s not the least. He’s the highest. He’s the most
eminent of saints. He’s God’s illustration of a New Covenant
Christian. If anyone wants to study a great Christian, study Paul.
He’s the model and the standard.

Why is Paul held in such high regard? Why is he put up so high?
Isn’t it because, he seems to have a handle on everything. He
seems to have such victory in his life. Is it because he wrote
these great identification truths and seems to be in the secret
place? He had the mystery unveiled to him. Isn’t that why we
say, if you want to know the Christian life and want to know how to
live a victorious life, study Paul?