========================================================================
  LESS THAN THE LEAST
  by Thomas Brooks
========================================================================

Summary: Thomas Brooks emphasizes the importance of humility in our
lives, highlighting its role in beautifying and preserving other graces.

Topics: "Humility", "Self-Abasement"
Scripture References: Proverbs 16:18, Matthew 23:12, Luke 14:11, Romans 12:3, Galatians 6:3, Ephesians 3:8, Philippians 2:3-4, Colossians 3:12, James 4:10, 1 Peter 5:6

------------------------------------------------------------------------
DESCRIPTION
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thomas Brooks emphasizes the profound humility of the Apostle Paul, who
refers to himself as 'less than the least of all saints' in Ephesians
3:8. This double diminutive illustrates Paul's recognition of his own
unworthiness and the importance of humility in the Christian life.
Brooks argues that true greatness in God's eyes comes from self-
abasement, especially in a time when pride and arrogance are prevalent
among believers. He calls for a revival of the doctrine of humility,
highlighting its role as both a beautifier and preserver of other
virtues.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONTENT
------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints."

Ephesians 3:8

"Less than the least of all saints," is a double diminutive,

and signifies lesser than the least, if lesser might be. Here

you have the greatest apostle descending down to the

lowest step of humility. Great Paul is least of saints, last

of the apostles, and greatest of sinners.

He who is little in his own account is great in God's esteem.

Humility is both the beautifier and preserver of all other graces.

If ever there were an age since Christ was on earth, wherein it

was needful to preach, press, and print this great doctrine of

humility, of self-abasement, of soul-abasement--it is the age

wherein we live. Oh the pride, the loftiness of the professors

of this age!

========================================================================
Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/thomas-brooks/less-than-the-least/
========================================================================