Less Than the Least
Thomas Brooks emphasizes the importance of humility in our lives, highlighting its role in beautifying and preserving other graces.
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.
Text
"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!
Sermon Outline
- The Meaning of 'Less Than the Least'
- Paul's Humility
- The Importance of Humility
- Humility beautifies and preserves other graces
- Need to preach and press humility in our age
Key Quotes
“He who is little in his own account is great in God's esteem.” — Thomas Brooks
“Humility is both the beautifier and preserver of all other graces.” — Thomas Brooks
“Oh the pride, the loftiness of the professors of this age!” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- We must recognize our own humility in God's eyes, even if we feel little in our own account.
- Humility is essential in preserving and beautifying other Christian graces.
- We must be aware of the pride and loftiness that can creep into our lives as Christians.