Ephesians 3:8

PAUL’S HUMILITY

‘Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ.’

Ephesians 3:8

This deep and genuine self-abasement in an Apostle of exalted eminence may well excite our admiration, but it also invites us to come and learn of him that we may have a clearer view of our own deficiencies. It also calls on us to examine ourselves—and ascertain how far we may be entitled (as was the Apostle) to that blessing which our Saviour has promised to those who are meek and lowly in heart.

I. In what did St. Paul’s humility consist?—How did it manifest itself? Clearly not in words alone. There is so much honesty and integrity in his writings as at once to impress us with the conviction that the humility which appears in his language was also to be found in his heart and life.

(a) In reading the writings of this Apostle, we may notice the entire submission of his mind to the mind of God—the simple and hearty reception which he gave to every Divine truth.

(b) The writings of St. Paul prove the greatness of his humility, by showing us that the highest spiritual attainment could not make him forget his own sinfulness.

(c) The humility of St. Paul was also manifested in the low opinion he had of himself when compared with his Christian brethren—he speaks in the text not the unmeaning language of compliment, but the language of godly sincerity.

(d) But St. Paul’s humility was also apparent in his constant and simple dependence upon Christ. If ever man had anything in himself on which he might build his hopes it was surely this Apostle.

II. Consider now by what means that spirit of self-abasement which reigned in St. Paul’s heart may be maintained in our hearts. In making this inquiry let us ever remember that, in spiritual things, we have no power in ourselves to do anything as of ourselves—we are not able to plant a single spiritual grace in our hearts—and when the spiritual seed has been planted there, we have no power to preserve it alive and cause it to bring forth fruit. Every spiritual grace is the gift of God for Christ’s sake—His free gift.

(a) One of these means is this— a frequent remembrance of our former iniquities, and an abiding sense of our present sinfulness.

(b) However high then may be the attainment of any believer, let him with this great apostle consider his past life.

(c) And in contrast with our polluted, sunken state, it must increase our humility frequently to meditate on the purity and majesty of God.

(d) If we would become more like St. Paul we must look more to Christ. ‘Learn of Me,’ says our Saviour, ‘for I am meek and lowly in heart.’ To Him then should we apply to subdue the pride of our hearts, as well as blot out the sins of our lives; He is our Sanctifier, as well as our Saviour, to Him also should we look as a bright example of humility.

Rev. Dr. Brewster.