WRETCHED---NOBODY---CHIEFEST OF SINNERS

Last Sunday I preached that three descriptions Paul labeled upon himself are the exact three titled above. Paul is convinced of something absolutely pertinent as a leader in God's outrageous kingdom. All of His servants who should be so fortunate to find themselves in a leading role in the church are to be certain each is absolutely, undeniably a zero.

This is most challenging to a society as America's. We thrive on the opposite: spectacular, somebody, and better-than-the-other saints. I believe it's true we would ever so carefully try to cover such blatant obnoxivity with humility. Yet, we are sneaky little creatures and we have a way of showing back up for more "praise-be-to-me" air.

I have a host of friends who would die for me...er, well would at least tell me they are sorry if I really needed help. I do have a multitude of dear and treasured friends. They are everywhere. And the other side of the coin is I have a few who don't like me. Each has their favorite reason and several have selected such a stance because of me: I, as Paul, am purely a wretched nobody who is to be labeled the chiefest among all sinners. This is the only area of spirituality I out do Paul.

Strangely and sadly, my enemies have a better perception of me than my adoring associates. I am a zero. Encouragingly, this is my secret: I know it. I'm not sure if others ought to feel the same extreme way. Paul didn't say. But I get him. I get what he was saying. I love, love, love being a part of God's system. My only ticket in is the name of Jesus as any other credentials I might think worthy have long fallen in the sewer.

God is to be glorified....every moment of every day! His patience cannot be measured! His love cannot be fathomed!