It’s true Paul did say that. But the apostle actually had many more positive things to say about himself and believers, than negative. I once took the time to add them up and found it to be about a 5 to 1 ratio in favor of the positive. Here’s a few examples:

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He said he was not conscious of ANY wrong in himself (1Cor 4:4 BBE).

 

He said he was holy, righteous, and blameless among other believers (1Thess 2:10).

 

He said he was made free from the law of sin and death (Rom 8:2).

 

He said he was not in debt to the flesh to fulfill its desires (Rom 8:12).

 

He said he had died to sin (Rom 6:2).

 

He said he had been made righteous by faith and had peace with God (Rom 5:1).

 

But here’s something important that I don’t think gets mentioned often enough: Paul also warned against allowing ourselves to be cheated through taking delight in having a lowly opinion of ourselves (Col 2:18, GK).

 

So there’s a danger to be avoided, here, and I’m not sure too many Christians are aware of it.

 

As far as the quotes from Osteen (assuming he actually said them,) here are some Scriptures which may help shed light on the angle he was coming from:

 

1. I AM PROSPEROUS:
“Whatever he does shall prosper.” Psalm 1:1-3

 

2. I AM SUCCESSFUL:
“I can do all things through Christ.” Philippians 4:13.

“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith.” 1John 5:4

 

3. I AM TALENTED:
“Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, [let us use them:] . . .” Romans 12:6.

 

4. I AM HEALTHY:
“By His stripes you were healed.” 1 Peter 2:24

“Who (God) forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases,” Psalm 103:3

 

5. I AM POSITIVE:
“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things [are] noble, whatever things [are] just, whatever things [are] pure, whatever things [are] lovely, whatever things [are] of good report, if [there is] any virtue and if [there is] anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things.” Philippians 4:8

 

6. I AM BEAUTIFUL:
"How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!” Romans 10:15

“For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus,” Ephesians 2:10 NLT

 

7. I AM ATTRACTIVE:
Same as 6. 

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