1 Corinthians 3:18-20
In my own life, as an ambitious professional striving to advance within my organization, I once valued career advancements and status above all else. However, during a period of professional setback and uncertainty, I humbled myself before God, embracing what appeared foolish—unwavering faith in the Gospel. This transformation instilled profound peace and clarity, redirecting my ambitions from personal acclaim to selfless service in Christ.
Point 1: True Wisdom Begins with Humility
Verse 18: “Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.”
Life Principle: To attain God’s wisdom, abandon pride and self-reliance.
Illustration: A full cup cannot receive more liquid; similarly, a heart filled with worldly knowledge must empty to welcome divine insight.
Explain: Paul warns against self-deception in worldly wisdom, urging humility as the entry to God’s truth, where faith and the cross appear foolish yet prove wise. As John Chrysostom (who was ordained a deacon in 381 and a priest in 386 was known for his literal interpretation of Scripture.) Notes, “If any man among you seems to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may become wise,” emphasizing the rejection of flattering self-wisdom
Reflection Questions: Where do you rely on personal understanding over God? In what areas must you “become a fool” to advance in faith?
Point 2: Worldly Wisdom is Foolishness to God
Verse 19: “For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.”
Life Principle: God overturns human cleverness, exposing its futility.
Illustration: Nimrod. The Tower of Babel’s builders, in their cleverness, sought to reach heaven independently, only for God to scatter them, revealing the sovereign limits.
Explain: Quoting Job, Paul shows God ensnaring the “wise” in their schemes; in a cleverness-obsessed culture, faithfulness trumps intellect. Chrysostom adds, “For nothing is so inconsiderate as sin: nothing so senseless, so utterly foolish and outrageous,” linking worldly folly to spiritual ruin.
Reflection Questions: Have plans failed without God’s guidance? How do you distinguish worldly cleverness from godly wisdom?
Point 3: God Knows the Emptiness of Human Thought
Verse 20: “And again, the Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.”
Life Principle: God discerns the heart, valuing substance over superficial intellect.
Illustration: An ornate but empty gift box deceives; likewise, profound-seeming thoughts without God’s truth are hollow.
Explain: Paul, citing Psalm 94:11, stresses God’s omniscience over vain motives; obedience, not knowledge, counts. Augustine echoes this: “The wisdom of what the world calls wise perishes,” urging us to align with divine truth.
Reflection Questions: Do your thoughts reflect God’s truth or worldly views? What steps will renew your mind via Scripture?
Closing Summary
Paul’s timeless exhortation rejects the allure of worldly wisdom: Embrace Christ’s wisdom through humility, recognizing that its worldly foolishness yields eternal gain.
Practical Use in Today’s Culture
Amid influencers and innovations idolized online, filter ideas through Scripture and the Spirit in education, work, or social media, prioritizing humility and obedience.
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