“Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool [discarding his worldly pretensions and acknowledging his lack of wisdom], so that he may become [truly] wise.” 1 Corinthians 3:18 AMP
One of the ministries of the Holy Spirit is to guide us into wisdom. The promise of Jesus was that He would never lie and that we would know the truth. I am reminded of the Matrix movie. The main character is faced with the decision about knowing the truth of his current situation or remaining in a state of deception under the control of the enemy. In our case it not swallowing a pill but rather reading the Word of God! Our verse today tells us that there is a wisdom of this world that is foolishness to the believer and the wisdom of God which is foolishness to the world! The Apostle Paul wrote about this in the beginning of his Epistle to the church at Corinth.
“…but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks (Gentiles), Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25[This is] because the foolishness of God [is not foolishness at all and] is wiser than men [far beyond human comprehension], and the weakness of God is stronger than men [far beyond the limits of human effort].” 1 Corinthinans 1:24-25 AMP
We are all faced with the decision to believe God’s Word or apply our own understand which most of the time is opposite of what the Word tells us. If Jesus said that we would know the truth, then why would we even question the Words He has given us? We can go on being wise in our own eyes and stay trapped in the enemies camp or receive the Word with gladness and allow the Holy Spirit to bring it to life! Hear the words that Paul gave to the Thessalonians.
“For when we brought you the Good News, it was not only with words but also with power, for the Holy Spirit gave you full assurance that what we said was true. And you know of our concern for you from the way we lived when we were with you. 6So you received the message with joy from the Holy Spirit in spite of the severe suffering it brought you. In this way, you imitated both us and the Lord. 7As a result, you have become an example to all the believers in Greece—throughout both Macedonia and Achaia.” 1 Thessalonians 1:5-7 NLT
Do you see it? The Holy Spirit gave “full assurance” of the Gospel, so we responded. We should have the same response to all of God’s Word even when we do not understand! Our verse today tells that we must, “…discarding his worldly pretensions and acknowledging his lack of wisdom…” Acknowledging His wisdom requires an act of humility and submission. The world may think we are fools, but the reality of the situation is they are the ones living in the deception of their ways. Let me leave you with this word of encouragement.
“Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do [everything] in accordance with the entire law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may prosper and be successful wherever you go. 8This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall read [and meditate on] it day and night, so that you may be careful to do [everything] in accordance with all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will be successful. 9Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be terrified or dismayed (intimidated), for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
Have a blessed day, Pastor Ken