Becoming Worldly Fools

Context from Previous Verses

Recall the context from 1 Corinthians 3. Godly activity that is profitable and meaningful has lasting value, like building with gold, silver, or precious stones, which endure the test of fire. In contrast, work built with wood, hay, or straw will burn up. The kind of work we do upon the foundation of Jesus Christ will be tested on the day of judgment. If it lacks centrality to the gospel, spiritual significance, or glorification of God, it is pointless and will be burned away.

This reveals whether we have worked diligently in our Christianity. Even if such work is burned up, we would still be saved, but we would suffer loss of reward. There is a greater degree of Christianity we should pursue—living to our greatest potential, empowered by God's grace and the Holy Spirit, for deeds worthy of reward. Salvation itself is a reward, but not the specific one mentioned here. Whatever the reward is, it will be magnificent because it comes from God.

The divisions in the Corinthian church, where people aligned with Paul, Apollos, or Cephas, showed a lack of unity. Those leaders were merely servants with a purpose to serve, and their work benefits us even today, thousands of years later. They created opportunities for us to participate in deeds that grant eternal reward.

1 Corinthians 3:18-23
Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their craftiness,” and again, “The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.” So let no one boast in men. For all things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future—all are yours, and you are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s.

The Call to Become a Worldly Fool

Paul picks up the theme of worldly wisdom versus godly wisdom. Paul, Apollos, and Cephas came to grant us godly wisdom and help us avoid worldly wisdom, which is foolishness to God. If anyone thinks he is wise according to this age—the wisdom of this world, synonymous with the postmodern age of relativism without absolute truth—they are fools from a biblical perspective.

The path to true wisdom, which benefits us through life's trials like death, betrayal, ministry, career, or education, requires becoming a fool to the world. This begins with a blunt command: let no one deceive himself. Paul doesn't blame external forces but warns believers against self-deception. In a culture that exalts trusting your instincts, feelings, emotions, intellect, or experiences, we are our own worst enemies.

Self-deception is reflexive—the action returns to the self. As Christians, we are capable of it, and Paul's command implies it's our default without intervention. Without objective truth from God's Word to discern situations, we will deceive ourselves in relationships, jobs, friendships, and more. Without God's wisdom, we miss the mark in behavior, decisions, and choices.

Consider relationships: If someone lacks God's wisdom, why expect them to behave properly or provide what you need spiritually? The same applies to activities. If they offer no spiritual benefit or hinder it, why participate? For things not explicitly sinful, ask: Is this biblically wise, or foolish? If you think yourself wise by worldly standards, the solution is clear: become a fool to the world to gain godly wisdom.

Embracing God's Wisdom Over the World's

Becoming a worldly fool means deep involvement with God's Word—not mere reading, but mutual engagement where it exposes sin and imparts righteousness. Listen to Scripture expounded, surround yourself with believers, and judge actions against God's wisdom. As you abandon worldly principles, the world will see you as a fool or moron.

This impacts reputation, friendships, and relations with the unsaved. Increasing in godly wisdom creates tension with the world. Foolishness is an insult for a reason; the world values its "wise." Yet, examine 1 Peter 4:

1 Peter 4:1-4
Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you.

The world is shocked when you reject their norms—living for human passions instead of God's will—and they malign you. If you always get along perfectly with unbelievers, question whether you have truly increased in godly wisdom.

Godly wisdom is knowing the best way to live, properly applying knowledge to situations—like an experienced captain navigating a storm. It excels for God's glory, has lasting value, and brings reward. Worldly wisdom fails; God exposes its inconsistency.

Job 5:13
He catches the wise in their craftiness.

Psalm 94:11
The Lord knows the thoughts of man, that they are but a breath.

God catches the wise in their schemes, showing them contradictory and futile—like breath, insignificant and pointless. Don't boast in men—Paul, Apollos, Cephas, or anyone—because all things are yours: their teaching, the world, life, death, present, future.

All Things Are Yours in Christ

These servants planted and built God's temple; their doctrine and wisdom belong to you. Every New Testament book is yours. Live like an apostle for lasting work. Biblically, the world is yours—how to view and function in it. Life's meaning is yours: God's glory in your salvation, eternal worship. Death cannot harm you; Jesus is the resurrection. Present and future understanding are yours—all for wise living.

You are Christ's, and Christ is God's. Boast not in men, but in the Lord who grants these principles for life's crucial aspects. He will not deny His inheritance: glorifying Himself in your salvation. ```