18Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become “fools” so that you may become wise. 19For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness”a ; 20and again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.”b 21So then, no more boasting about human leaders! All things are yours, 22whether Paul or Apollos or Cephasc or the world or life or death or the present or the future—all are yours, 23and you are of Christ, and Christ is of God. (1 Corinthians 3:18-23)
Thoughts: The root cause of the dissension in the Corinthian church is twofold: immorality and pride (shown in elevation of worldly wisdom). The Corinthians had a problem with sexual immorality (the Temple of Aphrodite the goddess of love was seen from everywhere in Corinth). But the other problem was an emphasis on worldly wisdom and spiritual pride.
A) There was pride in their leaders. One would say they followed Paul, Apollos or Cephas (Peter).
But the leaders are not the Lord. All leaders must lay their crowns before His.
B) There was a pride in being crafty. World wisdom puffs up- it doesn't build up. Worldly wisdom looks down on others and this divides one group from the other. Today, many look down on the other side.
C) All wisdom is slight compared to God's great knowledge and ability. In wisdom He made the world and all its creatures (Psalm 104). His power and wisdom is so much greater and eternal than ours. Such thoughts should humble our pride and bring us together in humility before Him.
Prayer: Lord, I bow my head before yours- my wisdom is nothing compared to yours. Any wisdom I have is a gift from you- and I use what I have to honor You. Help me to be humble in my thoughts before you.
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