How can we avoid self-deception as warned in 1 Corinthians 3:18? The Warning in 1 Corinthians 3:18 “Let no one deceive himself. If any one of you thinks he is wise in this age, he must become foolish, so that he may become wise.” (1 Corinthians 3:18) This single verse exposes a tug-of-war: the world applauds self-confidence, but God calls self-confidence without Him self-deception. Real wisdom begins when we admit we don’t have it on our own. Understand God’s Definition of Wisdom • Worldly wisdom exalts intellect, credentials, popularity, eloquence. • God’s wisdom centers on “Christ crucified” (1 Corinthians 1:23): the cross that looks foolish to culture but is “the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:24). • Proverbs 9:10: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.” If the Lord is not first, wisdom never starts. Anchor Your Thinking in the Whole Counsel of Scripture • Psalm 119:105—His Word is the lamp that exposes hidden motives. • 2 Timothy 3:16–17—Every line of Scripture is “God-breathed” and therefore the final authority over feelings, trends, or opinions. • Daily intake keeps the mind calibrated; irregular intake allows cultural noise to creep in. Submit Your Mind to the Holy Spirit’s Ongoing Work • John 16:13—He “will guide you into all truth.” • Invite Him to search you: “Search me, O God…see if there is any offensive way in me.” (Psalm 139:23-24) • Yield promptly when conviction hits; delayed obedience hardens the heart and fuels self-deception. Pursue Humility through Honest Self-Examination • James 1:22—“Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” • Galatians 6:3—“If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.” • Practical aids: – Keep a short list of sins; confess quickly (1 John 1:9). – Journal reflections after reading Scripture: “What in me resists this truth?” – Celebrate God’s victories, but resist congratulating self. Stay Rooted in Christ-Centered Community • Hebrews 3:13—“Encourage one another daily…so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” • Invite trusted believers to speak truth—even when it stings. • Regular corporate worship keeps God big and self small. Embrace the Simplicity of the Gospel • 1 Corinthians 2:2—Paul resolved to know “nothing…except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” • The gospel dismantles pride: we contribute nothing but need; He supplies everything (Ephesians 2:8-9). • Preach the gospel to yourself; it prevents drifting into performance-based pride. Practical Takeaways for the Week 1. Read 1 Corinthians 1–3 in one sitting; note every contrast between God’s wisdom and man’s. 2. Before each decision, ask: “Where does Scripture speak to this?” then obey what it says. 3. Schedule ten quiet minutes daily inviting the Spirit to examine attitudes and motives. 4. Share one unchecked blind spot with a mature believer and request accountability. 5. Speak a gospel truth aloud each morning: “My righteousness is in Christ alone.” Walking this path keeps self-deception at bay and opens the doorway to true, God-given wisdom. |
    |