In what ways can we avoid the folly described in Romans 1:22? The Folly Exposed Romans 1:22: “Professing to be wise, they became fools.” Anchoring Our Wisdom in God’s Revelation • Proverbs 1:7—“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.” • Practical step: Begin each decision by asking, “What has God already said about this in His Word?” • Result: God-centered thinking replaces self-centered reasoning. Cultivating Humility Before the Lord • Proverbs 3:5-7—“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding… Be not wise in your own eyes.” • 1 Corinthians 3:18-19—Human pride is exposed as “foolishness in God’s sight.” • Practice: Confess dependence on the Lord daily; thank Him for every insight He provides. Guarding Against Idolatry in Every Form • Romans 1:23 warns how quickly false worship follows false wisdom. • Exodus 20:3—“You shall have no other gods before Me.” • Modern check: Ask, “Does anything capture my highest affection or confidence more than Christ?” Remove it. Letting Scripture Renew Our Minds • Romans 12:2—“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” • 2 Timothy 3:16-17—Scripture equips “for every good work.” • Routine: Daily reading, memorization, and meditation ensure God’s thoughts re-shape ours. Living Truth Out Loud • James 1:22—“Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” • Colossians 2:8—Resist empty philosophies by obedient action. • Plan: Turn each biblical insight into at least one concrete act of obedience today. Depending on the Holy Spirit • Galatians 5:16—“Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” • Prayer posture: Invite the Spirit to rule motives, words, and choices; surrender every arena of life. Walking Together with the Faithful • Proverbs 13:20—“He who walks with the wise will become wise.” • Hebrews 10:24-25—Encourage one another, meet consistently. • Application: Join small groups, seek accountability partners, and learn from seasoned believers. Summary Checklist □ Start with reverent fear of the Lord. □ Trust God’s wisdom over your own. □ Eliminate idols promptly. □ Immerse your mind in Scripture. □ Translate truth into action. □ Rely on the Holy Spirit’s power. □ Stay connected to a godly community. Following these patterns keeps us from the tragedy of “professing to be wise” while actually living as fools, and instead leads us into genuine, God-given wisdom. |
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