What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 3:18? Let no one deceive himself “Let no one deceive himself.” (1 Corinthians 3:18a) • Self–deception is a real danger. Jeremiah 17:9 reminds us that “the heart is deceitful above all things.” • James 1:22 warns, “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” Doing keeps us anchored in truth. • Paul’s earlier caution in Galatians 6:3—“If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself”—shows that pride blinds. • The antidote? Regularly test thoughts and motives against the plain teaching of Scripture (Psalm 119:105). • Because the Bible is accurate and sufficient, we can trust its light to expose hidden self–deception. If any of you thinks he is wise in this age “If any of you thinks he is wise in this age…” (1 Corinthians 3:18b) • “This age” carries the world’s system, applauding human intellect and accomplishment (1 Corinthians 1:20). • Romans 12:2 urges believers not to be “conformed to this world,” signaling a clash between earthly wisdom and God’s. • Earthly wisdom exalts self, independence, and relativism; divine wisdom exalts God, dependence, and absolute truth (Proverbs 3:5–7). • Paul speaks directly to churchgoers who feel sophisticated by cultural standards. Thinking we have it together can insulate us from God’s correction. He should become a fool “…he should become a fool…” (1 Corinthians 3:18c) • “Fool” here reflects how the world labels those who submit to Christ (1 Corinthians 1:18). • Jesus praised the “poor in spirit” (Matthew 5:3), people who recognize their spiritual bankruptcy. • Practical ways to “become a fool”: - Confess dependence on God instead of self–reliance (Proverbs 28:26). - Embrace Scripture even when culture mocks it (2 Timothy 3:16). - Choose servanthood over status, like the Lord washing feet (John 13:14–15). • Doing so rejects worldly applause and aligns us with God’s values. So that he may become wise “…so that he may become wise.” (1 Corinthians 3:18d) • True wisdom begins with “the fear of the LORD” (Proverbs 1:7), not the fear of man. • James 3:17 describes it: “pure, then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” • The paradox: surrender leads to insight. By laying down worldly credentials, we receive revelation the natural mind cannot grasp (1 Corinthians 2:14). • Scripture makes us “wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:15), guiding both belief and daily choices. summary Self-deception lurks when we measure ourselves by cultural standards. God calls us to let His Word expose our hearts, abandon the world’s definition of sophistication, willingly accept the label of “fool” for Christ’s sake, and in that humble posture receive authentic, lasting wisdom that begins and ends with Him. |
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