1 Corinthians 3:19–20: For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their own craftiness”; and again, “The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.”
The world depends on promotion, prestige, and the influence of money and important people. The church depends on prayer, the power of the Spirit, humility, sacrifice, and service. The church that imitates the world may seem to succeed in time, but it will turn to ashes in eternity. God has a specific plan for each local church. Each pastor and church leader must seek the mind of God for His wisdom. First Corinthians 3:19 warns that man’s wisdom will only trap him (a quotation from Job 5:13); and 1 Corinthians 3:20 warns that man’s wisdom only leads to vanity and futility (a quotation from Ps. 94:11). Though the church must be identified with the needs of the world, it must not imitate the wisdom of the world. 1
Application
- Read Philippians 2:12-13. What is God wanting to do for you?
- Read Proverbs 3:5-6. How is God wanting to help you prosper?
Thought to Share
Only a fool would think that his plan is better than God’s plan. – TWEET IT
Prayer
Lord, thank You for leading me down the narrow road to victory.
1. Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.