28. Let No Deception Prevail - 1 Co 3:18–23

Let no one deceive himself.

Paul begins by urging the Corinthians not to deceive themselves. Paul is saying here that if anyone thinks they are wise in the world's terms, they should become a "fool" by worldly standards. Becoming a fool for Christ" means letting go of the need for self-reliance, pride, and reliance on human wisdom.

Until this point, Paul has been contrasting the wisdom of the world with the wisdom of God, and here he makes another comparison between the wisdom of God and worldly wisdom, saying that the wisdom of this world is considered foolishness in the eyes of God. Paul then encourages the Corinthians to embrace the wisdom that comes from God rather than being swayed by the world’s wisdom.

For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.

In support of his argument, Paul quotes two passages from the only bible they had at the time. The Hebrew Scriptures and quotes are taken from the Book of Job and the Psalms.

“He catches the wise in their own craftiness, And the counsel of the cunning comes quickly upon them” (Job 5:13).

“The Lord knows the thoughts of man, That they are futile.” Psalm 94:11

These Old Testament passages reinforce the idea that relying solely on human wisdom and worldly understanding is inadequate. Combining the implications of Job 5:13 and Psalm 94:11, we find a unified message about the limitations of human wisdom and the discernment of God. These passages highlight that relying solely on human wisdom and cunning is futile and can lead to downfall. God sees through the schemes and thoughts of the wise, exposing their craftiness and rendering their counsel ineffective. This emphasizes the need for humility, recognizing our dependence on God, and seeking His wisdom rather than relying on our own understanding. It underscores the importance of aligning our thoughts and actions with God's wisdom, acknowledging His omniscience, and understanding that true wisdom comes from Him.

It supports Paul's argument that true wisdom comes from God and that those who rely on their own wisdom are ultimately deceived and caught in their own craftiness.

For all things are yours.

People have taken the passage "all things are yours" out of context in various ways. One misinterpretation is to use it as a justification for materialism and an excuse for excessive worldly pursuits, shifting the focus away from spiritual growth, service to others, and aligning with God's will.

Another distortion is to view this passage through the lens of the prosperity gospel, associating material wealth and success as signs of God's favour and guaranteed blessings. Such a perspective ignores biblical teachings on contentment, stewardship, and the priority of seeking God's kingdom over earthly treasures.

Furthermore, there is a risk of interpreting the phrase "all things are yours" in an individualistic manner, neglecting the communal aspect of the Christian faith. This interpretation could lead to a self-centred mindset, prioritizing personal benefits while disregarding the call to love and serve others.

When Paul says, "All things are yours," he emphasizes the spiritual inheritance and blessings that believers in Christ possess. The New Testament passages echo the message that believers in Christ possess a comprehensive spiritual inheritance and blessings.

Ephesians 1:3 emphasizes that believers have been blessed with every spiritual blessing, highlighting the richness and completeness of these blessings.

Romans 8:32 assures believers that God, who gave His Son, will graciously provide all things. 2 Peter 1:3-4 affirms that God's divine power grants believers everything needed for life and godliness, allowing them to partake in the divine nature.

Colossians 2:9-10 states that believers have been filled in Christ, who embodies the fullness of deity, granting access to God's blessings and authority.

These passages, along with others, support the believers' comprehensive spiritual inheritance and emphasizes the richness and completeness of the blessings they have available to them in Christ.

And you are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s

Next is a powerful text which states that we believers both individually and collectively belong to Christ. At first reading, this text seemed to us to be out of place, and we had a hard time finding a relationship to the rest of the passages. However, as we ponder the text and context, the relationship to the rest of the passage became clear.

The concept of believers being the property of our Lord Jesus Christ is stated here. The New Testament contains clear teachings that believers are the property or possession of Jesus Christ. Here are a few passages that illustrate this:

1 Corinthians 6:19-20: "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body."

1 Peter 2:9: "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."

Titus 2:14: "who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works."

These passages in the New Testament make it clear that believers are not their own but belong to God because of Christ's sacrificial act on the cross. They emphasize that believers are the possession of Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 underscores that believers' bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and were bought with a price. It calls believers to glorify God in their bodies. 1 Peter 2:9 describes believers as a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and a people for God's possession. This highlights believers' identity and purpose to proclaim the excellencies of God. Titus 2:14 highlights Christ's redemptive work, purifying believers for Himself as people for His possession who are zealous for good works. These verses emphasize that believers are set apart, redeemed, and ultimately belong to God as the possession of Jesus Christ.

From the beginning, Paul has been addressing the divisions among the Corinthians. He has urged them to recognize their identity as followers of Christ rather than aligning themselves solely with human leaders. We can remember the report coming from Chole’s house. Some people were saying, “I’m of Paul, “I’m of Peter,” or “I’m of Apollos?”

By stating, "You are Christ's," Paul emphasizes their belonging to Christ and unity with Him. This affirms their identity as members of the body of Christ and encourages them to find significance and unity in Him. Additionally, Paul's assertion that "Christ is God's" reinforces the hierarchical relationship within the Godhead and emphasizes the importance of aligning with God's will.

Wrapping it up

These words from the apostle Paul are as relevant today as when he wrote them to the Corinthians. In a world filled with competing ideas, ideologies, and wisdom, it is crucial to discern the truth and not be swayed by deception. In a world divided by various allegiances and ideologies, remember that we are Christ. This affirmation calls us to recognize our unity with Him and to obey His teachings.

Paul's message challenges us to reevaluate our understanding of wisdom. If we think we are wise in the world's eyes, we must humble ourselves and become "fools" by worldly standards. This means letting go of self-reliance, pride, and reliance on human wisdom. The wisdom of this world is considered foolishness in the eyes of God, and true wisdom comes from Him alone.