"For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God" (1 Corinthians 3:19). 

For twenty-five years I pastored local churches.  In this ministry setting people come to your turf and generally have at least some spiritual interest in being there (but not necessarily always!).  In my present ministry I often mix with unbelievers.  Now certainly I meet many Christians who welcome a brief word of encouragement and it is also quite common to meet non-Christians who respond favorably to an expression of interest and care. 

But I, like many of you, also encounter one on one (or in small groups) a typical slice of the secularized "wisdom" that prevails in our "postmodern" culture.  I see the accumulative effect of years of living by the human philosophies of this world. This is so amply demonstrated in secular academic circles where the best and brightest according to worldly reckoning so often espouse views so contrary to the wisdom of God.

We must heed the Scriptural warning, "See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ" (Colossians 2:8).

The daily verse is such a powerful expression. "For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God."  It can be interpreted a number of different ways, one being the comparative sense that the very best of the world's wisdom is like preschool math to God. 

But I don't believe this is the sense. Preschool math (1+1=2) is simple but still correct and actually forms the foundation for all other levels of mathematical truth.  I believe the Apostle Paul is saying that wisdom from a worldly standpoint is foolishness to God. Worldly wisdom does not form a foundation of truth.

A corollary way of expressing this is, "The wisdom of God is foolishness to the world."  Say that a couple of times out loud.  Wow, you sure don't hear it said that way do you?  It sounds so disrespectful and sacrilegious.   An atheistic outlook would deny the existence of God and thus not make the statement. But many others, who in one way or another acknowledge God, might not say it, but actually live as if the statement were true since it is essentially the way they practice their lifestyle.  I consider Paul's sobering assessment that "many live as enemies of the cross of Christ" (Philippians 3:18).

"But we have the mind of Christ" (1 Corinthians 2:16).  I desire to have the mind of Christ developing in me today.  I hear and heed the words of Scripture, "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--His good, pleasing and perfect will" (Romans 12:2).  I want to walk in the wisdom of God. Will you please join me?


Be encouraged today,


Stephen C. Weber

Personal note: We are getting some beautiful spring like weather here in our parts. Yesterday afternoon Brooksyne and I took a long walk and ended up getting invited to eat supper with our Amish neighbors in their big farmhouse. This was a real blessing. The Amish live very simple lifestyles, most notably their mode of transportation (horse and buggy). We enjoyed our meal and fellowship with them and finished off with freshly made shoofly pie, a distinctively PA Dutch dessert. As it was getting dark we took the long tractor trail back to our home.

I want to share two additional resources today:

My pastor recently preached a message that relates to today's encouragement topic. It's based upon the call of Paul to put off the old self and put on the new self and includes a progression of characteristics into depravity that occur when man builds his life on the wisdom of this world rather than the wisdom of God. New Self

Brooksyne found an interesting chart in a study Bible that may be helpful as you study the Bible this week. It sure helps me to have a sense of when things took place.

 
Sunday      
Triumphant Entry into Jerusalem        
Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-10; Luke 19:29-40; John 12:12-19
 
Monday      
Jesus Clears the Temple                                    
Mt. 21:12,13; Mk. 11:15-17; Lk. 19:45,46
 
Tuesday/Wednesday                   
Jesus' authority challenged in the temple          
Mt. 21:23-27; Mk. 11:27-33; Lk. 20:1-8
Jesus teaches stories and confronts the Jewish leaders                                                  
Mt. 21:28-23:36; Mk. 12:1-40; Lk. 20:9-47   
Greeks ask to see Jesus                                    
Jn. 12:20-26
The Olivet Discourse
Mt. 24; Mk. 13; Lk. 21:5-38
Judas agrees to betray Jesus                             
Mt. 26:14-16; Mk. 14:10,11; Lk. 22:3-6
 
Thursday
The Last Supper                                               
Mt. 26:26-29; Mk. 14:22-25; Lk. 22:14-20
Jesus speaks to the disciples in the upper room                   
John 13-17
Jesus struggles in Garden of Gethsemane                           
Mt. 26:36-46; Mk. 14:32-42; Lk. 22:39-46; Jn. 18:1
Jesus is betrayed and arrested
Mt. 26:47-56; Mk. 14:43-52; Lk. 22:47-53; Jn. 18:2-12
 
Friday
Jesus is tried by Jewish and Roman authorities and disowned by Peter
Mt 26:57-27:1-31; Mk. 14:53-15:20; Lk. 22:54-23:25; Jn. 18:13-19:16
Jesus is crucified
Matthew 27:31-56; Mark 15:20-41; Luke 23:26-49; John 19:17-30

Sunday
The resurrection
Matthew 28:1-10; Mark 16:1-11; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-18

(This material is developed from an outline in the Life Application Bible)

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Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission; and the King James Version.
 
Personal Mission Statement: "I am created by God to bring Him glory. Through God's Son Jesus Christ I have been redeemed and I make it my life's goal to please the Lord. My mission in life is to honor God through my faith and obedience and to prepare myself and all whom I may influence for eternity."

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