There are two kinds of fools in the Bible. The first is found in Proverbs, and is characterized by a lack of discernment, a distaste for discipline, and a pervasive unteachableness. From God’s perspective that person has no hope and is headed for trouble, difficulties, and eventual judgment. Proverbs admonishes us in the strongest language to do everything we can to avoid being labeled a fool.
But there’s another kind of fool that God esteems. I’m speaking of the person that the world labels a “fool” because of their commitment to the Gospel.
Yesterday morning, our former senior pastor, C.J. Mahaney spoke from 1 Corinthians 3:18-41 Corinthians 3:18-4:21
[18]Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you
thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool
that he may become wise. [19]For the wisdom of this world
is folly with God. For it is written, "He catches the wise
in their craftiness," [20]and again, "The Lord knows the
thoughts of the wise, that they are futile." [21]So let no
one boast in men. For all things are yours, [22]whether
Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or
the present or the future--all are yours, [23]and you are
Christ's, and Christ is God's.
[4:1]This is how one should regard us, as servants of
Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. [2]Moreover,
it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy.
[3]But with me it is a very small thing that I should be
judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even
judge myself. [4]For I am not aware of anything against
myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who
judges me. [5]Therefore do not pronounce judgment before
the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light
the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the
purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his
commendation from God.
[6]I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos
for your benefit, brothers, that you may learn by us not to
go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed
up in favor of one against another. [7]For who sees
anything different in you? What do you have that you did
not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as
if you did not receive it?
[8]Already you have all you want! Already you have
become rich! Without us you have become kings! And would
that you did reign, so that we might share the rule with
you! [9]For I think that God has exhibited us apostles as
last of all, like men sentenced to death, because we have
become a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men.
[10]We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in
Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are held in
honor, but we in disrepute. [11]To the present hour we
hunger and thirst, we are poorly dressed and buffeted and
homeless, [12]and we labor, working with our own hands.
When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure;
[13]when slandered, we entreat. We have become, and are
still, like the scum of the world, the refuse of all things.
[14]I do not write these things to make you ashamed, but
to admonish you as my beloved children. [15]For though you
have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many
fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through
the gospel. [16]I urge you, then, be imitators of me.
[17]That is why I sent you Timothy, my beloved and faithful
child in the Lord, to remind you of my ways in Christ, as I
teach them everywhere in every church. [18]Some are
arrogant, as though I were not coming to you. [19]But I
will come to you soon, if the Lord wills, and I will find
out not the talk of these arrogant people but their power.
[20]For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in
power. [21]What do you wish? Shall I come to you with a
rod, or with love in a spirit of gentleness? (ESV)
:5, which begins:
Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he
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