DM#22: Let him become a fool, that he may be wise

Doctrine of the Mysteries #22

Let him become a fool, that he may be wise

1Co 3:18-21  Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.  (19)  For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.  (20)  And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.  (21)  Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours;

This passage is not a mystery, (being referenced in the prophets, see: Job 5:13; Ps 94:11; Jer 9:23-24), but I could not pass it by due to its relevance and the necessity of hearing and understanding this truth again, considering the society in which we live today, which revels in its pride and pomposity.

The world will be completely ignorant to this passage. Unfortunately, most of Christianity will too. There is not much to take from this passage if one does not apprehend the type of wisdom it refers to. The carnal man produces his own wisdom and will boast in it. But the wisdom spoken of here is a wisdom that originates in Christ. It is a wisdom that is provided, not produced.

Mans wisdom appears sensible and intelligent on the surface, and is useful in this natural world, but it is temporary, and ultimately vain, (meaningless, worthless, and pointless). Why? Because this mortal life is a vapour, Jas 4:14, and this world and all it represents is passing away, 1Jn 2:17. When Christ comes again, all of it will be burned up and wasted. Jesus says, “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” Mar 8:36.  

The wisdom in the key verse above begins when one acknowledges God, Pro 9:10. True wisdom is birthed for the first time when the human heart hears and acknowledges God, John 17:3; Heb 11:6, Prov 3:6. From this point on, wisdom is developed and increased by gaining knowledge of Christ through the written Word, 1Co 1:24; Eph 1:17; 1Co 1:30; Col 2:3. It is the mystery doctrine, revealed to Paul by the risen Christ, that makes us wise unto God’s plan and purpose and equips us for service to Him in the ages to come, 2Tim 3:17.

In the passage below, Paul writes an eternal statement of wisdom; wisdom that is granted to him, not produced by him; wisdom that appears foolish to the world; wisdom that far exceeds the highest intelligence and expertise flaunted by mortal men today. He says,

Php 3:7-11  But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.  (8)  Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,  (9)  And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:  (10)  That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;  (11)  If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.