“Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. 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.” Therefore let no one boast in men. For all things are yours: whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas, or the world or life or death, or things present or things to come—all are yours. And you are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s.”

It’s because of our relation with Christ that we have all things! He is the Son of God, and we’re accepted because of Him.

First, people make the mistake of giving glory to preachers. “Therefore let no one boast in men.” There is such a thing as preacher worship, even by those who believe the truth, so Paul smashes it to pieces. The preacher has been given to you by God for your benefit! You don’t serve the preacher, he serves you, even as the greatest among us is the servant [Matt 20:26-28]. We have learned from our Master, but we forget, and we look at the instrument - the jawbone of the ass - rather than the Mighty Samson who wields it [Judges 15:15-17].

It is because of God in Christ that you are saved. The reason that you believed when the person beside you did not is because of God Almighty. The preacher didn’t give us a special sermon: We heard the exact same, but Christ applied it to us by the Spirit.

Secondly, use everything in this world for your benefit. “For all things are yours: whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas, or the world or life or death, or things present or things to come—all are yours.” Don’t worship this world or fear anything in it, even death itself!

Death serves us because it brings us to God, like a good butler, opening the door to His presence [Ps 116:15]. All things that have ever existed are for your benefit - done in love to you because of Christ - so all things that exist serve you.

Don’t be a slave to men, walking around groveling and idolizing others. Read that book and listen to that sermon, so they can bring you to Christ. Look upon that event, not as an immovable mountain, but take up faith and cast it into the sea. If it is troublesome, then it is to help you see God’s grace!

Today, a sister talked to me about relationships, and how we don’t get what we want, but it doesn’t matter, because He makes us have peace. If He says, “Yes,” then rejoice in His decision. If He says, “No,” then rejoice in the guaranteed grace to overcome. We are liberated and fully blessed children: It is impossible for Christ to do anything wrong. We are saved, so we know it is for good [Rom 8:28].

Thirdly, don’t be wise in your own eyes. You see the purpose is to serve, so don’t vault yourself in God’s house. “Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. 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.”

Don’t be the FOOLISH MAN who preaches to exalt himself. Don’t be so ignorant as to go against God’s eternal purpose, as if you can fool Him.

Take what you have in Christ, because it is enough! He’s given us the blessed portion of serving His name, and in a pure heart, we’ll see God in all kinds of pleasure [Matt 5:8]! His sincere service is so sweet, because He comforts by the Spirit.