That True Christian Wisdom is Nothing But Folly in the World's Account
A. Burgess. 1 Corinthians 3:18-20 Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seems to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.… I. FOR THE THINGS TO BE BELIEVED, there are these seeming follies — First, the very way of Christianity, that it is not a knowledge but believing. Secondly, the matter believed, that hath appeared a great folly to the wisdom of the world is, that God should be made man, that He should die — be crucified — and by this means work salvation for the poor sinner. Thirdly, the manner of propagating and spreading this faith through the whole world was very contemptible and foolish in the world's account, though mighty powerful and confounding the wise things of the world. II. THE MATTER OF A CHRISTIAN'S HOPE, THAT ALSO IS VERY FOOLISH. A man must be the world's fool that doth part with all for this hope, even the resurrection of the dead to eternal glory. III. THE DUTIES REQUIRED BY CHRIST, AND ALL THAT PRACTICAL WAY OF GODLINESS WHICH HE ENJOINETH, CARRIETH WITH IT A GREAT SHOW OF FOLLY. First, Christ requireth of all His disciples to live contrary to the wicked ways of the world. Secondly, it is a folly in the world to be so fervent, zealous, and active in matters of religion. Thirdly, that part of Christianity seemeth a foolish thing, which presseth the life of faith and not of sense. Lastly, to acknowledge Christ and His ways, though to our outward undoing. This seemeth great folly. (A. Burgess.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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. WEB: Let no one deceive himself. If anyone thinks that he is wise among you in this world, let him become a fool, that he may become wise.