1 Corinthians 3:18 Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become “fools” so that you may become wise.”

·       #1: We deceive ourselves when we think we can do the work of the Spirit with the energy and efforts of the flesh.

·       A.W Tozer: “If the Holy Spirit had been withdrawn from the church in the book of Acts, 95 percent of what they did would stop, and everybody would know the difference. If the Holy Spirit was withdrawn from the church today, 95 percent of what we do would go on and no one would know the difference.”

·       #2: we deceive ourselves when we think our need for God has lessened.

1 Corinthians 3:19-20 “For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness”[a]; 20 and again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.”

James 3:13-18 “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. 17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.”

1 Corinthians 3:21-23 So then, no more boasting about human leaders! All things are yours, 22 whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas[c] or the world or life or death or the present or the future—all are yours, 23 and you are of Christ, and Christ is of God.

1 Corinthians 4:1 This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed

·       Ambition is driven by self. Mission is driven by another.

1 Corinthians 4:2-4 Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. 3 I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. 4 My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me.”

·       Call 321.574.6970 if you have chosen to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior.