1 Corinthians 3:18-20
“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.'”
April Fools’ Day or All Fools’ Day, although not a holiday in its own right, is a notable day celebrated in many countries on April 1. The day is marked by the commission of hoaxes and other practical jokes of varying sophistication on friends, family members, enemies, and neighbors—or sending them on a fool’s errand, the aim of which is to embarrass the gullible.
Traditionally, in some countries (UK, Australia, New Zealand and Canada) the jokes only last until noon; someone who plays a trick after noon is called an “April Fool.” Elsewhere (such as in Ireland, France, and the USA) the jokes last all day.
Harmless deception may elicit laughter, but in the spiritual realm we are faced with deception that has eternal consequences. There are evil minded people who have no qualms about leading others down a slippery path to hell.
They do this by saying that you can be assured of heaven by being baptized, attending church, performing good works, giving money to worthy causes or other such deceiving advice.
The truth of the matter is that there is only one way by which we may be saved and that is by the shed blood of Jesus Christ. In Hebrews 9:22 the writer says: “Without shedding of blood there is no remission.” In verse 26 we read: “He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.”
There are a great many people who know about Jesus, even profess faith in Him, but have never repented of their sins and turned their life over to Him. There must be a broken grief for our sins and allowing our sins to be cleansed as we receive His atoning sacrifice in our behalf.
The best way to prevent being deceived by Satan is by getting into the Word of God and letting the Word of God get into us. Remember that in the wilderness, Jesus repelled Satan’s temptations by accurately quoting Scripture.
Satan used the “devised version” of Scripture to tempt Jesus, but Jesus knew the full Word of God and thus was able to defeat Satan’s subterfuge. We also can and should use God’s Word against the enemy.
The simple truth is that we cannot use what we do not know. Make this April 1st a new beginning to read, study and hide God’s Word in your heart. Then the next time you are deceitfully attacked by Satan, pull out the Word and repeat it over and over. Victory will be yours. Praise the Lord!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil