One Trait at a Time: How to Escape the World’s Deceptions
Wisdom Scripture
1 Corinthians 2:13 (NIV)
“This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words.”
Wisdom Quote
The fundamental difference between wisdom and prophecy lies in this: wisdom is the skill or ability to live well, while prophecy conveys direct and specific information from God for a particular situation.[1]
Insights: How to Escape the World’s Deceptions
You can escape the world’s corruption by holding tightly to God’s great promises in Jesus. As you do, you will experience deeper communion with God through Him.
“Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” —2 Peter 1:4
Renew Your Mind with God’s Word
Mentally, you must guard against deception from cultural philosophies and worldviews that pull you away from Jesus.
“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.” —Colossians 2:8
For example, a secular worldview suggests that God may not exist—or that He can be ignored. More recently, the revival of ancient Stoicism promotes the idea that you can face life’s challenges without God.
A crucial way to resist the world’s influence is to renew your mind through God’s Word. As you study Scripture, your thinking is reshaped by His truth. You gain wisdom, clarity, and strength to resist temptation and align your desires with the Spirit.
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” —Romans 12:2
The world tells you, “Do whatever you want. Follow your desires—that’s where happiness is.” But God offers a different perspective.
“For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh… so that you are not to do whatever you want.” —Galatians 5:17
The idea that you should always follow your feelings is misleading. Left unchecked, many of your desires will lead you in the wrong direction.
But as you immerse yourself in God’s Word, your mind is renewed—and your life begins to change.
[1] Shields, M. A. “Wisdom and Prophecy.” In Dictionary of the Old Testament: Wisdom, Poetry & Writings, edited by Tremper Longman III and Peter Enns, 2008.
