Don’t Be Fooled
We recently experienced another “April Fool’s” Day. We have one every year. Some folks look forward to these days so they can trick, “punk” or fool someone, or attempt to make them feel foolish. These pranks are “harmless” according to those doing the pranking or fooling. However, those who are “fooled” or pranked in these so-called “innocent” episodes are anything but harmless. Some often go way “too far” in their tricks.
The origin of “April Fool’s Day” is disputed in history. Some historians speculate that April Fools’ Day dates back to 1582, when France switched from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar, as called for by the Council of Trent in 1563. In the Julian Calendar the new year began with the spring equinox around April 1. Those who failed to recognize that the start of the new year had moved to January 1 and continued to celebrate it on April 1 became the butt of jokes and hoaxes and were called “April fools.”
Interestingly, the word “fooled” is not found in the Bible, although the term “fool” occurs 73 times. This doesn’t mean that the idea of being fooled isn’t in the Word of God. We also don’t see the word “fooled” or “deceived” in the account of the Serpent’s deception of Eve in the Garden. But reference to what happened there is found in 1Timothy 2:14. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. She then gave the forbidden fruit to her husband, and he ate it.
God’s plan from before the beginning of the world was to save the human soul. We are told in the following verse, 1Timothy 2:15, how this was to be accomplished. Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety. This means there is no reason for anyone to be fooled as 2Peter 3:9 shows. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
God’s plan to save human souls included childbearing in that Mary, the virgin wife of Joseph, would give birth to the Son of God, the Savior of the world. Isaiah 7:14 prophesied this. Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. This was fulfilled in Luke 2:11-12 and was announced to the shepherds in the field. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
Christ, as that promised Savior, was confirmed by the apostles as they stood before the council in Acts 5:30-32. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. 31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. 32 And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him. Again, there is no plausible reason one should be fooled or deceived. 1Timothy 2:3-4 makes it abundantly clear that God desires Salvation for all, and has provided the means for this to happen. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
The New Testament is filled with warnings about being fooled or deceived. Listed here, are just three. 1Corinthians 6:9-10 shows that those who do evil are “fooled” if they think they can do these things and be part of the kingdom for which Christ died. Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 1Corinthians 15:33 reminds us not to be “fooled”, by those with whom we associate. We need to strive to be wise in all areas of life. Poor choice of companions is foolish. Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. In Galatians 6:7 we are also told that each will be “rewarded” for the things done in this life. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
There is a great reason for these, and all other Biblical admonitions of this nature. 2Timothy 3:13 tells us that there will be many who will do much to seduce and deceive others. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. Along with this, Timothy was told in verse 14 how he could continue to avoid being seduced to follow evil. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
This advice to Timothy also applies to us today. There is no reason that we should be fooled or deceived. God, through His providence, has given us His Holy Word. This Word is full of warnings, promises, instruction and direction. 2Timothy 3:16-17 shows that God’s Word is provided so we need not be deceived. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good work.
Don’t be fooled! The world cannot offer your soul Salvation. God’s Word is the answer to all life’s problems. Study it, obey it, and follow it. Failure to do so is to be fooled. To be fooled in this way has eternal consequences.
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
