In today’s text (1Corinthians 4:1-6) we will end our study with a key saying in verse six. “… That you may learn in us not to think beyond what is written.” This is a major key in solving many relationship problems as well as answering all our doctrinal questions. As Christians, we must learn to think and act biblically. In dealing with relationships or doctrine our answers are always found in, “what has been written.” In other words, “What does the Bible say?” The book of 1Corinthians for the most part was written to put out fires in the early church. The Corinthian Christians were dealing with religious pride, misuse of the spiritual gifts and even sexual immorality. God has something to say about all of these topics and more.
What challenges are you dealing with in your personal life? Do you know what the bible says about your situation? Make it your aim to be a student of God’s word. Know what the bible says and do what the bible says. Remember, it’s not enough just to “know” right from wrong. It is even more important that in your knowing you “do” what is right.
Now let’s look at that verse in several translations for more insight…
“Now, brothers, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the saying: “Nothing beyond what is written.” The purpose is that none of you will be inflated with pride in favor of one person over another.” 1 Corinthians 4:6, HCSB.
“Dear brothers and sisters… If you pay attention to the Scriptures, you won’t brag about one of your leaders at the expense of another.”1 Corinthians 4:6, NLT.
“Now, brothers… so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying, “Do not go beyond what is written.” Then you will not take pride in one man over against another.” 1 Corinthians 4:6, NIV.
“… that you may learn in us not to think beyond what is written…” 1 Corinthians 4:6, NKJV.
May your life always be governed by the Word of God!
Pastor Mike
Great study! The KJV is quite interesting as it includes the word “men” whereas the other translations omit that word for some reason…?
“And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of *men* above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.”
This translation potentially expands or clarifies the meaning of the verse by including the word men.
Gid bless,
-MF
God bless! 🙂
P. S. This verse is reaffirming what Paul already taught back in 1 Cor ch 3:4-8, (NKJV)
4 For when one says, “I am of Paul,” and another, “I am of Apollos,” are you not carnal? 5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. 8 Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor.”
We’re not to be divided and are all one in Christ and God plays no favorites. God gives the increase and He gets all the glory.
Praise God!
-MF