When Preferences Deserve a Rebuke

Learning Not to Go Beyond What Is Written

One of the main emphases that the Apostle Paul gives here is to understand how we can know when our preferences for certain individuals—whether for a pastor, a brother, or a sister in Christ—deserve rebuke. The reasons we've been going through First Corinthians is because it addresses the dynamics of how we relate to each other in a youth group context and how important it is to be unified.

It doesn't mean we have to spend hours with every single person, but it does mean we should not have a preference for someone that sets us against someone else. We can prefer someone's company, but if that preference causes us to be puffed up and against somebody else, we deserve the rebuke Paul gives in this passage.

I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, that you may learn by us not to go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another. (1 Corinthians 4:6)

If you remember from verses 1–5, Paul talked about being more concerned about God's judgment—his opinion of us—over our own judgment or someone else's. He doesn't consider it significant to be judged by others or even himself; the Lord judges all things.

Paul applies this to himself and Apollos for our benefit, so we learn not to go beyond what is written, resulting in not being puffed up in favor of one against another. This echoes the divisions in chapter 1: groups of Paul, Apollos, and others competing, walking around puffed up as if better than others.

First Corinthians focuses on unity, and without it, a church experiences disorder and chaos. Unity begins in the gospel, which must be central to church life, bringing us together and protecting members from spiritual threats outside unity.

God gives grace to the humble and opposes the proud. It's negative to be prideful, thinking more highly of yourself because of association with someone else, creating rivalry. Preferring someone is fine, but if it makes you standoffish toward another believer, that's a problem. Don't engage in popularity contests or divisions, deeming one Christian less favorable.

How to Avoid Being Puffed Up

How do we avoid this? By not going beyond what is written. God's judgment is more important than man's, including our own. Become infatuated with what God says about you, waiting for his commendation.

This teaches us one of the most life-changing realities after the gospel: sticking to Scripture—sola scriptura, Scripture as the sole infallible rule for faith and practice. Not solo scriptura, dismissing pastors, opinions, or systematic theologies. Scripture is its own best interpreter; avoid private interpretations. Draw out meaning using context and similar passages.

Don't add principles Scripture doesn't teach. The Corinthians went beyond it, applying unbiblical ideas to baptism for preeminence, claiming superiority through association with Paul or Apollos.

For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. (1 Corinthians 2:2)

Not going beyond what is written is synonymous with knowing nothing except Jesus Christ and him crucified. Paul derived all doctrines from the gospel without contradicting, diminishing, or adding to it.

This has assumptions: Scriptures are necessary for our lifestyles. Humility is a lifestyle, not just an attitude—consistent behavior in public and private, harmonious thinking and acting. Scriptures reveal the gospel in every passage.

Read to see how passages connect to Christ crucified, avoiding legalism. Without the gospel lens—like in Galatians 5:19–21 on works of the flesh—it becomes rules without grace. Pharisees abused Scripture this way.

Scriptures are sufficient for our lives, for spirituality and conduct pleasing to God. Not for arithmetic, but for essentials, giving meaning even there. They keep us humble by exposing sin through the gospel lens, as the Spirit did for apostles seeing Messiah promises everywhere.

Scriptures are beneficial. They expose remaining sin, making it abhorrent—like Paul calling himself chief of sinners at life's end. They humble by showing wretchedness and desperate need for Christ, leveling the playing field so we're not puffed up against others.

Without instruction not to go beyond Scripture, we risk pride and division. Be invested in Scripture—not routine reading, but diving in with need, trusting benefit. God's word doesn't return void, but blindness (nearsighted Christians or unsaved) misses it.

Paul's Sarcastic Rebuke and Call to Imitate

For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it? Already you have all you want! Already you have become rich! Without us you have become kings! (1 Corinthians 4:7–8)

Paul contrasts apostles and Corinthians—likely sarcastically about them. Apostles: fools, weak, dishonored, hungry, poorly dressed, homeless, laboring, blessing when reviled, enduring persecution, slandered, scum of the earth. Corinthians: wise, strong, honored, rich, kings.

We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are held in honor, but we in disrepute. (1 Corinthians 4:10)

This rebukes their factions: if they exalt Paul and Apollos so much, why live opposite their lowly lives? Paul says he doesn't write to shame but to admonish as beloved children.

For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. I urge you, then, be imitators of me. (1 Corinthians 4:15–16)

Imitate Paul, who imitated Christ, focused on the gospel. Not asceticism or vows of poverty—Paul was content in abundance or lack. Devotion to gospel may bring hardship as byproduct.

Timothy reminds them of Paul's gospel-centered ways, taught everywhere—like not going beyond what's written. Some are arrogant, as if Paul won't come, but he'll test their power, not talk. Kingdom is power, not words.

What do you wish? Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love in a spirit of gentleness? (1 Corinthians 4:21)

Is your Christianity all talk, no power? Repentance from sin and pursuit of righteousness must be real in every aspect, or it's just words without gospel power. ```