1 Corinthians 4:6: Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that you may learn in us not to think beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up on behalf of one against the other.
Throughout this discussion Paul avoided singling out guilty persons by name. Now Paul and Apollos would serve as curative examples of men under authority who did not go beyond what was written. They obeyed the Word of God, not their own inclinations or worldly opinions. From the example of their lives Paul hoped the Corinthians would learn the lesson of humility. (The verb “learn” is mathēte, and the related noun mathētēs is translated “disciple,” or “one who practices what he is taught.”) This was a difficult lesson, for the Greeks believed humility was a despicable trait of a slave, a sign of weakness, not a characteristic of great men (Plato Laws 6. 774c). 1
Application
- Read 1 Peter 5:5-6. (Give an example where your pride caused your failure.)
- How can you show humility towards those that God has placed in authority over you? Why is it so hard to be submissive to another?
Thought to Share
Pride will multiply your problems. – TWEET IT
Prayer
Lord, please do whatever you must to root pride from my life.
1. Walvoord, John F., & Zuck, R. B., Dallas Theological Seminary. (1985). The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.