In what ways can we apply 1 Corinthians 4:6 in church leadership? Setting the Scene • 1 Corinthians 4:6: “Brothers, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, 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 another.” • Paul addresses rivalry in Corinth by pointing to a single standard: stick to the written Word and avoid exalting leaders above Scripture or one another. Core Principle—Stay Within What Is Written • Scripture is sufficient and authoritative (2 Timothy 3:16–17). • Going “beyond what is written” breeds speculation, man-centered agendas, and division (Deuteronomy 4:2; Revelation 22:18-19). • Healthy leadership is anchored in clear biblical boundaries rather than personal charisma or novel teachings. Practical Applications for Church Leaders • Teach only what Scripture teaches – Exposition over entertainment (Nehemiah 8:8) – Guard pulpit and classroom content against extra-biblical trends (Titus 1:9) • Submit personal opinions to biblical truth – Filter every conviction, policy, or program through explicit or implicit biblical principles (Acts 17:11) – Avoid presenting preferences as commands (Romans 14:4) • Model humility and servanthood – “Who makes you so superior? And what do you have that you did not receive?” (1 Corinthians 4:7) – Reject platform-building; embrace foot-washing (John 13:14-15; 1 Peter 5:2-3) • Foster a Scripture-saturated culture – Encourage congregational Bible intake: reading plans, memorization, small-group study (Colossians 3:16) – Let meetings, counseling, and decision-making revolve around open Bibles • Guard against personality cults – Rotate teaching voices when appropriate, underscoring that Christ—not any leader—is central (1 Corinthians 3:5-7) – Publicly affirm fellow servants, diminishing any “celebrity” aura • Cultivate accountability – Elders mutually submit to the same biblical standards (Acts 20:28) – Invite correction grounded in Scripture; receive it without defensiveness (Proverbs 9:8-9) Guarding the Heart—Avoiding Pride and Partisanship • Pride begins when leaders believe they are the source rather than the stewards of their gifts (James 1:17) • Partisanship flourishes when preferences eclipse doctrine (1 Corinthians 1:10-12) • Staying tethered to Scripture keeps the spotlight on Christ, dismantling human boasting (Galatians 6:14) Encouragement for Daily Ministry • Open the Word before making plans. • Speak where the Bible speaks; stay silent where it is silent. • Celebrate every victory as evidence of grace received, not greatness achieved. Living Out the Verse • Lead from the Book. • Keep hearts low before the Lord. • Let every ministry endeavor echo Paul’s intention: “that you may learn... not to go beyond what is written.” |
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