How can we avoid being "puffed up" according to 1 Corinthians 4:6? Setting the Scene Paul is writing to believers who have begun comparing leaders and lining up behind their favorites. That competitive spirit was making them “puffed up.” He reminds them of one simple safeguard: “Do not go beyond what is written.” (1 Corinthians 4:6) Stay Inside Scripture’s Boundaries • Scripture sets the fence line. Stepping outside it invites human opinion to take center stage, and pride follows. • When we treat the Bible as final, we stay anchored in truth rather than personalities or preferences. • Colossians 3:16 urges us to let the word “dwell richly” in us—filling the space pride would occupy. Remember Everything Is a Gift Paul’s next question (4:7) can be paraphrased: “What do you have that you didn’t receive?” • Abilities, opportunities, even spiritual insight are all received, not self-generated. • Gratitude replaces bragging when we rehearse God’s generosity (James 1:17). Follow Servants, Not Celebrities • Earlier Paul called himself and Apollos “servants” (3:5; 4:1). Leaders are waiters at God’s table, not the main course. • Measuring ourselves by others inflates egos; measuring by Christ deflates them (2 Corinthians 10:12). Practical Ways to Keep Pride in Check • Daily Scripture intake—read, memorize, and meditate so truth shapes reactions. • Thank-you list—name specific gifts from God each day. Gratitude crowds out arrogance. • Hidden acts of service—do good where no one sees (Matthew 6:3-4). • Invite correction—give trusted believers permission to speak into blind spots (Proverbs 27:6). • Boast only in the Lord—redirect compliments upward (Jeremiah 9:23-24). Companion Verses • “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6) • 1 Peter 5:5-6—humble yourselves under God’s mighty hand. • Philippians 2:3-4—consider others more important than yourselves. • Micah 6:8—walk humbly with your God. Takeaway We avoid being puffed up by planting our feet firmly on what is written, recognizing every good thing as a gift, following servant-hearted examples, and building daily habits that keep Christ—not self—at the center. |
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