What does "do not go beyond what is written" mean for us today? 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 not to go beyond what is written. Then you will not take pride in one man over another.” What Paul Was Addressing • The Corinthian church was splintering into factions (1 Corinthians 1:11–12). • Believers were rallying around favorite teachers and judging each other. • Paul reminds them: Scripture sets the boundaries; personal loyalties or clever arguments must never exceed that line. Key Idea of “Not to Go Beyond What Is Written” • Stay inside the clear, sufficient teaching of God’s Word. • Refuse to elevate human opinion, tradition, or experience to equal authority with Scripture. • Guard against spiritual pride that arises when we trust our own insights over God’s revealed truth. Why Scripture Is the Final Line • Deuteronomy 4:2 – “Do not add to the word I command you.” • Proverbs 30:5–6 – “Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you and prove you a liar.” • Revelation 22:18–19 – a sober warning against tampering with God’s revelation. • 2 Timothy 3:16–17 – all Scripture is God-breathed and fully equips us. Practical Implications for Today • Doctrine – Teach only what Scripture teaches; reject novel doctrines not anchored in the text (Galatians 1:8). • Worship – Shape songs, prayers, and ordinances by biblical patterns, not cultural fads (John 4:24). • Ethics – Measure moral choices by God’s commands, not shifting social norms (Isaiah 5:20). • Church Leadership – Honor gifted leaders, but refuse celebrity culture; Christ alone is Head (1 Corinthians 3:5–7). • Personal Study – Let Scripture interpret Scripture; avoid speculation where the Bible is silent (Deuteronomy 29:29). Staying Within the Lines: Simple Habits • Read the whole counsel of God regularly; keep context in view. • Compare every teaching, prophecy, or spiritual impression with the written Word (Acts 17:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:21). • Memorize key passages to anchor convictions (Psalm 119:11). • Use reputable, text-honoring resources; reject those that twist or add to the text. • Humble yourself—the final authority is the Bible, not personal insight (James 1:21). Scriptures Echoing the Same Principle • Matthew 15:9 – human rules nullify worship when they replace God’s commands. • 2 John 9 – “Anyone who runs ahead without remaining in the teaching of Christ does not have God.” • Psalm 119:105 – God’s Word alone is the lamp for our feet and light for our path. |
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