Bible Reading: Genesis 50; Job 16-17; Luke 3; 1 Corinthians 4
1 Corinthians 4:6 And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.
Here the apostle Paul is dealing with the proper way to regard men, especially men in leadership positions. We need this since we live in a day of celebrity preachers. Apparently they had these celebrities in Paul's day as well. Some men had come into the Corinthian church and run down the apostle Paul while Apollos was held in high esteem. This is puzzling to Paul, since he first preached the gospel to the Corinthian believers and planted the church! In one place he says:
1 Corinthians 3:6-7 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.
In other words, God works through men. He began the work through Paul's planting work of sowing gospel seed. He then continued the work through Apollos's watering work of preaching and teaching. Yet the Corinthians were picking sides with their favorite preacher. Paul says to them:
1 Corinthians 3:21 Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours.
It is God who is at work in men. However, men are fallible. Men make mistakes. Men give in to pride and vanity. So to be puffed up with one man against another is not wise. We should be loving and following Christ with all our hearts. We should not make men into celebrities and follow them as little groupies.
The same apostle, told the Thessalonians:
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; 13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
We should love and esteem our elders highly for their work's sake. However, let us realize that they desperately need our prayers and encouragement. They are not business professionals and they are not celebrities. The Bible says:
1 Corinthians 4:1-2 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
Stephen Olford said in a pastor's conference I once attended, "Never forget, we are messenger boys for the King!" Amen.
In Christ,
Rody
