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As we begin our study of authority in the adult classes,
I'm reminded of an important command that's overlooked
by man-made religions, "not to think beyond what is
written" (1 Cor. 4:6, NKJV).
No Division
In First Corinthians, Paul is addressing a number of
divisions that existed among the Corinthians.
One division was a result of Christians claiming to
be of different church leaders. Some said they were
of Christ, but others said they were of Paul, Apollos,
or Cephas.
Other divisions existed regarding the head covering,
prophesy in the assembly, and the Lord's Supper.
As Paul continues through the epistle, we see that
divisions existed because some brethren were thinking
beyond what is written. In other words, they were not
limiting their thinking in spiritual matters to God's
word.
Today, we see the same thing. Men are religiously
divided because of people who don't limit their thinking
to things authorized in God's word. Some add mechanical
instruments to worship, some teach false doctrines relating
to salvation, and some change the day of gathering to
partake of the Lord's Supper.
Regarding such cases, Paul says divisions must exist
so that those who are approved may become evident (1
Cor. 11:18-19).
The Mind of God is Only Revealed in His Word
Without doubt, there are things about God which are
beyond man's comprehension (Eph. 3:20).
Left on our own, without God's word, we would be clueless
as to the thoughts of God.
- "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor
are your ways My ways," declares the Lord. "For
as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My
ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your
thoughts" (Is. 55:8-9).
In First Corinthians, before writing the command
not to think beyond what is written, Paul explains
that we can only know God's mind to the extent He's
revealed it in His word (1 Cor. 2:9-16).
Just as we don't know the mind of a man except for
what his spirit has revealed, we don't know the mind
of God except for what His Spirit has revealed (1 Cor.
2:11).
Hence, we only know the mind of God to the limit that
it's revealed by the Holy Spirit, and recorded by inspired
men in His word (1 Cor. 2:12-16).
Do Not Think Beyond What is Written
Since we are limited in knowing God's mind as revealed
in Scripture, we are commanded not to think beyond
what is written.
- "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. . . ." (1 Cor. 4:6, NKJV).
The Old King James and New American Standard translate
this verse a little differently, which helps us understand
the meaning.
- "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" (1 Cor. 4:6, KJV).
- "Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively
applied to myself and Apollos for your sakes, so that
in us you may learn not to exceed what is written,
so that no one of you will become arrogant in behalf
of one against the other" (1 Cor. 4:6, NASB).
As in the case of the Corinthians, when people disobey
this command, they become puffed up and cause divisions.
- "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" (1 Cor. 4:6).
- "For, in the first place, when you come together
as a church, I hear that divisions exist among
you; and in part I believe it. For there must also
be factions among you, so that those who are approved
may become evident among you" (1 Cor. 11:18-19).
This is because they base their faith on something
other than God's word.
- They worship in vain, neglecting the commandments
of God, and holding to the traditions of men
(Mk. 7:7-9).
- They base their religion on "philosophy and
empty deception, according to the tradition
of men, according to the elementary principles
of the world, rather than according to Christ"
(Col. 2:8).
Imitate the Apostles
I suppose it would be impossible to have a complete
knowledge of all religious doctrines, including those
of philosophers and pagans.
But thankfully, God has made it simple for us, commanding
us to imitate the apostles.
- "I do not write these things to shame you, but
to admonish you as my beloved children. For if
you were to have countless tutors in Christ, yet you
would not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I
became your father through the gospel. Therefore I
exhort you, be imitators of me. For this reason
I have sent to you Timothy, who is my beloved
and faithful child in the Lord, and he will remind
you of my ways which are in Christ, just as I teach
everywhere in every church" (1 Cor. 4:14-17).
Conclusion
To walk in the ways of God, we imitate the apostles,
and learn not to think beyond what is written (1 Cor.
4:16).
We aren't persuaded by "cleverness of speech," or
with the "superiority of speech or of wisdom," because
we're determined to know nothing "except Jesus Christ,
and Him crucified" (1 Cor. 1:17-2:1).
Therefore the word of the cross is the power of God
to us, because we are being saved, and not foolishness,
as with those who are perishing (1 Cor. 1:18).
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