2. Paul’s concern is with the unity of the church.

3. Paul’s concern is with the unity of the church.
They had divided over the issue of the teacher each one followed.

4. Paul’s concern is with the unity of the church.
They had divided over the issue of the teacher each one followed.
Their fights had forced Paul into writing the letter.

5. This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God.

6. I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, that you may learn by us not to go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another.  For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?
1 Corinthians 4:1-7 (ESV)

7. Paul starts by telling the Corinthians “I do not even judge myself”

8. Paul starts by telling the Corinthians “I do not even judge myself”
This does not mean he is fine,
but only that he will let God judge his work.

9. Paul starts by telling the Corinthians “I do not even judge myself”
This does not mean he is fine,
but only that he will let God judge his work.
By not judging himself Paul avoids two dangers.

10. Almost always, when we judge ourselves, we compare ourselves with somebody else.

11. First, we choose a favorable comparison.
Almost always, when we judge ourselves, we compare ourselves with somebody else.
First, we choose a favorable comparison.

12. First, we choose a favorable comparison.
Almost always, when we judge ourselves, we compare ourselves with somebody else.
First, we choose a favorable comparison.
Second, we choose an unfavorable comparison.

13. First, we choose a favorable comparison.
Almost always, when we judge ourselves, we compare ourselves with somebody else.
First, we choose a favorable comparison.
Second, we choose an unfavorable comparison.
A church body can fall into a similar trap with its leaders.

14. I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, that you may learn by us not to go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another.  For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?
1 Corinthians 4:1-7 (ESV)

15. I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, that you may learn by us not to go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another.  For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?
1 Corinthians 4:1-7 (ESV)

16. What does he mean by going beyond what is written?

17. What does he mean by going beyond what is written?
The Greek culture valued wisdom expressed eloquently.

18.  And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom.  For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling,  and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,  so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.
1 Corinthians 2:1-5 (ESV)

19. What does he mean by going beyond what is written?
The Greek culture valued wisdom expressed eloquently.
The scripture focuses upon the wisdom and plan of God.

20. therefore, behold, I will again     do wonderful things with this people,     with wonder upon wonder; and the wisdom of their wise men shall perish,     and the discernment of their discerning men shall be hidden.”
Isaiah 29:14

21. He catches the wise in their own craftiness,     and the schemes of the wily are brought to a quick end.
Job 5:13

22.  Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth.
Jeremiah 9:23-24

23. What does he mean by going beyond what is written?
The Greek culture valued wisdom expressed eloquently.
The scripture focuses upon the wisdom and plan of God.
What they had not understood was God worked in a way other than using human wisdom.

24. How would this apply to us?

25. How would this apply to us? Our culture values the right education,.

26. How would this apply to us? Our culture values the right education,
the endorsement of the correct celebrities,.

27. How would this apply to us? Our culture values the right education,
the endorsement of the correct celebrities,
the correct political stance,.

28. How would this apply to us? Our culture values the right education,
the endorsement of the correct celebrities,
the correct political stance,
or the use of the newest technology.

29. How would this apply to us? Our culture values the right education,
the endorsement of the correct celebrities,
the correct political stance,
or the use of the newest technology.
God may or may not choose to use any of these things.

30. I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, that you may learn by us not to go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another.  For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?
1 Corinthians 4:1-7 (ESV)

31. I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, that you may learn by us not to go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another.  For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?
1 Corinthians 4:1-7 (ESV)

32. God’s work is exactly that, his work.

33. God’s work is exactly that, his work.
He uses people but his work goes beyond this.

34. God’s work is exactly that, his work.
He uses people but his work goes beyond this.
We enjoy salvation and fellowship with him due to his grace.
Thus we have no reason to separate from others who share in that grace.