The members of the church in Corinth were enamored with their favorite preachers, so much so that they were dividing along these lines (1 Cor. 1:11-12). To help them beyond this error, Paul showed that he and Apollos (two of these “favorite” preachers) were nothing more than laborers, builders, and stewards in the important work of preaching the gospel (3:5-4:5).

Paul then says, “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). An important principle is set forth in that passage that is too easily forgotten. We are not to think of anyone above what is written in Scripture. When it comes to determining God’s will, “what is written” must settle the matter for all of us.

Unfortunately, that is not always the case. I fondly remember preaching in a place where many of the members came to church with their Bibles and their copy of Johnson’s Notes. They were going to make sure I was preaching the truth - according to “what is written” by Johnson.

Some Christians have their favorite preachers. Unlike the Bereans, who searched the Scriptures to make sure Paul was teaching them the truth (Acts 17:11), they accept what these preachers say and write without ever making sure it is in harmony with “what is written” in the Bible. When challenged, they will defend their favorite preacher over “what is written.”

Some preachers are guilty of the same thing. They are big fans of various writers. Sometimes these educated writers set forth false doctrines in their books, but these false doctrines are accepted, defended, and spread by preachers over “what is written” in the Bible.

The only way to know and stand upon the truth, and thus to stand right before God, is to think of no person above what is written in the Bible. Where do you stand?