Hiding pride behind preachers (1. Cor 4:6)

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)

Over the last few weeks we have seen Paul and Apollos as farmers, builders and stewards. Paul applied those word-pictures to himself and Apollos with a specific goal in mind. He wanted the Corinthians to humbly see themselves and their fellow servants in light of what is written.

In writing these things he emphasised three things in particular. First that their assignments were from God. Not from their own ambitions. Secondly, that it is a work of cooperation. And third, that they would be judged by God for their faithfulness.

This is Paul’s prescribed antidote to carnal Corinthian pride. But how does that work? Paul talked about his own and Apollos’ ministry, and their responsibilities to God. How does that cure the Corinthians of their arrogance?

By pulling their preachers down from their pedestals and pointing out that they are nothing but servants, Paul achieved two things. He set them up as examples of humility, and he took away the Corinthians’ possibility to hide their own pride behind them.

You see, pride in preachers is really just a disguise for pride in self. Of course, like other Christians, the Corinthians would have been very humble. Much too humble to be puffed up on their own behalf. They knew they couldn’t get away with that. But under this humble surface was a heart still filled with carnal arrogance, and it leaked out through the cracks. It sure looks much better to those around you to be puffed up on behalf of someone else, rather than on your own behalf. But Paul was not fooled. He knew that puffed up is puffed up, no matter how it’s disguised.

“My preacher is better than your preacher” is just another way of saying “I’m better than you” After all I am the one who is spiritual and smart enough to chose the right preacher over the wrong one. After knocking their disguise down, he goes on to address their real problem of a proud heart in the next verse.