Articles
Do We Prefer Men Above That Which Is Written?
“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.” I Corinthians 4:6 (KJV) The inspired apostle Paul teaches each of us a lesson in the latter part of this verse about how we should esteem God’s written word above men – our family, our preacher, etc. – and what they may say. II Timothy 2:15 says, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” Paul writes here that “Study” and “rightly dividing the word of truth” are essential for shewing ourselves approved to God. Certainly we are not underestimating the importance of a faithful preacher in our becoming a believer as we see in scripture like Roman 10:14. This teaching is still in keeping with our need to search out the things we are being taught in the scriptures (Acts 17:11b, John 5:39).
Political correctness is also a huge obstacle to those who would follow God’s word but they are swayed by “politically correct” thinking – which is sometimes in accordance with God’s plan but is often in direct opposition to it. We can learn from the example of Peter and the other apostles in Acts 5:27-29 when they were commanded by the political establishment of their day not to teach in Jesus’ name. These men stood before the council and said, “We ought to obey God rather than men.” We should understand that we all should have the proper respect for our government officials (Roman 13) and that does not include violating clear passages of scripture that we have noticed where God must be first in our line of command.
- Sid Rowe
