In the first four chapters of Paul’s first Corinthian letter, he dealt with sectarianism and pride amongst his readers. Some were saying, “’I am of Paul,’ or ‘I am of Apollos,’ or ‘I am of Cephas,’ or ‘I am of Christ’” (1 Corinthians 1:12). In doing so they were exalting themselves above others. This caused strife, and envy amongst the brethren. Paul saw this as an immediate threat to the integrity of the church he had “begotten…through the gospel” (4:15). In order to deal with this problem, Paul thought it necessary to explain the things misconstrued about the gospel message, and preachers.

Contributing to the party spirit in Corinth was the pagan love for philosophy, eloquence of speech, and wisdom. They mistook Paul, Apollos, and Cephas as new philosophers of the age. However, Paul called to their attention that the message was not philosophy, or mere human wisdom. He wrote, “Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?” (1:20). The message did not originate in any wise man, scribe, or disputer. Rather, the message of “Christ crucified…[is] the power of God and the wisdom of God” (1:23-24). Therefore, “no flesh should glory in His presence” (1:29). Those who were exalting themselves above others had no right to do so. The message preached did not come from Paul, Apollos, Cephas, or any other man! It came from God! Why should that cause them to glory? Rather, to God be the glory!

In order to further make his point, Paul described his part in the proclamation of the word. He wrote, “Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase” (3:5-6). Paul was merely a servant of God, and a steward of His message. The power did not reside in him. It was foolish for the Corinthians to place Paul, and others, at the head of a party. They did not belong to Paul, they belonged to Christ!

Those who pledged their allegiance to a certain party were “puffed up on behalf of one against the other” (4:6). Those who claimed to be “of Paul” thought themselves to be more valuable than the rest. Paul effectively put this attitude to the test. He wrote, “who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?” (4:7). Paul did not deny the fact that there were some with abilities, spiritual gifts, etc. that differed from another. However, he did deny that it made them any more significant! The reason he gave is that they did not ACHIEVE these things, rather, they RECEIVED these things! Without God, any of their abilities would not be present. It is God who has given them the gifts, the message, and the abilities! They had no right to boast in themselves! Instead, they should be giving God the glory for the blessings He had bestowed upon them! For, “one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills” (12:11).

Pride is certainly a thorn in the side of most men. We tend to esteem ourselves above others. It would be prudent for each of us to examine the blessings in our lives, and determine where, or how, we got them. I would venture to say that we all have RECEIVED them and not ACHIEVED them. This concept does not belittle the idea of personal responsibility. Paul wrote to the church in Philippi to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12). It is in fact our own salvation, and it is up to us to work it out. However, Paul continues, “for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure” (2:13). God has provided us with the necessities to work out our own salvation. HE has revealed unto us His will (cf. 1 Corinthians 2:16)! HE has provided us with strength (cf. Philippians 4:13)! HE has raised us from being dead in sin to walk in newness of life (cf. Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12)! HE has done all of these things, and we must follow Him, and give HIM the glory (cf. Revelation 7:12)! Do not forget that we have RECEIVED, not ACHIEVED!