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. For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us: and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you. 1 Corinthians 4:6-8

Human pride is one of the biggest issues in our walk with Christ, it’s also one of the biggest issues in the Church. When we experience some of Gods glory or goodness, it’s easy for us to become “puffed up” , thinking that we are better than our fellow brethren, however we are all part of the body of Christ , nobody is greater or more important than anyone else. This is a lesson many of us have to learn, sometimes learned the hard way

As Paul says here “that you might learn not to think of men above that which is written, that noone of you be puffed up for one against another” The Apostle Paul experienced some amazing things by God, not only was his conversion itself amazing, but Paul got to partake in miracles and revivals. Some thought Paul was a god himself,(Acts 14:12) because of the power of the Holy Spirit

This is why Paul had to keep reminding the Church that he was a wretched man (Romans 7:24), the chief of all sinners (1 Timothy 1:15) Paul was nothing special, he was a vessel used by God to fulfill His Kingdom. Just the same as none of us are “special” we all deserve Hell,(Romans 3:23) however because of Gods love and grace, we are who we are today

For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men. 1 Corinthians 4:9

All the Apostles , except for the Apostle John, ended up dying for their faith in Christ. And historians believe the Romans attempted to kill the Apostle John, however he was delivered by God so he can write down the book of Revelation. Even though the Apostles experienced many miracles and lived closely with our Lord Jesus Christ, did any of them believe they were greater than the rest of the Church? No

As Paul says “the apostles last, as it were appointed to death, for we are made a spectacle unto the world” Were the Apostles “puffed up” when they were persecuted and killed for their faith in Christ? Of course not, they were being obedient to their calling in Christ, even to the point of death, Amen