Beyond What Is Written, 1 Corinthians 4:6a

"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."

     What is there beyond what is written in the pages of scripture? What knowledge is to be found, what gain to be had, what life to be lived? What truths are there that we need to live out in our lives that are not found in the volumes of God's word? There are none. There is nothing that we need in this life that cannot be found in the depths of God's word, in the pages of the Bible. There is no truth, no revelation, no doctrine, and no religious rite that we need that is not given to us already.
     In the beginning of chapter 4, Paul explains to the Corinthian church that we ought to be regarded as servants of God, as stewards of God, and as such it is necessary that we be proven to be faithful and trustworthy. He goes on to say that no man judges another man, nor does a man judge himself, but only God judges man. Though a man's conscience may be clear, that does not mean he is innocent; he may be innocent or he may be guilty, but that is not for men to decide but only God. Paul exhorts them not to judge anything before the appointed time, that is, not to spend our time judging others because it is not our job to do so; Jesus will do this when He comes again. At that time each one will receive his praise from God.
     And since we ought not to judge (that is, to pronounce judgement, not as in discernment), since we are not to go beyond what is written, we should spend our time not thinking and contemplating others or ourselves even, but just living to please God. In doing this we are sure to live the life that God wants us to live. We don't need to spend time trying to figure out this and that and see if this is right or that is right, but in everything only seek to do that which will please God. Love God with all your heart and love others as you love yourself. This is what God wants us to do, not try to judge everything for ourselves. That is His job.