1 Corinthians 3:6-7: (NASB) 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth. 7 So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth.

The brethren In the Corinthian church had a lot of issues, and one of them was spiritual pride, bragging about which leader they were following—Paul, Apollos or Peter.

Sometimes we find Christian leaders we more readily relate to and can learn from. We can appreciate them and let them know, but what about beyond that? 

Paul is continuing his arguments against divisions and placing himself and his friend and brother, Apollos, into the middle of things: 

1 Corinthians 4:6-10: (NASB) 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 (inflated) in behalf of one against the other. 

Paul is warning, “The danger here is that you as followers will become arrogant, using Apollos and me as pawns for your arrogance.” 

 7For who regards you as superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it? 

In other words, “We are all servants. When you start to elevate your ‘group,’ you are putting your group on a plateau, announcing yourselves as different or better than the rest.” 

Paul’s argument here is simple – EVERYTHING about the grace of God through Christ is a gift: 8 You are already filled, you have already become rich, you have become kings without us; and indeed, I wish that you had become kings so that we also might reign with you. 

Paul is being sarcastic. 

Paul’s argument here is simple – you are haughty when you ought to be humble! Now his conclusion: 9 For, I think, God has exhibited us apostles last of all, as men condemned to death; because we have become a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men. 10 We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are prudent in Christ; we are weak, but you are strong; you are distinguished, but we are without honor. 

These followers in their divisiveness were acting superior to even the apostles! The arrogance of following is that we can improperly build up a person or group, helping us to feel superior.

It is okay to recognize someone for their talent, good work or encouragement. It is not okay to lift them above others. We are all part of the body of Christ. It does not matter which part we are; we each have an integrated function with all of the other parts. (See 1 Corinthians 12:15-26 for more on this.) 

The elevation of leaders who did not want to be elevated: 1 Corinthians 3:4-10: (NASB) 4 For when one says, I am of Paul, and another, I am of Apollos, are you not mere men? 5 What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, even as the Lord gave opportunity to each one. 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth. 7 So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth. 

Each leader did what they were called to do.

Followers need growth (leaders do, too!): 8 Now he who plants and he who waters are one; but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor. 9 For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building. 10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each man must be careful how he builds on it. 

Paul has been firm: STOP the foolish clamoring an arrogant perspective brings and simply grow.

Additional Resource:
Christian Questions Podcast
Episode #1075: “Am I an Arrogant Christian?”
Balancing humility and appropriate pride to combat arrogance
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CQ Rewind Show Notes