"I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, that you may learn by us not to go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another. For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?"
All of the discussion concerning division among Christians and elevation of personalities has been applied specifically to Paul and Apollos, but there is a broader application here that must not be missed. Obedience to God and the gospel produces humility and right living. But going beyond the word, it is possible to misapply truths and behave in a way completely opposite of that which is in keeping with the gospel.
The gospel reveals that we are all incapable of saving ourselves. All people everywhere have the same need for salvation. And those who come to Christ, come because of His grace and not because they are any better than those who do not come. Neither is one Christian better than another in the sight of God because none of us stand in our own works. Our standing is in the work of Christ, and all believers are equally accepted in Him.
This forever does away with any inclination to elevate yourself or someone else over another person. Christians are all the same before Christ. And even our standing before Christ should not elevate us in our minds over unbelievers. Salvation is a gift. If you believe, it was given to you. Why would being given something make you any better than someone else?
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