Sermon: The Cross-Shaped Path

Sermon Date: 11/02/2025

Bible Verses:

• 1 Corinthians 4:6-13

Speaker: Rev. Timothy "Tim" Shapley

Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-

Introduction: The Cross-Shaped Life

We live in a culture driven by appearance, platform, and performance. Success is measured by likes, followers, resumes, and the ability to impress. Even within the church, there’s a subtle temptation to chase recognition, elevate certain leaders, and draw lines between “those who have it” and “those who don’t.”

Corinth was no different.

The church there had become entangled in spiritual pride—dividing over favorite preachers, boasting in their wisdom, and acting as though they had arrived. Some claimed superiority because of who baptized them. Others looked down on fellow believers who didn’t fit their mold of “spiritual success.” The result was a fractured, puffed-up church obsessed with human labels instead of godly humility.

So Paul writes not just to correct their view of leadership—but to reframe their understanding of the Christian life altogether.

In 1 Corinthians 4:6–13, Paul contrasts the self-exalting, worldly version of Christianity with the cross-shaped path of true discipleship. He exposes the difference between empty pride and humble faithfulness. He reminds them—and us—that to follow Christ means choosing the path of sacrifice, not applause.

This isn’t a call to be admired. It’s a call to carry a cross.

Let’s walk through this together.

1. Don’t Go Beyond What Is Written (v. 6)

“…that you may learn in us not to think beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up on behalf of one against the other.”

Paul begins his correction by calling the Corinthians back to Scripture. They had started drawing their own lines, playing favorites, and making judgments based not on God’s truth—but on personal opinions, appearances, and pride.

Paul says, “Don’t go beyond what is written.” In other words, don’t elevate manmade preferences over the Word of God. Don’t make your favorite preacher the standard. Don’t build your identity on your spiritual performance. Don’t twist the gospel to support your ego.

God’s Word—not charisma, not giftedness, not influence—is the measuring line.

The Corinthians had gone beyond it. They were using human wisdom to judge spiritual matters. And it was puffing them up instead of building them up.

Key Point: The Word of God is our guardrail. It protects us from pride and keeps us rooted in truth.

The moment we go beyond it—adding to it, twisting it, or ignoring it—we fall into the same trap as Corinth: making ourselves the standard.

Cross-References:

• Deuteronomy 4:2 — “You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it…”
• 2 Timothy 3:16–17 — “All Scripture is breathed out by God… that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

These verses remind us that the Bible is not just advice—it’s authority. It is not a suggestion—it is sufficient.

Application:

Evaluate your life by what is written—not by what is trending. Test your values, opinions, and attitudes by Scripture—not by applause or ego.

Ask yourself:

• Do I admire people more for their platform or their faithfulness?
• Am I more concerned with how I look to others than how I stand before God?
• Have I added my own ideas to what God has said?

We are not called to build our own kingdom—but to follow God’s Word, even when it humbles us.

Let the Scriptures correct you, confront you, and conform you to the image of Christ.

2. Pride Distorts Our Perspective (v. 7)

“For 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?”

Paul doesn’t just warn the Corinthians about going beyond Scripture—he goes straight to the root issue: pride.

They were acting like their gifts, positions, and spiritual insights were things they earned. They were dividing from others based on the illusion of superiority.

Paul reminds them with three piercing questions:

• Who makes you different?
• What do you have that wasn’t given to you?
• If it was given, why are you boasting as if it wasn’t?

Here’s the truth: Everything you have is a gift from God—your salvation, your talents, your opportunities, your breath. Nothing about the Christian life is self-made.

So where does boasting belong? Nowhere.

Key Point: Grace destroys boasting. When you realize everything you are is by grace, all you can