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So resist the temptation to act as judges before all the evidence is in. When the Lord comes, He will draw our buried motives, thoughts, and deeds (even things we don’t know or admit to ourselves) out of the dark shadows of our hearts into His light. When this happens, the voice of God will speak to each of us the only praise that will ever matter.

Right now, brothers and sisters, the best thing I can do for you is to apply these principles to the situation with Apollos and me. Maybe we can show you the meaning of the saying, “not beyond the things written.” If you learn that, perhaps none of you will swell with pride because you fall into the seductive trap of pitting one against the other. Is there any reason to consider yourselves better than others? What do you have that you didn’t receive? If you received it as a gift, why do you boast like it is something you achieved on your own?

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Therefore judge nothing(A) before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes.(B) He will bring to light(C) what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.(D)

Now, brothers and sisters, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying, “Do not go beyond what is written.”(E) Then you will not be puffed up in being a follower of one of us over against the other.(F) For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive?(G) And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?

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