This sermon deals with Paul’s statement that the church at Corinth, and by implication all of us, should learn to not go beyond what is written. We begin by showing in context, what Paul had said up to this point about the church using various analogies. Paul has applied these things to himself and Apollos for the benefit of the brethren. Scholars have debated the meaning of the phrase “what is written.” A search of the exact verbal form as used in the NT shows that it refers to Scripture. Paul uses it to refer to Scripture in his epistles. Since the Holy Spirit inspired Scripture is for our good and benefit, we need to stay within the boundaries set by God in His word. Some issues which have been brought up in 1 Corinthians involved making judgments about things we cannot know. Many have staked their claims on revelations which are beyond what is revealed in Scripture. Others seek to please the world and thereby ignore the Holy Spirit inspired Bible. The purpose clauses in this verse involve not only the need to stay within Biblical boundaries, but to not be “puffed up” by comparing one to another. To be inflated in our own estimation is a serious danger to the well-being of the flock. Our applications explain the nature of God’s Holy Spirit inspired word and its sufficiency.