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.” Then you will not be puffed up in
being a follower of one of us over against the other. For who
makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not
receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not? 1 Corinthians 4:6-7
We
shouldn’t provide insight into something that’s not meant to be there. If we do see some interesting parallel or
metaphor, it’s always best to mention that this is your point of view and not
what God has told you.
Many
speakers border on cult leaders by giving special insight they believe comes
only from God, as if they are God’s unique spokesman. That’s dangerous. The best evangelists give a very simple
message over and over that’s not unique, but always powerful.
The
scriptures are eternal words, applicable into many situations for
centuries. So yes, new applications
always arise, but the interpretations remain the same since the time they were
spoken.