I did not say it, Christ said it. IF one does not follow Christ, then they are followers of men and that could also include elevating Paul and Timothy as Father Paul or Father Timothy. Paul was trying to warn these people in Corinth with the meat of the WORD, but he could not because he was having to change 'spiritual' diapers and fill 'spiritual' bottles for still babes in Christ. And Paul had his words of warning put in writing so maybe peoples down through the ages would become weaned off 'baby' worship and get to the 'meat' of the WORD and be warned. Paul was not preaching Church 'worship'. People in a church are suppose to pray to the Heavenly Father in the name of Christ. But hey just as in the Parable of the Sower Christ did say to check the 'soil' before you plant seeds.
That is the intent of this passage. No need to feel sad. Many have attempted personal interpretation in isolation from the Church and all have failed.
Matthew 23 was given to the disciples and the multitudes directly from Christ. It is an individual message as to know what would be in religious circles even unto this day. Christ did not say let your Church filter out what they want His meaning to mean. Christ warned us what churches/governments were going to do and be. Especially those claiming there is a 'social' gospel. Moses was/is the lawgiver, and Christ said some would sit in that seat pretending to be who they are not. And line by line Christ describes exactly what has taken place. I will NOT be judged on what Church I am member of but what it is of Christ's own WORDS I have sealed in my head and what I did with that understanding. IT is a very personal journey through this flesh life and Peter says the priest/preacher/teacher will be first in line on judgment day. IPeter 4:17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of Christ? Christ Himself made it personal for each and every one of those who come through this flesh age. By the way there are 7 churches listed in that book of Revelation and only two are found not 'wanting'.
Paul also says ICorinthians 10:11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples (examples): and they are written for our admonition, (warning) upon whom the ends of the world (age) are come.
The majority of the Christians on this earth do not have a clue who the 'them' are, that was written about giving the warning as to know just where we are on that time line.
***I did not say it, Christ said it. IF one does not follow Christ, then they are followers of men and that could also include elevating Paul and Timothy as Father Paul or Father Timothy.***
Exactly so, yet when one focuses on a single sentence and ignores the context around it, one is also in error. Such is this claim. Do you also follow the next admonishment and refuse to call anyone Teacher? That means that you must not call anyone Doctor (which means teacher) also.
***Matthew 23 was given to the disciples and the multitudes directly from Christ. It is an individual message as to know what would be in religious circles even unto this day.***
It was a public rebuke against the Jewish authorities, nothing more or less. If one does not comprehend Scripture (which is normal for personal interpretation), then one cannot be a Christian.