Why did Paul warn against relying on prophecies in 1 Corinthians 4?

In Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, he warns against relying too heavily on prophecies. In chapter 4, he writes, "Now I say this, brethren, that each of you says, 'I am of Paul,' or 'I am of Apollos,' or 'I am of Cephas,' or 'I am of Christ.' Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?"

What Paul is cautioning against here is the tendency for people to follow specific leaders or prophets rather than focusing on the message of Christ. Prophecies can be a powerful tool for spreading the word of God, but they are only effective when they are used in the right way.

One potential problem with relying too heavily on prophecies is that they can be easily misinterpreted. People may hear what they want to hear in a prophecy, rather than truly understanding its intended meaning. This can lead to confusion and division within the church.

Additionally, prophecies are often subject to personal biases and interpretations. Even the most well-meaning prophets may be influenced by their own beliefs and experiences, which can affect the accuracy and reliability of their prophecies.

Finally, Paul may have been concerned that people were using prophecies as a substitute for their own personal relationship with God. Rather than seeking God's guidance directly, they were relying on prophecies to tell them what to do. This can be a dangerous approach, as it can lead to a lack of personal responsibility and accountability.

Overall, Paul's warning against relying too heavily on prophecies is a reminder that our focus should always be on Christ, rather than on any one leader or prophet. Prophecies can be a valuable tool for spreading the word of God, but they should always be viewed in the context of the larger message of the Bible. By keeping our eyes on Christ, we can avoid the pitfalls of false prophets and stay true to the teachings of the gospel.