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1 Corinthians 14:36-40
The Apostle Paul has explained some biblical things that may/will be difficult for some to understand and realize the truth to in their lives, especially in the secular worldview. But he has been honestly striving to teach the new Christians at Corinth about what it means to be a Christian and how one should live and treat others as a child of God. In expectation of kickback for his recent comments, he questions those of the church at Corinth as to their position in receiving God’s word and then summarizes his teachings to them. He states in 1 Corinthians 14:36-40 (NKJV), “36Or did the word of God come originally from you? Or was it you only that it reached? 37If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord. 38But if anyone is ignorant, let him be ignorant.
“39Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues. 40Let all things be done decently and in order.” The meaning of 1 Corinthians 14:38 (HCSB) brings some clarity to this verse as it states, “But if anyone ignores this, he will be ignored.” Jesus teaches in Matthew 10:14-15 (NKJV), “And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet. Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!” as He sends His disciples out to preach to, “the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matthew 10:6).
This is a promise of the truth and reality of God’s word, and the understanding and acceptance we should have of it – in Christ.
It is not always easy to accept God’s word and apply it in our lives. But dedicating one’s life to God through salvation in Christ Jesus is a process that requires change in our lives from the once lived secular ways of this world (which is ruled by Satan) to the ways of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This is the action of repentance – to change one’s direction. We do not have to accept the ways of Jesus in our lives, but that is where true love comes in; we change and strive to change our lives to be a reflection of Jesus because He gave His life for us to open the door so that we can. Choose Jesus today and welcome His Holy Spirit into your heart to help you through this world and into the next. Jesus declared in John 16:33, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
Dear LORD,
Please help us to realize and understand that we cannot twist Your word to make it suitable for our worldly lives, but that we need to change our lives to live by Your word – to repent from our worldly ways and put on a new life in Christ Jesus. You teach us in Your word, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Please help us to accept Your word in our lives and be renewed – in Christ. In Jesus name I pray, amen.