If anyone thinks that he is a prophet, or spiritual, he should acknowledge that the things I am writing to you are a command of the Lord. If anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized.
1 Corinthians 14:37-38

Some people will read these words and think, “Paul must have thought he was pretty hot stuff. He’s really throwing his weight around.”

But you see, Paul wasn’t giving his own opinion; that’s the whole point. He was speaking as the Lord’s Apostle, His personal, commissioned representative, inspired by the Holy Spirit in what he wrote. What he and the other Apostles and Prophets wrote here and elsewhere in the Bible was, in fact, a command from the Lord.

Everyone who has written since then can only give their best opinion as they try to explain and apply what the Bible says. Pastor, counselor, theologian, seminary professor or Pope - even some today who dare to call themselves apostles - they all give a human opinion in their attempt to explain the Word of God, written by the Prophets and Apostles.

Sometimes we don’t quite get it right. Our own understanding is limited. We see as through a mirror, dimly. But we are building our understanding, our own lives, and the church on the foundation of the Apostles snd Prophets. So we have to approach these holy things humbly, ready to be corrected.

There are always some who just say, “I think the Bible got it wrong. I disagree with the Apostle Paul on this.” And to them the Bible answers: “If anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized.”

What God’s Word says isn’t open for contradiction. I may struggle to understand and apply it, but it’s God’s Word. Let everyone take care how he builds on this foundation.

Lord, I’ve understood many things from Your Word, and they have changed my whole life for the better. Some things, I still struggle to understand. I know that Your Word is true, whether I understand it or not. Give me understanding, that I may live and keep Your Word. Amen.

Pastor Dan Giles