In 1 Corinthians 14:36-37, the apostle Paul had an interesting question he asked the Christians there, “Or did the word of God come originally from you? Or was it you only that it reached? If 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.”
The Corinthians were altering their worship. The church had begun in Jerusalem, and spread outward. A model of worship had been established. And now they were changing it. And Paul was letting them know it was wrong for them to do so. His pen had a real bite!
In effect, by changing the worship, with the confusion it was causing, and the arrogance they were showing, they were sinning. They were doing something of their own invention. So, Paul asked, Do you really think that you are the originators of God’s word? Or did God only send His messages to you? The answer of course, is no!
So, Paul wanted them to realize their ignorance! They were practicing their own desires rather than acknowledging, as Paul wrote, that his epistles contained, “the commandments of the Lord.” May we all study God’s word, and submit to God’s commandments in scripture. Jesus is our Lord. We have no business changing His will!
