Or was it from you that the word of God came? Or are you the only ones it has reached? 37 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. 38 If anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized.
Increasingly, there are people on this earth whose favorite person is themselves and seem to think the world revolves around them. This was once discouraged for the good of society but has become celebrated and taught to our children. Paul faced a first century version of this in the church in Corinth. The origin of all the problems in the church can be traced back to selfishness, not only individually but as a church. Paul spends these verses informing them that the Corinthian church is one of many churches and that these other churches can teach them a thing or two about how churches operate.
They did not seem to be interested in the instruction in Corinth. Nor do many churches today in America, who maintain their individual freedom as a church and as members of that church. There are many Corinthian churches in America. They seek the experience of spirituality while forgetting the Holy Spirit which is the source. They bask in their gifts but forget the giver of the gift of salvation, Jesus Christ. Paul would ask a similar question to the church in Corinth and these American churches. Have you forgotten someone? Let us remember Jesus Christ and what he has done.
Dear Lord, thank you that you never forget us and never leave us to our own devices. May we be attentive to the Spirit and never forget Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.
Pastor Brad Boyer
Cape Community Church