by Timothy W. Burnett
We continue with 1Corinthians 14:36-40, "What? Came the word of God out from you? Or came it unto you only? If any man thinks himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the the Lord. But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant."
Anybody who has the spirit of God is counted as a prophet whether or not they actually manifest the same spirit. What things did Paul write? The context must be the whole letter. Yet, more specifically "the commandments" are related to the spiritual matters addressed in chapters 12-14. He then tells us that if any man continues to be ignorant concerning the spiritual matters, then by all means force him to not be ignorant by shoving the word into him and making him feel bad and guilty. NOT!!! It simply says, "...let him be ignorant."
We can teach and instruct others on spiritual matters. But if they refuse to believe it, or if they simply do not yet understand it, we must let them be ignorant and we must continue to be examples for them to see and learn from. For some day, they may also see our faith and their eyes will open to the truth and no longer be ignorant. Based on the context of chapter 13 on the subject of God's love, they learn to understand in a loving context. Isn't that fantastic!
"Wherefore brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues" (1Corinthians 14:39). Whoa! Did this say what I thought it said? "...forbid not to speak with tongues." Do not forbid ourselves or others to speak with tongues. This is about speaking in tongues for personal edification, as well as with the interpretation for edification of the church.
Very few saints this day understand what it means to speak with tongues. This is true even to the point that it is discouraged by elders and pastors in most churches. It isn't a common spiritual practice today and people do not know what to do with it. But this does not change God's word written by Paul where it says, "forbid not to speak with tongues."
Verses 39-40 are on list of important things to remember. The last part is seen in verse 40, "Let all things be done decently and in order." Verses 39-40 sum it up, "Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, forbid not to speak with tongues, let all things be done decently and in order." Earnestly embrace the desire to prophesy, do not forbid ourselves and others to speak with tongues, and let all things in our spiritual lives and overall lives be done decently and in order.
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