1 Corinthians 14:36-40 - Did the word of God originate with you?

14:36,37

14:34,35 do seem to break the flow of the argument, with 14:36 following on more smoothly from 14:33. Whatever the case, Paul says that if anyone is a prophet then they will follow what he is saying. There is always a danger that if we are gifted in some way, we start to think we are above everyone else, and will not listen to instruction. The truly Spirit led person is willing to listen and learn. Of course, there may be times when the church is going in the wrong direction, and we need to speak out. But the spirit led person is teachable.

14:38

“If anyone ignores this, they will themselves be ignored”. Someone can become so full of themselves, that they are so convinced that they uniquely know the truth. They then go their own way, thinking others will follow. But in fact, they will end up being ignored.

14:39,40

Paul then rounds off this ling section of his letter. They should eagerly desire the gift of prophecy. They should not have a wrong view of tongues, but they must not forbid speaking in tongues. And “everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way”. Love and order are to be the guiding principles.