How should believers implement Paul's teachings as commands from the Lord today? Recognizing Paul’s Writings as the Lord’s Commands 1 Corinthians 14:37: “If anyone thinks he is a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord’s command.” • Paul speaks with Christ-given authority (Galatians 1:11-12; 1 Corinthians 9:1). • Peter classifies Paul’s letters with “the rest of the Scriptures” (2 Peter 3:15-16). • Therefore every instruction Paul gives carries the same weight as red-letter words (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Living Under Apostolic Authority Today • Read Paul’s letters expecting to hear Christ Himself (1 Thessalonians 2:13). • Submit opinions, traditions, and experiences to the text—never the reverse (Colossians 2:8). • Treat selective obedience as disobedience; “every thought” must bow (2 Corinthians 10:5). Practical Pathways to Obedience • Daily intake: follow a reading plan that keeps all thirteen epistles before you. • Memorize key passages on life and doctrine (Romans 12; Ephesians 4-6; Philippians 2). • Journal specific actions the Spirit presses on your heart; act within 24 hours (James 1:22-25). • Invite accountability: trusted believers ask, “How are you obeying Paul this week?” (Hebrews 10:24-25). Ordering Corporate Worship (1 Corinthians 14 in context) • Pursue intelligible edification over personal display (vv. 12, 19). • Exercise gifts “decently and in order” (v. 40); plan gatherings yet remain flexible to Spirit-led contributions. • Uphold Paul’s standards for women and men in worship with humility and clarity (vv. 34-35; 1 Timothy 2:11-15). • Weigh prophetic words; tongues require interpretation (vv. 27-29). Guarding Sound Doctrine • Test every sermon, song, and study by Paul’s gospel (Galatians 1:8-9). • Reject teachers who downplay or contradict apostolic commands (1 Timothy 6:3-4). • Protect the flock through “teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training” (2 Timothy 4:2). Holding Each Other Accountable • Correct gently but firmly when a brother or sister disregards apostolic instruction (Galatians 6:1; 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15). • Celebrate obedience and spiritual growth; encourage perseverance (Philippians 1:3-6). Growing in Grace and Power • Depend on the Spirit to produce the obedience faith requires (Galatians 5:16-25). • Remember: “His commandments are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3); they liberate and transform. • Keep eyes on Christ’s return—Paul’s final motivation for holy living (Titus 2:11-14; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). |
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