What does "Did the word of God originate with you?" imply about humility? Setting the Scene 1 Corinthians 14 addresses orderly worship, especially concerning prophecy and tongues. Right after instructing that “everything must be done in a proper and orderly manner,” Paul puts a heart-check question on the table: “Did the word of God originate with you? Or are you the only ones it has reached?” (1 Corinthians 14:36). Why Paul’s Question Cuts to the Heart • It sweeps away any notion that individual believers—or a single congregation—possess a monopoly on divine revelation. • It reminds the Corinthians (and us) that Scripture pre-exists and overrules our opinions, customs, and preferences. • It confronts spiritual pride: gifting, knowledge, or position does not place anyone above the authority of God’s word. Key Humility Lessons Wrapped in the Question • God is the Source, we are the recipients – “Every good and perfect gift is from above” (James 1:17). – We receive; we do not originate. • We stand under, not over, Scripture – Psalm 119:160: “The entirety of Your word is truth.” – Any practice or teaching must bow to this unchanging standard. • Community, not isolation – The word has “reached” many; we are members of a body (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). – Humility listens to faithful voices across time and place. • Gifts serve others, not self-exaltation – 1 Peter 4:10: “Each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve others.” – Spiritual experiences are measured by edification, not personal prestige. A Gallery of Supporting Scriptures • Micah 6:8—“He has shown you, O man, what is good… to walk humbly with your God.” • Romans 12:3—“Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think with sober judgment.” • Philippians 2:3-4—“In humility consider others more important than yourselves.” • Isaiah 66:2—“This is the one I will esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at My word.” Practical Takeaways for Today • Approach Bible study expecting to be shaped, corrected, and sometimes rebuked. • Test every personal “word from the Lord” against the written Word that did not originate with us. • Celebrate the global church; learn from believers of different backgrounds whom the same gospel has reached. • Let worship gatherings reflect order, respect, and a shared submission to Scripture—never a stage for ego. Summing It Up Paul’s piercing question dismantles self-importance. The Word began with God, spread to us, and calls us to knees-bent humility. Any attitude that forgets this is out of step with the Author who graciously let His Word reach our hearts. |
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