1 Corinthians 14:37

If any man thinketh himself to be. prophet, or spiritual, let him take knowledge of the things which. write unto you, that they are the commandment of the Lord.

'If any man thinketh himself' -'If anyone thinks he speaks for God or has the Spirit.' (Beck) Clearly, this was the attitude of many Corinthian Christians.

'let him take knowledge' -'recognize' (NASV); 'let him prove it by recognizing.' (Knox)

Points to Note:

1. People that are truly spiritual, recognize that Paul wrote the commands of God. Spiritually is in part determined by how we respond to the writings of the Apostles.

2. Paul clearly understood "what" he was writing.

3. Nothing is lost in the inspiration process. What was written down was just as much the "commandment of the Lord", as what Paul preached verbally.

'If. person fails to see the Divine nature of Paul's writings, the proof is conclusive, that this man is no prophet, that he really has no spiritual gift.' (Lenski p. 621)

4. Pride and arrogance could even blind those who possessed spiritual gifts!

5. The person, who is truly being led by the Spirit, acknowledges the Divine inspiration of Paul's letters.