Godly People Recognize God's Word

The instruction Paul is giving in this section is applicable to 'all the churches', as stated at the end of verse 33. God has given His Word simply for it to be understood and obeyed. We must be diligent to study it, to 'cut it straight' and to handle it accurately as we are being held responsible to understand, and accountable to obey it. To deny the clarity of the Word of God is nothing more than a smokescreen to mask an unwillingness to submit to its authority.

God never tells the churches to set aside their differences and all get along. He never tells us to sort through the Scriptures and determine what are the 'majors' and what are the 'minors.' He never intends His Word to be edited nor adapted to the surrounding culture. He never makes allowances for each church, nor each individual, to have their own differing interpretations.

The people of God will acknowledge the Word of God for what it is and what it says. With this recognition is the understanding that in His Word He calls for the church to conduct itself in an orderly and proper manner when it assembles together, acknowledging His Word as the authority and standard by which it aligns itself.

This also means each individual member must be using their gifts in an orderly and proper manner so the Spirit of God can take the Word of God being taught and apply it to the heart and mind of each believer.