SAY THAT JESUS IS THE LORD

As Paul turns to this new topic in his Corinthian writings, he underlines the fact that no believer is intended to stay ignorant of spiritual matters. God is not the God of secrecy but of revelation and spiritual education. Furthermore, in terming his readers ‘brethren’ he reaffirms the bond existing between all believers, that bond being forged through Calvary’s work.

However, as a preface to the great subject of gift, he reminds the Corinthians of the privation of their past as opposed to the privilege of their present. They ‘were Gentiles’, whereas now they were still Gentiles but Gentile believers. ‘Carried away’ - they had no say in the matter; they were prisoners to their culture and its idolatry and associated immorality, whereas now they were subject to the leading of the Spirit of God in their lives; the divine Teacher, who revealed the things of Christ to their hearts. ‘Unto dumb idols’ indicates that no communication could ever have been given to them, for the idols had nothing to say nor the capability to say it, whereas now they could receive communication from the vocal God and from His Spirit-empowered servants. What they had failed to recognize in their pre-conversion days was that behind these dumb idols were the satanic forces that enslaved them.

Thus, Paul gives the Corinthians specific guidelines for both prayer and witness based on their spiritual understanding rather than guesswork. None, claiming to be a believer, will ever be able to call Jesus accursed (anathema). This militates against the activities of the Spirit whose major work is to glorify Jesus. Contrariwise, only the person indwelt by the Spirit of God will be able to say, ‘Jesus is the Lord’.

What a privilege to take this holy, potent name on our lips. It is the name that speaks of His humanity, the name which caused the spirit world to tremble and acknowledge impotency, Mark 5. 12: it is the name which prevails both with men and God. But He is also Lord - Sovereign, Despotic Lord - the One who bought us, owns us and wants our communication with Him daily to learn and work out His will.