The Only Ones

I Corinthians 14:36-40


The Catholic Church. The Disciples of Christ. The Church of God. The Full Gospel Church.

The names imply that these churches are the only ones. Some Baptists say only Baptists will be in heaven. Others say not even all Baptists will make it. The attitude that we are the only ones is very common. Apparently, the church at Corinth had this attitude as well. Despite all the problems Paul has been forced to address, their unspiritual state led them to believe they were the only ones who knew the truth.

“What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only? If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant. Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. Let all things be done decently and in order.” (I Corinthians 14:36-40)

The church’s actions imply that they think they are the only ones who have the truth. Perhaps even the Apostle Paul doesn’t know since he didn’t do it the way they do. Paul brought the gospel to them. He did not take it from them to the Jews in Jerusalem. Their differences suggest that they need to examine what they are doing.

Anyone who is truly spiritual will recognize that what Paul has written here about how the church is to do things are actually God’s commands. Refusing to follow them is disobeying God.

The terminology about the one who is ignorant is much like the terminology in Matthew 18:17, when Jesus says that if a man refuses to hear the church, we are to let him be as an heathen man and a publican. That rebellious man is to be considered as a sinner, and not a Christian. The man who doesn’t recognize Paul’s directions as being from God is to be considered ignorant about the things of God. He’s not qualified to teach or lead others.


The truth is available to all Christians. Romans 8:9 makes it clear that every Christian has the Holy Spirit. “But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” It is impossible top be a Christian without him. If he is there he will teach us what we need.

“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” (John 14:26)

"Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you.” (John 16:13-14)

Everyone who allows the Spirit to lead them will come to the same conclusions as they study the word of God, because they will all have the same teacher.

Our biggest desire should be to share the word of God. We are not to forbid people to speak in tongues, but it must be done properly, in accordance with God’s command. Everything in the church is to be done in an orderly, proper manner.