I Corinthians 12:3
‘Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus is accursed”; and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.’
Paul finished chapter 11 which dealt with the church coming together for communion and having a meal. It became a divisive event as there would be some poor members who wouldn’t have food to eat. Yet those with means were feasting with their friends. Some would get drunk. Paul concluded by telling them to eat and drink at home. He also addressed the sacredness of communion and how it’s for believers. Some would partake that weren’t right with God and were getting sick. Some died.
Chapter 12 is about spiritual gifts. Sandwiched in between is today’s verse. I would say that he is making the point that this is all church business.
He says, ‘no one speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus is accursed”; and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.’ The first observation is that a believer has the Holy Spirit.
Jesus brought up the topic of the Holy Spirit several times. On was in John 16:7, “But I tell you the truth, it is for your benefit that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.” He also said this a few verses later, “However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak what He hears, and He will declare to you what is to come”, (16:13). This is amazing. He guides us “into all truth”.
I can recall the Holy Spirit’s influence as a young christian. Some of it was conviction of sin. Others was His comforting presence. I felt His guidance and blessing. Romans 8:14-16 has been a blessing for the past few years, ‘For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons and daughters of God. For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons and daughters by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God’. I can feel His Spirit testifying with mine that I am His child. Like the warm nod of a parent or teacher. But He’s on the inside. He’s with us everywhere we go.
We easily say, “Jesus is Lord”. He is such an integral part of our lives. We could never say, “Jesus is accursed”. He’s our everything.
On the other hand, while an unbeliever might approve of christian teaching, he hasn’t submitted himself to the lordship of Christ. He can’t sincerely say that Jesus is his lord. Then there are the enemies of the cross. They whole heartedly say, “Jesus is acursed”. They clearly don’t have the Holy Spirit. This is blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. We say that Jesus is Lord by the Holy Spirit. He helps us in making Jesus lord. There are plenty of religious who are working to make Jesus lord. It can’t be done that way. That’s part of it. We need His empowering. Just like we can’t regenerate ourselves. We ask Him and He does it for us. The fact that they are trying interests God greatly. They are going in the right direction.
Thank You, Lord that You help us. More than that really. You are drawing us. You make us aware of what to do. We ask and You do the saving. Then when in Christ You protect us and help us to walk in Your ways. You restore what was to be in the garden. You become our Father and adopt us. Thank You, Lord.