(1 Corinthians 12:3)…..Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit.
What is Paul’s reason for saying this to the Corinthian believers? It was to correct their ignorance of who it really is who speaks on behalf of God, the Holy Spirit. Anybody can say they speak for God, but how does one know if it is a valid message from Him? Does he/she claim that Jesus is Lord? Because what a person believes or proclaims about Jesus reveals whether he/she is speaking by the Holy Spirit.
No one speaking by the Spirit of God can call Jesus accursed. This is to attack the person of Christ, proclaiming all that He is, all that He says is false. Compare (Galatians 1:6-10). Be careful who you believe when it comes to the Word of God. Test the messenger by what they teach about Jesus Christ.
The truth is, Jesus Christ is Lord! This is a title of Majesty, of Kingship, which is deserving of reverence, awe, and devotion from the subjects (servants)(Romans 10:9-10) (Ephesians 1:19-23) (Philippians 2:9-11). As Jesus Himself taught His disciples – (John 13:12-17). As the apostle Peter also proclaimed (Acts 2:36) (Acts 10:36). As the apostle, Paul also proclaimed (Roman 14:9).
To the Christian, Jesus is the only Lord (1Corinthians 8:5-7) (Ephesians 4:4-6). Jesus is the one who is, our Lord, our Master, and his rules out anyone and anything else in this world that might want that title, even ourselves (Luke 14:25-33) (Galatians 5:24-25). Acknowledging Jesus as Lord is not proven by our intellect, our abilities, our environment (parents, spouse, family), etc. Instead, it involves a disdain for the things of the world and having instead a consuming desire to know Christ. To know Him personally, to know His righteousness, to know His power, to know His sufferings (Philippians 3:7-10). This involves us constantly pressing on, not being satisfied with one’s level of spiritual growth, not glorying in past accomplishments, willing to leave the past behind (Philippians 3:12-14). Paul’s attitude here demonstrates the attitude of one who believes that and lives as Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 3:15).
Jesus would have us submit to Him as Lord. Why? Because He has all authority and expects us to observe what He commands (Matthew 28:18-20)
The question that must be asked is – “Who is Jesus to you”? You might acknowledge Him as “the” Lord. You might join others in praising Him as “our” Lord. But have you submitted to Him in such that you can rightly say – “Jesus is my Lord”!