The church in Corinth was in much need of rebuke and provoking. Paul has been informed of issues within the church, some of which involved legal action between believers. The apostle calls on Christians in Corinth to rely on members of the church to resolve disagreements rather than expose them to the world.
“1 If any of you has a dispute with another, dare he take it before the ungodly for judgment instead of before the saints? 2Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases? 3 Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life!” (1 Corinthians 6:1-3)
Paul reveals prophecy found in the word that the saints would be empowered to one day judge the world. Because of this he commands the believers in Corinth to trust their matters to the church rather than pagan Romans who thrived on conflict and division within the Christian church.
“4 Therefore, if you have disputes about such matters, appoint as judges even men of little account in the church! 5 I say this to shame you. Is it possible that there is nobody among you wise enough to judge a dispute between believers?” (1 Corinthians 6:4-5)
The church in corinth had been exposed to conflict which would be better resolved within the church as each members work out their own salvation through the resolve of such issues. Paul declares even the least witted within the church more qualified to judge a matter between two believers than any pagan judge.
“6 But instead, one brother goes to law against another—and this in front of unbelievers! 7 The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated?” (1 Corinthians 6:6-7)
The apostle was aware of legal proceeding that were taking place as he wrote this letter to the Corinthian church. He called upon them to reply on humility and keep focus on serving God almighty, setting aside pride and greed. Admitting defeat to man, believers can bring glory to God through humility as we abide by the word for God which tells us that He resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.
“8 Instead, you yourselves cheat and do wrong, and you do this to your brothers. 9 Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders 10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 6:8-10)
Paul knew of wrongful accusations within the Corinthian church which were brought before pagan courts. He points out that no unrighteous person would inherit a place in the kingdom of God, a place made perfect by God where He will rejoice with all the saints then made perfect through the blood of Christ shed on the cross.
“11 And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” (1 Corinthians 6:11)
Through God’s grace all those who believe in Christ are saved from the lake of fire, the place where all sinners belong. Since all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory, it is through the blood of Christ believers are saved, and by God’s grace we become heirs to His kingdom.
Christians should look to resolve conflict between themselves or within the church. Resorting to the judicial system of the world not only exposes division within the church, it also defiles the scripture which calls on believers to humble ourselves for God’s glory. Let us pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant Paul,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
