1 Corinthians 6:1-8
When one of you has a grievance against another, does he dare go to law before the unrighteous instead of the saints? Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by you, are you incompetent to try trivial cases? Do you not know that we are to judge angels? How much more, then, matters pertaining to this life? So if you have such cases, why do you lay them before those who have no standing in the church? I say this to your shame. Can it be that there is no one among you wise enough to settle a dispute between the brothers, but brother goes to law against brother, and that before unbelievers? To have lawsuits at all with one another is already a defeat for you. Why not rather suffer wrong Why not rather be defrauded? But you yourselves wrong and defraud-even your own brothers! (ESV).
- Their Spiritual Ignorance
“Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? … Do you not know that we are to judge angels?…
1.1 The Cultural and Legal Context of Corinth
1.2 The Moral and Social Failures in the Corinthian Church
a. Divisions in the church (1 Cor. 1:10-13 10)
b. Sexual immorality (1 Cor. 5:1-2)
c. Improper conduct in worship (1 Cor. 11:17-22)
1.3 The Theological Implications of their Actions.
1.3.1 The Saints Will Judge the World.
1.3.2 The Saints Will Judge Angels. - Their Social Incompetence
2.1 The Shame of Taking Fellow Believers to Secular Courts.
2.2 The Deeper Problem: A Spirit of Selfishness and Defeat
Rather than insisting on their rights, they should have been willing to endure loss for the sake of peace and unity, as Jesus taught in Matthew 5:39-40:
“But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well.” (ESV)
Instead of responding with grace and forgiveness, the Corinthians were wronging each other. This behaviour was contrary to Christian love and unity. Paul had previously instructed them in 1 Corinthians 1:10:
“I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.” (ESV)
2.3 How Christians Must Handle Disputes Biblically
Rather than taking disputes to secular courts, Jesus provides clear instructions for resolving conflicts among believers in Matthew 18:15-20:
“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.” (ESV)
This passage provides a three-step process:
a. Private confrontation – The offended party must first address the matter privately.
b. Bring witnesses – If reconciliation is not achieved, others are brought to confirm the issue.
c. Tell it to the church – If the offender refuses to repent, the matter is brought before the church, possibly leading to excommunication.
This method ensures biblical justice, promotes reconciliation, and upholds the church’s witness.
Conclusion:
The Church Must Handle Internal Disputes with Biblical Wisdom.