Imagine having a disagreement with your neighbor so serious that you decide to take them to court. In 1 Corinthians 6, Paul confronts the Corinthian believers about why they would do this instead of resolving their issues within the church community.
The Reading: 1 Corinthians 6
World English Bible1 Dare any of you, having a matter against his neighbor, go to law before the unrighteous, and not before the saints?
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2 Don’t you know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters?
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3 Don’t you know that we will judge angels? How much more, things that pertain to this life?
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4 If then, you have to judge things pertaining to this life, do you set them to judge who are of no account in the assembly?
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5 I say this to move you to shame. Isn’t there even one wise man among you who would be able to decide between his brothers?
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6 But brother goes to law with brother, and that before unbelievers!
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7 Therefore it is already altogether a defect in you, that you have lawsuits one with another. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be defrauded?
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8 No, but you yourselves do wrong, and defraud, and that against your brothers.
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9 Or don’t you know that the unrighteous will not inherit God’s Kingdom? Don’t be deceived. Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor male prostitutes, nor homosexuals,
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10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor slanderers, nor extortionists, will inherit God’s Kingdom.
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11 Such were some of you, but you were washed. But you were sanctified. But you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and in the Spirit of our God.
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12 “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are expedient. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be brought under the power of anything.
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13 “Foods for the belly, and the belly for foods,” but God will bring to nothing both it and them. But the body is not for sexual immorality, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body.
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14 Now God raised up the Lord, and will also raise us up by his power.
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15 Don’t you know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them members of a prostitute? May it never be!
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16 Or don’t you know that he who is joined to a prostitute is one body? For, “The two”, he says, “will become one flesh.”
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17 But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit.
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18 Flee sexual immorality! “Every sin that a man does is outside the body,” but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body.
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19 Or don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own,
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20 for you were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.
What This Chapter Is Really Saying
Legal Matters Among Believers
In this chapter, Paul is perplexed as he sees fellow Christians taking their disputes to secular courts. He wonders why they would seek judgment from those who don't share their faith instead of turning to their own community, who he reminds them will one day judge the world and even angels.
A Call for Unity
Paul expresses disappointment, challenging the church to find wise individuals among them who can mediate their issues without resorting to public trials. Surely, they can settle their differences privately, rather than airing their grievances before non-believers. This behavior not only reflects poorly on the church but also undermines the principles of their faith.
The Bigger Picture of Morality
He takes it further, emphasizing that engaging in lawsuits with each other is already a sign of failure. Instead, he suggests they should be willing to take wrongs and defraud, rather than hurt their community. He then presents a serious warning: those who live unrighteous lives, including sexual immorality and other sinful behaviors, will not inherit God's Kingdom.
The Importance of the Body
Paul elaborates on the significance of the body, stating that it is not meant for sexual immorality but for the Lord. He stresses that believers' bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, implying they should treat their bodies with respect and honor. By being connected to Christ, their lives should reflect that sacred relationship.
Final Thoughts
In essence, Paul encourages believers to live righteously, focusing on their identity in Christ and the moral implications of their actions in everyday life.
Why It Matters
Community Matters
This chapter invites us to think about how we handle disagreements in our own lives. Are we quick to escalate conflicts or can we work things out with those around us? The church community should be a space of support, where disputes can be resolved lovingly and peacefully.
Rethink Your Actions
Paul's message about sexual morality still resonates today. In a world that often blurs the lines on right and wrong, we're reminded that our bodies are not just ours; they hold a deeper significance. Respecting ourselves and others is crucial for a wholesome and fulfilling life.
Honor God with Your Body
The idea that our bodies are temples should inspire us to treat ourselves with care. Consider how you live your life daily - in your actions, decisions, and relationships. It's about glorifying God through everything you do.
Finding a church that aligns with these values can be a great step in your faith journey. Find a church near you and connect with a community that encourages you to live out these principles.
Coming Up Next: 1 Corinthians 7
As we continue our journey into 1 Corinthians 7, Paul tackles the complexities of marriage, singleness, and relationships. It's a chapter that dives deep into how we approach love and commitment.