Imagine taking your family squabbles to a courtroom filled with strangers. In 1 Corinthians 6, Paul is perplexed that believers are doing just that instead of resolving their issues within their own 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
Disputes Among Believers
Paul opens by questioning why some church members are taking their disputes to secular courts instead of resolving them within the church. He reminds them that as believers, they have a special role in God's plan, hinting that they will one day judge the world and even angels. If they're equipped for such weighty matters, shouldn't they be able to settle their smaller disagreements?
The Call to Integrity
Next, Paul calls out the shame in fighting their battles in front of non-believers. Instead of seeking justice through lawsuits, he challenges them to consider being wronged or defrauded. After all, isn't it better to maintain unity and integrity than to risk public disputes?
Understanding Righteousness
Paul then delivers a sobering reminder: those who practice unrighteousness will not inherit the Kingdom of God. He lists various categories of sin, from sexual immorality to greed, emphasizing that many in the church once lived in such ways but have been washed clean through Jesus. They are now seen as sanctified and justified before God.
The Body Matters
The chapter takes a turn to discuss the body, which Paul emphasizes as a temple of the Holy Spirit. He argues that the body isn't meant for sexual immorality; rather, it should be honored and respected. Paul warns that joining one's body with a prostitute is a serious offense, as it goes against the divine purpose of their bodies.
Fleeing Immorality
Paul concludes with a strong exhortation: flee from sexual immorality and recognize that they were bought at a price. Therefore, they should glorify God with their bodies and spirits, both of which belong to Him.
Why It Matters
Embrace Community Solutions
This chapter encourages us to resolve our conflicts within our communities, valuing relationships over legal battles. Finding a loving solution among friends can lead to healthier relationships and a stronger community.
Recognizing Our Worth
Understanding that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit helps us appreciate our identity and worth in Christ. This perspective can guide us in making better choices about how we treat ourselves and others.
The Importance of Integrity
Paul's call to integrity is as relevant today as it was in the first century. It challenges us to prioritize our values and actions, ensuring they align with our faith. As we navigate life's complexities, we can remember to seek wisdom through our spiritual communities.
If you're looking to connect with a church community that values integrity and support, check out Sancta to find a church near you.
Coming Up Next: 1 Corinthians 7
In the next part of our journey through 1 Corinthians, Paul dives into the topic of marriage and singleness. Get ready to explore what it means to live in relationships that honor God!