I Corinthians 6:1-11: "Keeping it in the Family"
Paul has been exhorting the Corinthian believers all throughout his letter to them. The Corinthians, although redeemed, had been living like they had before they became saved. They were divided, bickering, arrogant, and living immorally. Paul has just finished convicting them of allowing gross immorality to dwell within their church, he has scolded them for not grieving over the sin and disassociating with the so-called brother. Apparently another issue in the church was believers taking other believers to court, rather than dealing with it within the church family. MacArthur writes, "This text reveals they were envious of fellow Christians, critical of fellow Christians, and took business and financial advantage of each other. They carried these things so far as to take each other to court - and secular, pagan courts at that. They hung out their dirty laundry for all the world to see". It is interesting to note, just as Paul spent more time scolding the church for allowing the immoral incestuous relationship in their midst than he did on the individuals involved; he again spends his time here reprimanding the church for their dragging each other into secular courts more than the individuals that had wronged the other. What we can take from this is that our response to sin as the body of Christ is just as, if not more important than the individual sin taking place. Paul saw this as more of a threat than an individual sinning. Paul obviously was disgusted and disappointed by the individual sin going on in the lives of the incestuous couple and those in the church taking advantage of others, however, he was more concerned with the church's response to these sins.
Paul begins this section with an indictment more than a question, "Does any one of you, when he has a case against his neighbor, dare to go to law before the unrighteous, and not before the saints?" Basically Paul is saying, "why would you bring your disagreements before a secular court, instead of letting the church handle it?" By "unrighteous" Paul is not giving a term of morality, but rather, he is stating the nature of their souls as unredeemed before God. Paul is trying to get them to see that the secular courts will not have the godly wisdom and insight into the matter that the church will. He is not so concerned with the verdicts or judgment, but rather, that they would leave the judgments up to people who do not know the Lord, do not have the same convictions, and do not know the Scriptures. MacArthur writes, "Paul's concern was not that believers would get an unfair hearing in the public courts. They may have been given as fair judgments there as they would have received from fellow Christians. Paul was concerned because they had so little respect for the church's authority and ability to settle its own dispute". To continue his case, and help his readers to understand how foolish it is that they would bring their disputes to a secular court than to the church, he writes, "Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world?" One day, in our glorified state we will be given grand responsibility over the world, why then would we go to a inferior and unrighteous court here on earth to settle our disputes. If one day you will be qualified to rule over nations and kingdoms, why would the church not be able to handle such petty matters here on earth. Paul wants them to understand the privilege they have of belonging to the church and to utilize it while they are here. MacArthur points out, "If the saints will one day rule the entire earth, they surely are able to rule themselves within the church now". Paul continues with his point, "And if the world is judged by you, are you not competent to constitute the smallest law courts? Do you not know that we shall judge angels?" Paul wants his readers to understand the privilege of being a believer and the responsibility we will be given. Therefore, we must prepare ourselves here on earth for the responsibilities we will carry. It is vital then, that we trust in the authority that God has set in place. If we are going to judge angels, can we not judge in fairness between two men? Scripture is not clear as to which angels and the extent of our responsibilities will be in judging them, but we do know we will carry this out in some capacity. Therefore, MacArthur explains, "if we are to judge and rule over the world and over angels in the age to come, we are surely able, under the guidance of Scripture and the Holy Spirit, to settle any matters of disagreement among ourselves today".
Paul draws our attention to another point, "If then you have law courts dealing with matters of this life, do you appoint them as judges who are of no account in the church?" When Christ is our life, and the building up of his church is our focus, why would we turn over judgments to those who do not even belong to the church? The fact that the Corinthians were doing this on a regular basis was telling of their hearts. Possibly without even understanding or knowing their intentions, they were sending a message that they trusted in the judgments and the wisdom of unrighteous and secular courts over the rulings of the church. MacArthur summarizes, "When Christians have earthly quarrels and disputes among themselves, it is inconceivable that those who will rule eternally should try to settle them through tribunals run by unbelievers, by judges who are of no account in the church". When we agree as a church to come together and abide by its authority under God and under Scripture we show our harmony, humility, unity and our submissiveness to what God has set up. We are telling the world that we base our trust on Christ's firm foundation, rather than on the so-called wisdom of this world that Paul has tried so hard to get his readers to forsake. To show his disappointment in their decisions Paul pointedly responds, "I say this to your shame". Paul was ashamed at the behavior of the Corinthian church. To be so divided and arrogant, and above all else a terrible example to the secular world. He knew they should know better and sarcastically adds, "Is it so, that there is not among you one wise man who will be able to decide between his brethren, but brother goes to law with brother, and that before unbelievers". What a flaming arrow, aimed right at their hearts. Here again, Paul is simply showing them that matters must be taken care of within the wisdom and authority of the church. However, Paul goes a step further and convicts them of the disunity among them as well. He is saying, if it isn't bad enough that brother is going against brother, but you are now doing it in front of the world. Paul is saying, "quit fighting and bickering, quit taking advantage of each other, learn to settle things among one another, and if you can't resolve it between the two of you, take it to the church, not before earthly courts.
As Paul usually does, he lays before his readers their sin, he builds his case against why it is wrong, and then gives them the proper biblical principle to follow. He writes, "Actually, then, it is already a defeat for you, that you have lawsuits with one another". Paul wants the Corinthians to see, that you have already lost your case, if you are taking these cases to the court. You have ruined your testimony, and have not properly submitted to the rule of the church. So before a ruling has even been decided on your case, in God's eyes you have lost. MacArthur adds a believer, "is selfish, and he discredits the power, wisdom, and work of God, when he tries to get what he wants through the judgments of unbelievers". So our proper response to a disagreement should begin with the attitude that nothing can be gained by taking my brother to a worldly court. In addition, Paul tells us our attitude should be: "Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be defrauded?" It would be better that we do not get back what was lost, or let another get away with what they have done, if it means we keep from taking our brothers or sisters to court. It would be better that you lose out financially than spiritually. The damage you do to the church does not outweigh the damage that was personally done to you. If we have an understanding that all that we have comes from God, everything we have is His, this will help us to let go of any rights we feel we may have and animosity towards someone we feel has cheated us. MacArthur writes, "It is far better to lose financially than to lose spiritually. Even when we are clearly in the legal right, we do not have the moral and spiritual right to insist on our legal right in a public court. If the brother has wronged us in any way, our response should be to forgive him and to leave the outcome of the matter in God's hand". It is clear to see that when we go to the extreme of taking another believer to court, we are showing our lack of trust in God and his ability to provide us with what we need. We are trying to take the outcome out of God and His people's hand, and put it in the hand of a non-believer. And with another stinging indictment reminds them, that instead of the proper response, "you yourselves wrong and defraud, and that your brethren". Let's remember this verse when we are tempted to try to get even or get what we feel we have been defrauded, "seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added". Our first thought should be to seek God and be obedient to Him, when we do this, the rest will fall in line. God knows our needs, let's remember this when we feel the urge to bring another brother to court.
Lastly, Paul wants to remind his readers that they are Christians. He wants them to remember what they are and see that their actions have not been proving it. He writes, "Or do you not know that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God?" Don't you know that those who are characterized by unrighteousness and immorality are not saved. Then why are you acting like it? You have been saved by the blood Christ to die to your sin and be a bond-servant of Christ. He has died on the cross for all of the sins, why then do you continue in them? Paul continues, "Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, shall inherit the kingdom of God". MacArthur explains, "Paul's purpose here is not to give a list of sins that will indicate one has lost his salvation. There are no such sins. He is rather giving a catalog of sinners who are typical of the unsaved. Persons who lives are totally characterized by such sins are not saved and therefore unrighteous, unjustified. They shall not inherit the kingdom of God, because they are not right with God". Here is where Paul's reminder comes, his call to them to step up and remember their holy calling, "And such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and in the Spirit of our God". What a great reminder to all of us. Sometimes as Christians we begin to live our lives like robots. We know in our head that we are Christians and morally want to go through the proper motions, but it sometimes takes a hard shot of Scripture like this to remember all that Christ has done for us, and we MUST live our lives in a holy mannner. The previous list of sins USED to characterize our lives, but we are no longer under the bondage of sin, but rather, alive in Christ and we must live like it!
Paul begins this section with an indictment more than a question, "Does any one of you, when he has a case against his neighbor, dare to go to law before the unrighteous, and not before the saints?" Basically Paul is saying, "why would you bring your disagreements before a secular court, instead of letting the church handle it?" By "unrighteous" Paul is not giving a term of morality, but rather, he is stating the nature of their souls as unredeemed before God. Paul is trying to get them to see that the secular courts will not have the godly wisdom and insight into the matter that the church will. He is not so concerned with the verdicts or judgment, but rather, that they would leave the judgments up to people who do not know the Lord, do not have the same convictions, and do not know the Scriptures. MacArthur writes, "Paul's concern was not that believers would get an unfair hearing in the public courts. They may have been given as fair judgments there as they would have received from fellow Christians. Paul was concerned because they had so little respect for the church's authority and ability to settle its own dispute". To continue his case, and help his readers to understand how foolish it is that they would bring their disputes to a secular court than to the church, he writes, "Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world?" One day, in our glorified state we will be given grand responsibility over the world, why then would we go to a inferior and unrighteous court here on earth to settle our disputes. If one day you will be qualified to rule over nations and kingdoms, why would the church not be able to handle such petty matters here on earth. Paul wants them to understand the privilege they have of belonging to the church and to utilize it while they are here. MacArthur points out, "If the saints will one day rule the entire earth, they surely are able to rule themselves within the church now". Paul continues with his point, "And if the world is judged by you, are you not competent to constitute the smallest law courts? Do you not know that we shall judge angels?" Paul wants his readers to understand the privilege of being a believer and the responsibility we will be given. Therefore, we must prepare ourselves here on earth for the responsibilities we will carry. It is vital then, that we trust in the authority that God has set in place. If we are going to judge angels, can we not judge in fairness between two men? Scripture is not clear as to which angels and the extent of our responsibilities will be in judging them, but we do know we will carry this out in some capacity. Therefore, MacArthur explains, "if we are to judge and rule over the world and over angels in the age to come, we are surely able, under the guidance of Scripture and the Holy Spirit, to settle any matters of disagreement among ourselves today".
Paul draws our attention to another point, "If then you have law courts dealing with matters of this life, do you appoint them as judges who are of no account in the church?" When Christ is our life, and the building up of his church is our focus, why would we turn over judgments to those who do not even belong to the church? The fact that the Corinthians were doing this on a regular basis was telling of their hearts. Possibly without even understanding or knowing their intentions, they were sending a message that they trusted in the judgments and the wisdom of unrighteous and secular courts over the rulings of the church. MacArthur summarizes, "When Christians have earthly quarrels and disputes among themselves, it is inconceivable that those who will rule eternally should try to settle them through tribunals run by unbelievers, by judges who are of no account in the church". When we agree as a church to come together and abide by its authority under God and under Scripture we show our harmony, humility, unity and our submissiveness to what God has set up. We are telling the world that we base our trust on Christ's firm foundation, rather than on the so-called wisdom of this world that Paul has tried so hard to get his readers to forsake. To show his disappointment in their decisions Paul pointedly responds, "I say this to your shame". Paul was ashamed at the behavior of the Corinthian church. To be so divided and arrogant, and above all else a terrible example to the secular world. He knew they should know better and sarcastically adds, "Is it so, that there is not among you one wise man who will be able to decide between his brethren, but brother goes to law with brother, and that before unbelievers". What a flaming arrow, aimed right at their hearts. Here again, Paul is simply showing them that matters must be taken care of within the wisdom and authority of the church. However, Paul goes a step further and convicts them of the disunity among them as well. He is saying, if it isn't bad enough that brother is going against brother, but you are now doing it in front of the world. Paul is saying, "quit fighting and bickering, quit taking advantage of each other, learn to settle things among one another, and if you can't resolve it between the two of you, take it to the church, not before earthly courts.
As Paul usually does, he lays before his readers their sin, he builds his case against why it is wrong, and then gives them the proper biblical principle to follow. He writes, "Actually, then, it is already a defeat for you, that you have lawsuits with one another". Paul wants the Corinthians to see, that you have already lost your case, if you are taking these cases to the court. You have ruined your testimony, and have not properly submitted to the rule of the church. So before a ruling has even been decided on your case, in God's eyes you have lost. MacArthur adds a believer, "is selfish, and he discredits the power, wisdom, and work of God, when he tries to get what he wants through the judgments of unbelievers". So our proper response to a disagreement should begin with the attitude that nothing can be gained by taking my brother to a worldly court. In addition, Paul tells us our attitude should be: "Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be defrauded?" It would be better that we do not get back what was lost, or let another get away with what they have done, if it means we keep from taking our brothers or sisters to court. It would be better that you lose out financially than spiritually. The damage you do to the church does not outweigh the damage that was personally done to you. If we have an understanding that all that we have comes from God, everything we have is His, this will help us to let go of any rights we feel we may have and animosity towards someone we feel has cheated us. MacArthur writes, "It is far better to lose financially than to lose spiritually. Even when we are clearly in the legal right, we do not have the moral and spiritual right to insist on our legal right in a public court. If the brother has wronged us in any way, our response should be to forgive him and to leave the outcome of the matter in God's hand". It is clear to see that when we go to the extreme of taking another believer to court, we are showing our lack of trust in God and his ability to provide us with what we need. We are trying to take the outcome out of God and His people's hand, and put it in the hand of a non-believer. And with another stinging indictment reminds them, that instead of the proper response, "you yourselves wrong and defraud, and that your brethren". Let's remember this verse when we are tempted to try to get even or get what we feel we have been defrauded, "seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added". Our first thought should be to seek God and be obedient to Him, when we do this, the rest will fall in line. God knows our needs, let's remember this when we feel the urge to bring another brother to court.
Lastly, Paul wants to remind his readers that they are Christians. He wants them to remember what they are and see that their actions have not been proving it. He writes, "Or do you not know that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God?" Don't you know that those who are characterized by unrighteousness and immorality are not saved. Then why are you acting like it? You have been saved by the blood Christ to die to your sin and be a bond-servant of Christ. He has died on the cross for all of the sins, why then do you continue in them? Paul continues, "Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, shall inherit the kingdom of God". MacArthur explains, "Paul's purpose here is not to give a list of sins that will indicate one has lost his salvation. There are no such sins. He is rather giving a catalog of sinners who are typical of the unsaved. Persons who lives are totally characterized by such sins are not saved and therefore unrighteous, unjustified. They shall not inherit the kingdom of God, because they are not right with God". Here is where Paul's reminder comes, his call to them to step up and remember their holy calling, "And such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and in the Spirit of our God". What a great reminder to all of us. Sometimes as Christians we begin to live our lives like robots. We know in our head that we are Christians and morally want to go through the proper motions, but it sometimes takes a hard shot of Scripture like this to remember all that Christ has done for us, and we MUST live our lives in a holy mannner. The previous list of sins USED to characterize our lives, but we are no longer under the bondage of sin, but rather, alive in Christ and we must live like it!
posted by amesfam | 2:11 PM
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