1 Corinthians 6:1-11

About the Text

(1) What was the "dispute" about? In light of the triviality of the matter (cf. v. 2), and that there was cheating involved (v. 7), one Christian probably cheated another Christian out of some property in a business transaction.

(2) What does Paul mean that the "saints will judge the world"? In some mysterious way, we who are believers will pronounce judgment on unbelievers on the final Judgment Day of Christ. See Daniel 7:22, Matt. 19:28)

(3) Come on, will we believers actually judge angels someday? Yes, according to this verse. There is ample Biblical evidence that angels will be judged (Gal. 1:8, 2 Peter 2:4,9, Jude 6), but little evidence other than this verse that we will actually be doing the judging.

(4) What does this verse mean? I opt for the alternative translation, given in the footnote of the NIV Bible: "Therefore, if you have disputes about such matters, do you appoint as judges men of little account in the church?" In other words, Paul is rhetorically asking, "Don't you realize that you are actually giving ungodly pagans authority in the church?" This interpretation fits better with the overall context and Paul's line of argument, especially in the next verse.

(7) In what way have those Christians been "defeated"? Paul means that they have failed in doing what's right.

(7) Does this mean that Christians are never to go to court? No. This passage is speaking only about disputes between Christians that are best solved through the church. This passage does not forbid other situations such as (1) one of the two parties is an unbeliever, (2) all attempts by the church have been exhausted, so that according to Matthew18:15-18, the offending party may be considered a "pagan" and may therefore be brought to court.

(10) Is Paul saying that if I charge a lawsuit, or commit adultery, then I will lose my salvation? No. He is simply stating that the unsaved are prone to evil. Therefore, we who are saved (through faith in Jesus Christ) should be so thankful for God's free gift of salvation that we cheerfully resist the evil we used to indulge in.

Insights

• God gives Christians more capability of resolving their disputes than they think. (1-3)
God is disgraced when believers can't settle disputes out of brotherly love. (4-6)
When brotherly disputes end up in court, both the victim and the offender fall to ungodliness. (7-10)
Our motive for peaceful living is this: Christ died to forgive our sin. Therefore, the victim must forgive his brother, and the offender must stop his evil. (11)

The Bottom Line

Don't get sue-happy. Give Christ's way a chance. Once again, understanding the way to salvation is the key. God so loved us that He sent Jesus Christ to die on the cross to take the punishment for our sins, that if you believe, you can be sure of your salvation and all the blessings that come with it, including eternal life. Well, one of those blessings of salvation is a new ability to resolve conflicts, such as those involving money or property. In the old life, you might have lost friends over money matters. But the new life, we are to forgive our brother as Christ forgave us. We can avoid those thoughts of revenge and injury if we seek to put on the character of Christ.