We have seen Paul wading through the issues that he had bene informed of, probably from Chloe’s household (1:11) and in this chapter we see 2 more. The first is very apt for 2025. Before we read I don’t believe this is giving license not to inform the authorities of criminal activity within the Church. If the law is broken the Police need to be informed. The Church should not cover-up or be silent. If the Church knows of serious allegations of illegal behaviour then the Church should speak up.
“If any of you has a dispute with another, do you dare to take it before the ungodly for judgment instead of before the Lord’s people? 2 Or do you not know that the Lord’s people will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases? 3 Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life! 4 Therefore, if you have disputes about such matters, do you ask for a ruling from those whose way of life is scorned in the church? 5 I say this to shame you. Is it possible that there is nobody among you wise enough to judge a dispute between believers? 6 But instead, one brother takes another to court—and this in front of unbelievers! 7 The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated? 8 Instead, you yourselves cheat and do wrong, and you do this to your brothers and sisters.” (1 Corinthians 6 v 1-8)
When Jesus told us not to judge (Matthew 7:1) he wasn’t meaning that the Church, like that in Corinth, should totally ignore judgment within the Church. Jesus was speaking of the position of pride and our the attitude of our heart looking down on one another.
But it id difficult looking at an incident 2,000 years ago in a world very different to our own. However I see this passage being very applicable to us regarding how we handle disputes and civil matters within the tabloids of life, the courts of social media and indeed the civilian courts.
You have lived a sheltered life if you have been a Church member for years and not witnessed disputes. It happens wherever people gather. The Apostle Paul has something to say in these verses though that help us.
- We will judge the world and angels (v2-3). He reminds us of our future exalted position in Christ. We have the mind of Christ and the presence of the Spirit so why are we not able to judge between issues of the members of the church?
- It impacts the testimony of the Church (v4-6). The world sees the disunity and also how selfish we are to win the argument.
- There is no evidence of the cross of Christ (v7-8). Sometimes we need to realise that losing is actually to win.
So a few questions to ponder:
- In the Church how do we balance justice and unity?
- In the Church what are our pathways for conflict resolution?
- In the Church how can we handle disputes in a way that honours Christ and maintains the unity of the Church?
Missions Paul 