How can we apply 1 Corinthians 6:4 in modern church conflict resolution? Setting the Scene—What Paul Actually Said 1 Corinthians 6:4: “So if you need to settle everyday matters, do you appoint as judges those of no standing in the church?” Why Paul’s Concern Still Matters • The local church is a family; taking family disputes to secular courts tells the world we can’t live out the gospel we proclaim (John 13:34–35). • Civil judges lack spiritual discernment and covenant loyalty to Christ, so their solutions rarely aim at reconciliation or holiness (Psalm 1:1). • Paul’s expectation: Spirit-filled believers are competent—through Scripture and prayer—to arbitrate “everyday matters.” Identify Wise, God-Fearing Arbitrators • Look for proven character: “men who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom” (Acts 6:3). • Ensure impartiality: no personal stake in the outcome (Proverbs 18:13). • Include both genders and varied ages when the conflict touches broad concerns (Titus 2:2–5). • Confirm biblical literacy: they must ground every counsel in clear passages, not personal opinion (2 Timothy 3:16–17). A Step-by-Step Process for Modern Churches 1. Initial private meeting (Matthew 18:15). 2. If unresolved, bring one or two mature members as witnesses (Matthew 18:16). 3. Form a small panel of elders or trusted saints; they pray, gather facts, and mediate (1 Corinthians 6:5). 4. Accept their decision as binding, unless it violates Scripture (Hebrews 13:17). 5. If either party hardens, the church may exercise loving discipline to protect unity (Matthew 18:17; 1 Corinthians 5:11–13). What About Legal Requirements? • Criminal behavior (Romans 13:1–4) belongs to civil authorities; reporting is obedience, not betrayal. • Contractual disputes may sometimes require outside arbitration by law; pursue Christian mediators first, then proceed with integrity (Romans 12:18). • Always testify truthfully and refuse retaliatory attitudes (1 Peter 2:12). Heart Preparation Before Any Hearing • Examine motives: “Why not rather be wronged?” (1 Corinthians 6:7). • Confess personal sin quickly (Psalm 139:23–24). • Pray for the other party’s good (Matthew 5:44). The Larger Biblical Picture • Peacemaking is a mark of sonship (Matthew 5:9). • Reconciliation mirrors God’s own work in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:18–19). • Unity demonstrates God’s wisdom to spiritual powers (Ephesians 3:10). Walking this path keeps conflicts from festering, upholds our witness, and proves the sufficiency of God’s Word for every “everyday matter.” |
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