Why should believers avoid seeking judgment from "those of no standing in the church"? Setting the Scene in Corinth • The believers in Corinth were dragging one another before secular judges to settle disputes. • Paul’s rebuke begins with a shocking reminder: “If any of you has a dispute with another, dare he take it before the ungodly for judgment instead of before the saints?” (1 Corinthians 6:1). Who Are “Those of No Standing in the Church”? • Literally: unbelieving civil magistrates—competent in Roman law yet devoid of spiritual life. • Figuratively: anyone outside Christ’s body who lacks the Spirit’s wisdom (1 Corinthians 2:14). Why Turn Away from Secular Judgment? 1. Spiritual Capacity • “Do you not know that the saints will judge the world?” (1 Corinthians 6:2). • If believers are destined to judge the world—and even angels (v. 3)—they possess Spirit-given discernment surpassing any earthly bench. 2. Family Integrity • In Christ we are “members one of another” (Ephesians 4:25). • Public litigation broadcasts family quarrels and contradicts the Lord’s command to love one another (John 13:34-35). 3. Witness Before the World • Lawsuits among Christians invite ridicule and harden unbelief (John 17:20-21). • Peter urges believers to keep conduct honorable so that onlookers “may see your good deeds and glorify God” (1 Peter 2:12). 4. Availability of God-Ordained Structures • Jesus provided a clear, step-by-step process for settling conflicts inside the church (Matthew 18:15-17). • Elders are charged with shepherding, guiding, and correcting (1 Peter 5:1-3). To bypass them demeans their God-given role. 5. Protection from Worldly Values • Secular courts operate by standards that may elevate profit, reputation, or revenge above righteousness. • “Friendship with the world is hostility toward God” (James 4:4). 6. Call to Self-Denial • Paul’s stunning alternative: “Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated?” (1 Corinthians 6:7). • Christ Himself “suffered unjustly” yet “kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges justly” (1 Peter 2:23). Consequences of Ignoring Paul’s Warning • Shame upon the church (1 Corinthians 6:5). • Division grows deeper; bitterness festers (Hebrews 12:15). • Unbelievers conclude that the gospel changes nothing. The Constructive Path Forward • Examine Hearts First – “Search me, O God” (Psalm 139:23). Often the dispute reveals personal pride. • Engage Private Dialogue – One-on-one conversation is step one (Matthew 18:15). • Invite Wise Believers – Two or three spiritually mature witnesses can clarify truth (Matthew 18:16). • Submit to Church Leadership – Allow elders to arbitrate; honor their decision as final (Hebrews 13:17). • Embrace Forgiveness and Reconciliation – “Forgive, just as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32). • Accept Loss When Necessary – Better to lose money than to lose testimony (Philippians 3:7-8). Living It Out Today • Consider drafting a church covenant for conflict resolution. • Seek legal counsel only after every biblical avenue is exhausted and leadership concurs. • Cultivate a congregation culture where humility, patience, and peacemaking are prized (Colossians 3:12-15). Followers of Christ are called to settle family matters within the family, displaying the wisdom, unity, and grace that flow from the gospel itself. |
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