Why should disputes be resolved within the church according to 1 Corinthians 6:1?

◄ Why resolve disputes in church? ►

“If any of you has a grievance against another, how dare he go to law before the unrighteous instead of before the saints!”

Why Keep Disputes Within the Church?

• We are family in Christ; family matters stay in the family.

• The saints are equipped by God’s Word and Spirit to judge rightly (6:2-3).

• Secular courts are called “the unrighteous”; their standards are not rooted in Scripture.

• Public lawsuits broadcast division and tarnish the church’s witness (John 13:35).

• Resolving issues internally protects unity and encourages reconciliation over retaliation.

• Obedience to apostolic instruction honors Christ’s lordship (Luke 6:46).

What 1 Corinthians 6:1–3 Reveals About Believers

• Destiny: “the saints will judge the world” (v. 2).

• Competence: if we will judge angels, we can handle “matters of this life” (v. 3).

• Responsibility: God expects His people to apply biblical wisdom now, not only in eternity.

Practical Steps for Today

1. Go first to the person privately (Matthew 18:15).

2. If unresolved, invite one or two mature believers to help (Matthew 18:16).

3. Bring the matter before church leadership for impartial mediation (Matthew 18:17a).

4. Submit to the church’s biblically grounded decision, seeking restoration, not revenge.

5. Keep the goal in view: glorify God, strengthen fellowship, and display gospel grace.

Supporting Scriptures

• Matthew 18:15-17 — the Lord’s pattern for settling offenses.

• Proverbs 11:14 — “victory is won through many counselors.”

• James 3:17 — wisdom from above is “peace-loving, gentle, open to reason.”

• 1 Peter 4:17 — “it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God.”

• Galatians 6:1 — restore one caught in a fault “in a spirit of gentleness.”