Summary of 1 Corinthians 6:1-8:
Paul tells the Corinthians if there is a dispute amongst believers to settle it amongst believers and not amongst the ungodly. For saints judge the world and as a saint aren’t you competent to judge trivial cases? You will judge angels! The fact you have lawsuits means defeat already. Why not be wronged instead? (This is talking amongst believers only not amongst a believer and a non-believer).
BSF Study Questions Acts Lesson 22, Day 3: 1 Corinthians 6:1-8
6) Paul was addressing the fact that when there was a dispute, believers were going to the court system to work it out, instead of working it out amongst themselves. We are destined for greatness, and here petty things are getting us down.
7) Christians who love one another should approach disputes with a loving heart and should approach disputes not selfishly.
8 ) Personal Question. My answer: I don’t have any specific situation in mind, but, in general, you should approach every dispute with the attitude of compromise and giving in or up in order to settle matters and keep the relationship. Self-sacrifice is key and is what Jesus would do.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions Acts Lesson 22, Day 3: 1 Corinthians 6:1-8
Good lesson on the importance of settling disputes and not letting them simmer.
End Notes BSF Study Questions Acts Lesson 22, Day 3: 1 Corinthians 6:1-8
The local judge in this time period sat in what was known as the “bema” seat of the civil magistrate, located in the heart of the marketplace. Because Greek culture found a good legal battle entertaining, anyone’s lawsuit soon became public knowledge.
It is important for Christians to settle disputes among themselves according to God’s principles. This can be done either through the church, or through Christian arbitration. But today, even as in Paul’s day, there is no reason for Christians to sue one another.
In Romans 13:3-4 Paul says that it is appropriate for the state to handle criminal cases. Christians should, however, be able to handle civil cases among themselves.
Paul chastizes those who cling to their rights and go to court against their own brother. You have lost already if you do so.
Paul called this man to give up what he deserved for the higher good of God and His kingdom. But the man who was wronged should not think Paul was asking him to take a loss. No one who accepts wrong for the sake of God’s glory will be a loser.