I Corinthians Study I Corinthians 6:1-20 Believers Going to Court Against One Another

As we have observed, the Corinthian church was a highly gifted church; however, it was a church also beset with some glaring issues.  Beginning in verse 1 of Chapter 6, we will observe the issue of Christians using the law against one another.  As believers, we should not take up our differences in a secular court.  We should address our issues from God’s word! (Matthew 5:23-26; 18:15-17).   We definitely should not expose our church differences to a secular court!  First and Foremost, it would be extremely embarrassing, and it would tarnish our testimony before others!  Christians are forbidden in going to court against Christians but, can go to court against unbelievers.

Beginning in verse 2-3, Paul introduces the fact that Christians shall judge the world and angels.   Exposing the severity of their ignorance in verses 4-8, Paul reveals how shameful it was for brethren to go to court against one another, knowing that saints are spiritually qualified to handle their own differences.  The church’s spiritual matters must be handled by the church, not a secular court.  The Holy Spirit, not a secular judge, is the One who helps us to make sound spiritual decisions!

In verses 9-10, Paul presents an apt description of the pre-salvation condition of the unrighteous.  However, in verse 12, Paul describes a believer’s life since salvation by stating that he or she has been “washed, sanctified and justified.”  We are washed, meaning that we have been “born again” (St. John 3:6); we have been “sanctified”, or set apart for God’s use (Acts 20:32); and we have been “justified”, declared righteous (Romans 5:1).

From verses 12-18, Paul exhorts the Corinthians to utilize their Christian liberty to glorify the Lord, and not in the indulgence of the flesh.  We cannot use our Christian freedom as a license to sin (Romans 6:1-3).

Finally, two wonderful verses that tell us that our bodies belong to the Lord are found in verses 19-20 which says: “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

May God Bless!