1 Corinthians 6:6-11 (WEL) Instead, a brother goes to law with a brother, and that is in front of the unbelievers. 7 Now, isn’t there already a failure among you because you have lawsuits against one another? Why don’t you take the wrong instead? Why don’t you put up with being cheated? 8 But, you, YOU, do wrong and cheat and [your] brethren no less. 9 Don’t you know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Don’t be deceived, for neither fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, passive homosexual partners, active homosexual partners, 10 thieves, covetous, drunkards, verbal abusers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 Such were some of you, but now you are washed, but now you are sanctified, but now you are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.
V6 Instead, a brother goes to law with a brother, and that is in front of the unbelievers.
Doing so disgraces the wonderful name of Jesus before unbelievers. They are not going to court for crimes like theft, assault, or murder. They are going to court over little things that could easily be taken care of if they would lay down their stubborn pride. This is a principle for us. This is an example of actions that God does not approve.
Strife is from our seeking our way instead of God’s ways. God’s ways are when we seek God’s actions and responses to others. We can listen to understand, then discuss instead of a heated argument that only escalates.
There are gifted, knowledgeable brothers and sisters that can set down with the parties and have arbitration instead of going to court. When doing so, complaints should be understood (takes listening), asking questions to clarify, and looking at options. We give our opinion sparingly and based on the principles and laws of the Bible.
V7 Now, isn’t there already a failure among you because you have lawsuits against one another? Why don’t you take the wrong instead? Why don’t you put up with being cheated?
We are always to honor the Lord Jesus.
Adam Clarke writes:
“There is a most manifest defect among you,
- Of peaceableness;
- Of brotherly love;
- Of mutual confidence; and
- Of reverence for God, and concern for the honor of his cause.”
It is better to walk away from our opinions and insignificant things to keep fellowship.
V8 But, you, YOU, do wrong and cheat and [your] brethren no less.
“You cheated me, so I’ll now cheat you.” This is revenge. It is not God-approved. If it is a crime, then it must be reported. Remember abuse is a crime.
V9 Don’t you know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Don’t be deceived, for neither fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, passive homosexual partners, active homosexual partners…
This is a list of people that will not be in heaven, unless they repent and believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Anyone who practices these things instead of renouncing them is a fake. Beware of churches and pastors who tolerate such sins.
Compare 1 Corinthians 15:50.
Evidently, Paul wants to remind them in case they have forgotten. These actions are what you were before the Gospel. Now, you are Christians. Have you forgotten how the Holy Spirit convicted you of these sins? We must reject these sins.
Let us be faithful. God gives believers His grace. 2 Corinthians 12:9 (EHV) And he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, because my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will be glad to boast all the more in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may shelter me.
V10 …Thieves, covetous, drunkards, verbal abusers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.
Same as verse 11.
V11 Such were some of you, but now you are washed, but now you are sanctified, but now you are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.
Paul reminds them of their past. This is what you were. Now you are washed, sanctified, and justified by Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. These 3 things are inward actions on our soul/spirit, not something we do to our flesh. The washing, sanctification, and justification are the works of God as a result of our faith.
Washing is not water baptism. Washing is a Rabbinical tradition based on Leviticus 25 and other places. It is symbolic for inward repentance, desiring spiritual renewal, and restoration of fellowship with God. The Christian application is the Holy Spirit baptizes the soul/spirit of a person who has believed the Gospel. The Holy Spirit washes away our spiritual uncleanness, sanctifies (separates us from what is unholy), spiritual renewal (2 Corinthians 5:17), and restoration of fellowship that was forfeited by our sins.
Compare Psalm 51:2 and Revelation 1:5.
We learn:
- To solve problems through church arbitration.
- To stop the sins we practiced before we believed the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Questions:
- How do you handle church conflicts?
- Are you still practicing the same sins you did before you believed?