Chapter six seems to be a total departure from what Paul has been dealing with in chapter five where he rebuked the Corinthian church for not dealing with an individual who had his father’s wife. He instructed the church to put him out of the assembly where his judgment would take place at the hand of God who would use Satan as a tool to accomplish Christ’s will in the matter.

The reasons for this action were varied; from separating this person out, so as to no longer affect the rest of the body with his leavening influence, to separating him out to give him a sense of isolation from the body so as to ultimately draw him back into the fellowship after his repentance before the Lord and the church.

It’s amazing that this type of behavior was actually boasted in by the church at Corinth as though they thought of themselves as enlightened and tolerant Christians who were above judging anyone for any reason.

But the Scriptures make it clear that there are to be certain types of judgments made in the church toward those who would make sin the pattern of their lives at the expense of hurting or dividing the body of Christ. And we noted the way in which such judgments are to be made biblically in the last couple of studies.

But now Paul shifts gears to address another problem, as though these Corinthians don’t have enough.

1CO 6:1 "If any of you has a dispute with another, dare he take it before the ungodly for judgment instead of before the saints?"

Now, disputes have come up before between these people. Remember, early on in this letter, Paul addressed the divisions and disputes they had when considering men they highly esteemed by placing one man over another.

1CO 1:10 "I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.
12 What I mean is this: One of you says, "I follow Paul"; another, "I follow Apollos"; another, "I follow Cephas"; still another, "I follow Christ."
13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul?"

These people are a mess, spiritually speaking. It’s amazing they stayed together at all. And yet, Paul doesn’t give up on them, and neither does Christ. But the remedy is to be found in Christ and not in the selfish motives of these people.

Once "self" becomes center stage then the desires of "self" push the objective truth of God’s word to the side, along with the love of Christ, and there is no unity of the Spirit, and it’s only a matter of time before the church characterizes the nature of the old man instead of the new creation we are in Christ.

This was a real danger in Corinth and Paul knew that drastic measures needed to be taken before the church found itself dishonoring Christ and bringing disgrace on our Lord and Savior.

And so, now you’ve got a church naming the name of Christ which is taking sides over different men and causing divisions, allowing and even boasting that one of their members is having their father’s wife, and as if that isn’t enough they’re suing each other in the process by taking each other to court. One big happy family.

1CO 6:1 "If any of you has a dispute with another, dare he take it before the ungodly for judgment instead of before the saints?"

The type of dispute Paul is referring to here has to do more with matters over property or possessions. The phrase "has a dispute", that the NIV uses, is translated "has a case" in the NASB, and "having a matter" in the KJV.

The Greek word is pragma and means a number of things, including a business, or commercial transaction.

And so, part of what was taking place among these Corinthian believers is that they were in such a distrustful attitude toward one another that they weren’t willing to deal with these types of things among themselves in the love of Christ, but were willing to take it before the courts in Corinth, which suggests an attitude of revenge.

But, keep in mind that these legal problems were not the types of things that would be considered criminal cases, but cases involving possessions. And Paul is enraged that they would have the audacity to lay their little pet peeved before unbelievers.

The word "dare" that Paul uses is actually at the beginning of this sentence in the Greek for emphasis. In fact, the KJV begins this verse, "Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust..."

In other words, what Paul is saying is, "how dare you be so bold as to neglect the love and truth of Christ in such petty matters that you would be willing to bring disgrace upon Christ and His church."

But we don’t want to lose the sense of the context here. Remember, that Paul has been dealing with sexual sin in the previous chapter and how in such cases the church is to judge members of the body in such matters to keep itself pure.

And now, with these litigation’s among each other being brought to secular courts, they are continuing the same pattern. One commentator makes the point that "fornication and covetousness are grouped together in the context of 1Co.5:10-11 and 1Co.6:9-10. They are similar in that they both stem from false, evil desires -- one for financial satisfaction and the other for physical pleasure." (Robert G. Gromakci)

It all comes back to self-satisfaction. But, again we need to keep in mind that Paul makes it clear that the church is to biblically judge each other in these types of things, but has no business judging the world in these types of matters.

1CO 5:12 "What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?"

And the irony here that Paul brings out is that if believers are not to be judging those outside of the church in these kind of matters, why in the world would you allow the world to judge you in these non-criminal matters which the church should be taking care of itself?

In fact, Paul goes so far as to put into perspective for these Christians what authority they will be given in the future and how they ought to be considering their future role in large matters by putting to the test their ability to deal with small matters such as these.

1CO 6:2 "Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases?
3 Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life!
4 Therefore, if you have disputes about such matters, appoint as judges even men of little account in the church!"

This is a very interesting portion of Scripture concerning part of our roles in Christ’s kingdom here on earth. This has to do with the millennial reign of Christ and evidently Paul had taught these Christians part of what that would entail when he was previously with them.

Thus, the way the question is posed; "Do you not know that the saints will judge the world?" This is a rhetorical question with the implied answer that yes, we do know that we will judge the world.

When talking to His disciples Jesus told them that they would play a part in judging the world.

MAT 19:28 "Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel."

2TI 2:11 "Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him;
12 if we endure, we will also reign with him....."

Jesus makes the point when writing to the seven churches that His people will play a role in the administration of keeping the peace in the world during the millennium.

REV 5:10 "You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth."

By the way, the word reign in the Greek suggests to exercise kingly power as the King of kings allows us to use such authority at His command and to His glory.

REV 2:26 "To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations -
27 'He will rule them with an iron scepter; he will dash them to pieces like pottery' - just as I have received authority from my Father."

This, by the way, gives us some insight into what we’ll be doing for the thousand year reign of Christ. Remember, that during that time, everyone who came out of the great tribulation will be believers in Jesus Christ, but they will still have their earthly bodies along with their sin nature.

We, however, who were raptured before this time of the great tribulation, will have received our glorified bodies when we meet Jesus in the air. When we come back with our Lord to this earth with the host of heaven in battle, as Jesus destroys His enemies, the only ones left alive, will be those who did not take the mark of the beast, who will be believers in Christ.

And so, during this millennial reign we will have our glorified bodies and will be given authority to rule with our Lord.

The offspring of those who came out of the great tribulation will also be born into this world with a sin nature and will have to make their own decision to embrace Christ as Lord and Savior. All of this means that there will still be the tendency to rebel.

But, in God’s sovereign plan He will use His Son as the King to ensure that the peace He brings to this earth during those days will stay in tact. And the ones who apparently will be His servants throughout the world to settle disputes and judge righteously and keep the peace through the power Christ gives, will be you and me in our glorified bodies.

It’s not as though Jesus will need our assistance, being God, but He chooses to allow us to share in His rule in this way. And that’s the point Paul is making here in our text. He’s saying, "look, you will judge the nations, you will judge disputes between the people of the earth in those days, and you will help to keep the peace of the entire world in those days. If that’s the case, then why is it so difficult to judge in such small or trivial matters, in comparison to the authority you’ll have in those days?"

To put some of this problem of bringing fellow-believers to court into perspective we need to touch a little on the history of the judicial system in the Greek world at this time. For most Jews this would not have been as much of a temptation. The Jews considered the Gentiles to be off limits when it came to matters of settling such disputes.

One commentator points out that Jews "settled things before the elders of the village or the elders of the synagogue; to them justice was far more a thing to be settled in a family spirit than in a legal spirit. In fact, the Jewish law expressly forbade a Jew to go to law at all in a non-Jewish court..." (William Barclay)

This wasn’t the case with the Greeks. They had a very detailed approach to litigation. In fact, such litigation "had become a form of challenge and entertainment. One ancient writer claimed that, in a manner of speaking, every Athenian was a lawyer." (John MacArthur)

What would happen is that if a dispute arose and they couldn’t settle it through private arbitration, then they would bring in two arbitrators along with a third neutral person. If that didn’t work then they brought it to a court of 40, who assigned a public arbitrator to each party.

"If public arbitration failed, the case went to a jury court, composed of from several hundred to several thousand jurors. Every citizen over thirty years of age was subject to serving as a juror. Either as a party to a lawsuit, as an arbitrator, or as a juror, most citizens regularly were involved in legal proceedings of one sort or another." (John MacArthur)

"The Corinthian believers had been so used to arguing, disputing, and taking one another to court before they were saved that they carried those selfish attitudes and habits over into their new lives as Christians. That course was not only spiritually wrong but practically unnecessary." (John MacArthur)

And yet, whether they realized it or not, they were competent to judge such matters between themselves as believers in Christ. And the reason for that is because being new creations in Christ they had the Spirit of God who can direct and encourage believers to deal with each other in the love of Christ.

But, just as important is the standard they were to use in love, which is the truth of God’s word. In fact, that’s the point Paul is actually bringing out when he says that the saints will judge the world.

What will be the standard that will be used in that millennial reign with Christ? It will be the written word of God. In other words, the very word that will be used to make judgments and to influence the attitude of such judgments in the future, is the same word we can and should be using today to deal with such matters.

These Corinthians had everything they needed to deal with each other in love. Paul even begins this letter by explaining their position in Christ as those who were sanctified and then says, "Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed." (1CO 1:7)

But, though they didn’t lack any spiritual gift, they certainly did not use those gifts in a way that would promote peace and unity within the body of Christ, which is one of the functions of the gifts of the Spirit. And so, they didn’t need to go to war over such trivial matters by taking it before public courts.

1CO 6:3 "Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life!"

This verse is just building on the one before it. And so, he’s making the point again that whether we’re judging people or angels, this is a far cry from something as petty as fighting over material possessions which will burn one day anyhow.

But, it’s worth noting here that this is the only place where we are given an indication that we will actually judge angels. We’re not told how that will take place or which angels we will be judging.

John MacArthur points out that "Scripture is not clear as to which angels we will judge. The fallen angels will be judged by the Lord according to 2Pet.2:4 and Jude 6, but we are not told if believers will participate in that judgment."

The Greek word krino for judge can also mean to rule or govern. That certainly would be the meaning if we are to have authority over holy angels, for they have no sin for which to be condemned. MacArthur goes on to say, "one cannot be dogmatic, but I am inclined to think that glorified believers will help judge the fallen angels and exercise some rule over the holy angels."

Now, in this case, if we compare such wisdom which we will possess in full measure in Christ’s reign on earth, and such authority so as to make such righteous judgments, all the while using God’s word as the standard, why not begin today implementing such wisdom which we have access to by using the same word of God concerning the things of this life?

1CO 6:4 "Therefore, if you have disputes about such matters, appoint as judges even men of little account in the church!"

The NASB puts it this way: "So if you have law courts dealing with matters of this life, do you appoint them as judges who are of no account in the church?"

The difference between these two renderings is that the way the Greek is written the subject could be either those in the church who are of no account, or those who are least esteemed according to the KJV. In other words, the least wise in the church are better equipped to deal with personal problems in the church than the wisest in the pagan courts.

The other legitimate translation asks the question why would you appoint those judges outside of the church by taking each other to their courtrooms when they are no better equipped to deal with such problems, since they don’t have the advantage of being believers indwelt with the Spirit and given gifts to encourage and to solve such problems according to the word of God?

Either translation does not harm the intent of what Paul is trying to convey. But the point is clear in either case. Deal with such problems yourselves and don’t involve the courts as you air your dirty laundry to the shame of the church. And this is why Paul continues.

1CO 6:5 "I say this to shame you. Is it possible that there is nobody among you wise enough to judge a dispute between believers?
6 But instead, one brother goes to law against another - and this in front of unbelievers!
7 The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated?
8 Instead, you yourselves cheat and do wrong, and you do this to your brothers."

Before I comment on this portion it’s important to keep in mind that Paul is not saying that believers can’t use the courts at all. There are legitimate uses for such courts. But the courts are not to be used to destroy another person, even an unbeliever.

There could actually be cases among believers where it is out of the hands of the body of Christ to be able to settle real problems, especially as it relates to criminal behavior.

I mean, what happens if a believer steals something from a department store and is caught by the authorities? What happens when a believer is found abusing his wife? And let’s say another believer discovers this and approaches the guilty party and they’re not willing to submit to the authority of the church which might be brought in to correct such behavior?

That individual may actually have to be put out of the church, but it may be prudent to protect the other spouse to contact the authorities and have them deal with it in a court of law. Again, this goes beyond simple disputes and into the realm of criminal behavior, but it may not always be black and white.

But, there may be cases where it is not be criminal behavior which is the issue. For example, even believers are not exempt from the issue of divorce. I’m not condoning divorce, but if the two parties will not reconcile and they decide to separate permanently, it’s out of the hands of the church as it now becomes a legal problem the courts have to deal with.

The point is we must pray for wisdom and discernment using God’s word as the final authority. But the bottom line is we all need to willing to love each other enough not to want to harm anyone in any way.

And when it comes to these matters of possessions, as is the case in Corinth, believers should be able to deal with even possible volatile problems in a spirit of calmness and love as they solve them to the glory of God.

But, once we take such problems to court, instead of solving them in the body, as Paul says, we’ve already lost. Even if such a person were to win the case in the courtroom he and the church have been completely defeated already. Why?

Because the name and cause of Christ has been dragged through the mud for no reason. The cause of Christ is bigger than any self-satisfaction. The world is always looking for an excuse to belittle the church. Paul is saying don’t give it a reason to do that by your unwillingness to settle problems between yourselves in the love of Christ. It is the love of Christ which is to characterize the church. You will know them by their love for one another.

1JO 3:11 "This is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another."

If we have to lose the legal battle for money or possessions, then it is better to do so, then to give the world the impression that we’re no different from the world who puts its confidence in the things of this world.

These Corinthian believers were willing to go to court and Paul says they should be ashamed of themselves for doing that instead of loving one another with the love of Christ. Instead of being wronged or defrauded, they were actually pursuing each other to wrong and defraud them.

And this they were doing to other brothers and sisters in Christ according to our text in verse 8. What an amazing testimony we give the world when we’re willing to put ourselves ahead of others.

I’m not suggesting that this is not a natural reaction to someone who wants to take advantage of us, especially when they’re believers. I’m just trying to teach us God’s perspective on such matters. And if we can honor God in the process than that is infinitely better to do. And, instead of temporal rewards, it has eternal rewards.

But the only way we can ever accomplish such things is to love others the way Christ loved us. Will we ever be tempted to want to get revenge on another brother or sister who hurts us? Will we ever be tempted to want to get our pound of flesh from someone who has taken advantage of us, especially another believer?

I suspect so. But before we’re tempted to carve up someone, we might want to consider what the apostle John had to say on such matters.

1JO 3:16 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.
17 If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?
18 Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.

1JO 4:10 "This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.
11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another."

1JO 4:20 "If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.
21 And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother."

1JO 5:2 "This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands.
3 This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome,
4 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith."

Easier said than done? Only if we’re not willing to live in the love we’ve been given in Christ and not willing to consider one another as more important than ourselves. It’s hard to swallow our pride and even harder to be taken advantage of by another believer, but in the final analysis we have to answer to our Savior.

And in those times where we’re tempted not to love as Christ loved, then we need to ask God for the grace to extend grace and love to others; not that they might take advantage of us, but that through our love for them, they might even repent of their own sin and seek to love us back in the love of Christ themselves.

We’re not called to be door-mats, but we’re not called to be gun powder either, to be ignited at the least spark of dissension. Loving like Christ involves every area of our lives and it does take work.

But it’s a good work we should work hard at, because it’s a work which glorifies our Father in heaven. And if we can understand that that’s the reason we’re here then it will help in our dealings with other people in this world who need to see Jesus in us, even other believers.

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