Lawsuits Among Believers

Text: 1 Corinthians 6:1-7 Theme: It is better to be cheated by another believer than to go to court in front of non-believers. Key verses: “If any of you has a dispute with another, dare he take it before the ungodly for judgment instead of before the saints? (v. 1) “Therefore, if you have disputes about such matters, appoint as judges even men of  little account in the church!” (v. 4) “…one brother goes to law against another — and this in front of un-believers! 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? Instead, you yourselves cheat and do wrong, and you do this to your brothers.” (v. 6-8) What God said to me: Dwayne, I take it very seriously when my children don’t act like salt and light in front of a world I died for. What’s more, I am deeply offended and angered when they act worse than the world they are supposed to be saving! Paul was shaming the Corinthian church by saying that even no-account and carnal Christians are still better to judge than lost people. Don’t let lost people see your quarreling. You don’t want outsiders to see your fussing and disagreements within your home and family, do you? You don’t call your neighbors to mediate everytime you and your wife get into an argument, do you? Then why go to the unchurched to judge things they know nothing of, and that they should no nothing of? If you as my church really love those you are called to be lights to, then you will be willing to be offended and wronged rather than offend and be a stumbling block to those who don’t know me. It comes down to dying to yourself and your own rights. Paul was not saying let other Christians run all over you. However, if the matter can’t be resolved among yourselves, then it is better to let it go than to risk misrepresenting my Son and his church to the lost and dying and going-to-hell world. What I said to God: Thank You, precious and Holy One. I so appreciate You meeting with me and speaking so clearly to me this morning. I do see the supernatural logic in this passage. I do understand that we must die to ourselves and not insist on our own vindication if it might hurt or offend or confuse someone who is lost. Thank You for clear instructions like these in Your Word. Forgive us when we don’t heed or even know about such instructions. That is to our shame and for that we will give an account before You. Help me today to represent You properly in front of those who don’t know You. Help me respond and react the way Your Son would when He was hurt and wronged. In essence, help me be filled up with You rather than me…