1 Corinthians 6:1-11
Building off of the discussion of judgment within the body of Christ, Paul moves to a second issue in the Corinthian church: suing your Christian brothers. Once again, Paul argues that the body of Christ ought to be able to handle these issues "in house," rather than making an embarassing spectacle in full view of the world and its authorities. This is so important to Paul because he wants the Roman authorities to know that Christianity is above reproach, yet the church continues to air out its dirty laundry for all to see. It is tough to say Christianity is of any value when all they do is fight and hurt one another.
He also builds on the idea that we have the right to judge within the church. Do not use worldy judges and wisdom to determine the church's affairs! Remember, according to 2:15, we are not subject to human judgment. So why submit to a human court. Of course, submitting to God's judgment would involve humility and sacrifice.
So, now he goes back to the idea of sacrifice by asking, "Why not be wronged or cheated?" Our culture would respond, "Because I deserve better," or "I want to win." However, those who claim to follow Christ will suffer and sacrifice some small offense in order to further the kingdom, as well as to show love for our brother and sister. Can I get an "Amen?" (It sure sounds easier than it really is, huh?)
Paul ends the thought that we are washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of Christ and the Holy Spirit. Compare to 1:30 where Christ is called our "righteousness, holiness, and redemption." It is Christ's righteousness (ability to obey the law sinlessly) that washes away our sin (disobedience to the law). It is Christ's holiness (sinless purity and godliness, even divinity) that sanctifies us (makes us pure in heart and able to know divinity). It is Christ's redemption (paying the price for our sin; his death) that justifies us (makes us right in God's judgment; he did the time for our crime).
Thank you Jesus for your sacrifice on the cross that pays for our sins, makes us holy before the Father, and erases all divine judgment from our record. We are not worthy. We are amazed and grateful.
He also builds on the idea that we have the right to judge within the church. Do not use worldy judges and wisdom to determine the church's affairs! Remember, according to 2:15, we are not subject to human judgment. So why submit to a human court. Of course, submitting to God's judgment would involve humility and sacrifice.
So, now he goes back to the idea of sacrifice by asking, "Why not be wronged or cheated?" Our culture would respond, "Because I deserve better," or "I want to win." However, those who claim to follow Christ will suffer and sacrifice some small offense in order to further the kingdom, as well as to show love for our brother and sister. Can I get an "Amen?" (It sure sounds easier than it really is, huh?)
Paul ends the thought that we are washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of Christ and the Holy Spirit. Compare to 1:30 where Christ is called our "righteousness, holiness, and redemption." It is Christ's righteousness (ability to obey the law sinlessly) that washes away our sin (disobedience to the law). It is Christ's holiness (sinless purity and godliness, even divinity) that sanctifies us (makes us pure in heart and able to know divinity). It is Christ's redemption (paying the price for our sin; his death) that justifies us (makes us right in God's judgment; he did the time for our crime).
Thank you Jesus for your sacrifice on the cross that pays for our sins, makes us holy before the Father, and erases all divine judgment from our record. We are not worthy. We are amazed and grateful.
Labels: First Corinthians, judgment, sacrifice
posted by Randy Rogers at
8:55 AM
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