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.

First Corinthians 5

Ok. My first thought is, "What was that guy thinking?"

Next, I notice that two ideas that played a prominent role in chapter 4 appear again. First, wisdom. Second, judgment. Paul plays his role as leader through his judgment of a potentialy destructive situation in the Corinthian congregation--a situation brought about by the whole church's embracing of human wisdom over God's wisdom. They thought they were celebrating freedom by doing something cutting edge(by accepting something not even the pagan's considered normal). I can hear them now: "Look at us. We are excercising the freedom of God by being sexual deviants! Now everyone will see us and want to experience the freedom that God brings through Jesus." They were sold on human wisdom and sexual freedom. They forgot that sacrifice was the hallmark of Christianity, not human freedom. In truth, we are free to sacrifice, not free from sacrifice. In addition, their Gospel of Freedom was for the body, not for the Spirit. so Paul comes with judgment (see discussion on Chapter 4) on their Gospel and their failure to understand the wisdom of God in Jesus.

His judgment seems rather extreme, but still warranted. "Hand this man over to Satan": in other words, remove fellowship from him and let him have his freedom without the protection of the support of the church. Also, "expel the wicked man from you": this is a direct allusion to Deuteronomy (17.7, for example) and the commands of God to expel those who are continually rebellious to the wisdom of God as seen in Scripture. This extreme course of action is intended to protect the body of Christ from someone who is not only does not understand Christianity, but who willingly and consistently acts in ways that are contrary to the teachings of that body. I would also submit that this extreme course of action should only be used in extreme situations. Grace, love, and acceptance should be exercised freely in the body. Only when one is unwilling to submit to the body of Christ, and its head, should we turn to such extreme measures.

Paul clarifies his position in this way: For evangelism sake, associate with those in the world who may have lifestyles contrary to God's wisdom. We must be with lost people! However, do not allow one who claims to be a part of the body to still live in that lifestyle. Becoming a brother means that you have adopted a new life, and it needs to show! So, if they want to act like they belong to the world, let them live in the world. We are not strong enough to get through to them. But God is, and he will walk with them in their travels until they return to him.

So, what aspects of our lifestyle may need adjustment as we seek to become more a part of Christ through his body?