1 Corinthians 6:1-11 Main idea: the church will face conflicts - these conflicts should not be taken to the civil courts for resolution, instead they should be dealt with from within the church in order to have reconciliation between Christians. The church has to uphold its new values of fellowship in unity and peace. 1. Conflict is a “human” thing James 4:1 “What is the source of wars and fights among you? Don’t they come from your passions that wage war within you? You desire and do not have.” 2. Two ways to resolve conflicts Secular courts vs. church 1 Cor 6:5-6 “I say this to your shame! Can it be that there is not one wise person among you who is able to arbitrate between fellow believers? Instead, brother goes to court against brother, and that before unbelievers!” 3. The proper use of secular courts Rom 13:1-4 “Let everyone submit to the governing authorities, since there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are instituted by God. So then, the one who resists the authority is opposing God’s command, and those who oppose it will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Do what is good, and you will have its approval. For it is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, because it does not carry the sword for no reason. For it is God’s servant, an avenger that brings wrath on the one who does wrong.” 4. Christians are called into new fellowship ‘koinonia’– holly, covenantal fellowship with Gods and each other. Acts 2:42 “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer.” 1 John 1:3 “what we have seen and heard we also declare to you, so that you may also have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.” “ don’t you know that the saints will judge the world? Don’t you know that we will judge angels? Do not be deceived: No sexually immoral people, idolaters, adulterers, or males who have sex with males, no thieves, greedy people, drunkards, verbally abusive people, or swindlers will inherit God’s kingdom. And some of you used to be like this. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” 1 Corinthians Application: • How do you solve your conflicts? Do you fight, flight or reconcile? • Have you ever been in conflict with another believer? • What do you find most difficult in conflict resolution? • Was your conflict resolved in restored fellowship? If not what went wrong? • Have you ever had a good experience with church conflicts resolution? • Why is it wrong for Christians to take their disputes to civil court? • What is this new kainonia fellowship for Christians? • What do you think we should work on to experience full potential in this new fellowship? • What do you value the most in this Christian fellowship?
