Last week we observed the indifference the Corinthians showed when faced with the unspeakable wickedness of one of the members. They showed no concern for the honour and glory of God, 5:2. When it came to matters in which they perceived their own honour and interests were at stake they showed no such indifference. Rather they took the most extreme steps to safeguard their interests. They quite readily went to court before heathen judges to maintain their own honour, 6:1.

Ignorance plays a major part in such an attitude. It has already been identified by Paul as the cause of other sins, 2:7-8; 3:16; 5:6. The phrase know ye not appears frequently in this chapter. A knowledge of the Holy Scriptures shall preserve us from sin. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word, Psalm 119:9. The Bible is is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, II Timothy 3:16.

Those in ignorance of the Bible are in danger of being deceived, verse 9 and in danger of indulging in behaviour that is contrary to the letter and the spirit of Christianity. Thus Paul deals with the matter of their suing one another before heathen courts, their readiness to defraud each other and the wickedness of fornication. In this chapter the apostle show just how independent of the world the Christian way of life should be.

I. THE SETTLING OF DISPUTES AMONGST BELIEVERS

There are times when matters of dispute arise between believers, verse 1. What should we do when such a dispute arises?

1. For the sake of the honour of the Lord we should suffer the wrong, Verse 7. They were utterly at fault in going to court. They should have borne the hurt quietly. Such ought to be the spirit of Christians. Proverbs 20:22, Matthew 5:39-40, Rom 12:17-21, I Thess 5:15. Love will suffer much and long, I Cor 13:4.

2. If litigation is necessary let the matter be settled before the church. Christians ought to be well fitted to judge the more mundane things of this world when we consider what they one shall judge — the world, 2; angels, 3. Consequently, even the least esteemed amongst believers are suitable to judge the things pertaining to this life, 4. The believer shall reign with Christ and assist in the administration of His earthly kingdom, Rev 20:4.

How poor in grace is that church that cannot provide a man of wisdom to judge matters of division between believers, 6-7.

II. THE SETTING FORTH OF THE CHARACTER OF GOD’S KINGDOM

Such was the spirit of wrong-doing against fellow-believers that the church needed to be reminded of the nature of the kingdom of God. They were deceived, 9. There can be no righteousness where unrighteousness is practiced.  

This passage serves to remind us:—

1. Many believe the very opposite to what the gospel teaches. Many believe that they are for heaven yet live in sin.

2. True conversion is followed by a continuance in holiness. John 8:32, Acts 2:42; 14:22; 26:22, I John 2:19, 24-29.

3. There is salvation from the vilest sins.