C 1999 “Yes Lord” Ministries
Welcome back again, this time to Lesson 6 of our study of 1 Corinthians, Paul’s letter to the Church of Corinth, Greece.
As you know, we have been studying many of the specific reproofs, instructions, rebukes, and corrections that Paul has been giving to this young Church. In this lesson, we’ll look at Paul’s final reproof to them. Then, in the next lesson, we will begin to look at the answers to the several specific questions which they had asked Paul for advice and counsel.
So, with that outline in mind, let’s begin! And, as we have done before, the first thing we need to do is to find out what problem Paul is going to address now. So, your assignment, should you choose to accept it, is to read 1 Corinthians 6:1-8 (printed here for you). Just simply read this passage as if you were a member of the Church at Corinth and were reading this part of the letter from Paul to you and the Church.
<>< <>< <>< <>< Pause while your read 1 CORINTHIANS 6:1-8 <>< <>< <>< <><
1 Corinthians 6:1-8 (NIV)
Ok! Finished reading? Great! Now, in the space provided, write what the problem is that Paul is now going to confront. (Hint: Read 6:1,6)
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Yes, you are correct! they are having disputes with each other, but, instead of settling these disputes quietly among themselves, they are taking their problems to the civil law courts! they are filing lawsuits !!! They are having trials and hearings "in front of the whole world", so to speak.
What's so bad about that?, you ask.
Well, let's see if we can figure out WHY Paul is telling them that this is NOT the correct way for Believers (Christians) to solve their disputes (problems, misunderstandings) with each other.
Re-read those 8 verses, and, as you read them, mark every occurrence of the words: judge, judges, and judgment by putting a BLACK BOX around each occurrence of those words (or, if you can draw, you might prefer to draw a judge's gavel on each occurrence of those words.) Also, put a RED CIRCLE around (or draw a red stick figure on) every word that refers to a Believer (Christian, Church Member). Specifically, you will mark the words "you, another, we, saints, men of little account, believers, brothers."
<>< <>< <>< <>< Pause while your read 1 CORINTHIANS 6:1-8 and mark the words <>< <>< <>< <><
Great! I see that you have finished again. Now, based on what you have read, answer the following questions by putting a circle around the correct answer:
? Did they as believers (Christians) have problems (disputes, misunderstandings, difficulties) with other church members?
YES
NO
? Were they trying to settle these disputes quietly and within the confines of the church walls?
YES
NO
? Were they trying to settle these disputes outside the church and in the civil courts?
YES
NO
Hmmmmm. Very interesting. And, you are correct if you answered that the Believers (Christians in the Church) were having disputes (problems, misunderstandings, difficulties) with fellow Believers and, instead of trying to settle these within the Church and using Godly principles and love, they were taking these disputes outside the church and to the civil courts to settle them and to "air their problems" before "the world"! Arg!
Look at verse 1 again. In fact, write it here:
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Now re-read what you just wrote and circle the words "dispute, ungodly, judgment, and saints" in that sentence.
These are important words and we really need to understand what they mean before going further in this lesson. So, as we have done in previous lessons, I will give you the Greek word and a brief summary of the definition for each of these words, (as given in the BDB/Thayers Lexicon and as defined in the Vines Dictionary). As you read these definitions, underline or highlight any words or phrases that help you to better understand these words and what Paul is telling them. And, as always, if you have access to word study tools and want to dig deeper and learn even more, I will also give you the Strong's number for each of these words.)
DISPUTE (# 4229) PRAGMA
DISPUTE 4229 pragma (Pronounced: prag'-mah)
In the KJV (AV) version, this word is translated as: thing 6 times, matter 3, business 1, work 1.
Therefore, this word, DISPUTE (PRAGMA), can mean:
1) that which has been done, a deed, an accomplished fact
2) what is done or being accomplished
2a) specifically business, a commercial transaction
3) a matter, question, affair
3a) specifically in a forensic sense, a matter at law, case, suit
4) that which is or exists, a thing
Vines Dictionary defines "pragma" to ... "denote that which has been done, a deed, (translated 'a matter' in the KJV version of 1 Cor 6:1) ... in a forensic sense = a lawsuit ... "
UNGODLY (#94) ADIKOS
UNGODLY 94 adikos (Pronounced: ad'-ee-kos)
In the KJV (AV) version, this word is translated as: unjust 8 times and unrighteous 4 times.
This word, UNGODLY (ADIKOS), can mean or be:
1) descriptive of one who violates or has violated justice
1a) unjust
1b) unrighteous, sinful
1c) of one who deals fraudulently with others, deceitful
JUDGEMENT (2919) KRINO
JUDGEMENT (2919) krino (Pronounced: kree'-no).
This word is translated in the KJV (AV) version: judge 88 times, determine 7, condemn 5, go to law 2, call in question 2, esteem 2, ... This word, KRINO (Judgement), therefore can be understood to mean:
1) to separate, put asunder, to pick out, select, choose
2) to approve, esteem, to prefer
3) to be of opinion, deem, think ...
4) to determine, resolve, decree
5) to judge
5a) to pronounce an opinion concerning right and wrong
5a1) to be judged, i.e. summoned to trial that one's case may be examined and judgment passed upon it
5b) to pronounce judgment, to subject to censure
5b1) of those who act the part of judges or arbiters in matters of common life, or pass judgment on the deeds and words of others
6) to rule, govern
6a) to preside over with the power of giving judicial decisions, because it was the prerogative of kings and rulers to pass judgment
7) to contend together, of warriors and combatants
7a) to dispute
7b) in a forensic sense
7b1) to go to law, have suit at law
And, as the Vines Dictionary explains "Krino": ... "to separate, select, choose, hence to determine and so to judge, pronounce judgement, ... to be involved in a lawsuit, whether as a plaintiff or as a defendant."
SAINTS (#40) HAGIOS
SAINTS (40) hagios (Pronounced hag'-ee-os)
This word is translated in the KJV (AV) version: holy 161 times, saints 61, Holy One 4.
This word, SAINTS (hagios), therefore can be understood to mean:
1) most holy thing, a saint
and as used by Paul, the word, saint, usually refers to a believer (a Christian, a saved church member).
Ok! I see that you have finished reading and marking the definitions of these key words. So, now, based on what you have read and now know about the meanings of these words, answer the following questions by circling the correct answers from the choices listed.
? Were the people (Christians, believers) having serious problems (disputes) with each other?
YES
NO
?Were these disputes with other believers (Christians, godly people) or were they with unsaved (lost, ungodly, non-believers) people?
with believers (godly people)
with lost (unsaved, ungodly) people
? Were these disputes being settled quietly within the church or were they taking these disputes to the civil courts outside of the church so that everyone knew that they were having problems?
settled quietly within the church
in civil courts
Yes, you are correct, if you circled "yes", "...believers..", and "in civil courts"
But, should they have done that? should they have taken their problems before the civil courts? Well, before you answer that, So, let's first find out something about how the civil courts and the justice system of Paul's day were run and what the justice system was like. Then, we will see what the Bible says about disputes and lawsuits (litigation).
The New Bible Commentary gives us some very interesting insight into the Civil legal system at the time Paul was writing this letter to the Church in Corinth.
Quoting now from the New Bible Commentary:
"Among the elite of first-century society it was quite acceptable to institute civil proceedings before a magistrate and jury on trivial matters in order to establish one's social and political superiority over others. In weighing up their decision in such cases the jury had to take into account the status and power of the opposing parties, and the judge had to act likewise in imposing fines. Furthermore, certain persons were excluded from instituting legal proceedings against others; i.e. a son against his father, a slave against his master, a freedman against his patron, a citizen against the magistrate, and an inferior against his social superior. Judges and juries were regularly bribed by participants in a case. Mediation rather than litigation could be used in Jewish and Graeco-Roman courts. This was the preferred option of some because leading citizens feared the damaging effects of litigation on their social standing and public careers. Enmity was also engendered, for those who voted against the defendant automatically became his enemies. Civil litigation for the elite was simply seen as an extension of factions and discord in political life. ... ... ...
"In the light of the way local courts operated it is little wonder that Paul is appalled that some Christians dare to take civil actions before annually elected magistrates and wealthy compatriots. They acted as either judge and jury with great partiality and could also be bribed. (Therefore, Paul reasoned that) If the saints are to judge the world ... then they are surely competent to act as mediators in the civil actions which Paul calls trivial cases. ... ... ...(This is why) Paul asks, `do you appoint as judges men of little account in the church?'... .... While secular judges were people of high status in the community, in the Christian gathering secular status had no place. Paul uses the same term here as he does in 1:28 of those whom secular society despises. ... Some of those who were wise (see 1 Cor. 3:18) might undertake the role of mediator which was an accepted way to resolve matters in secular courts. The third stage of education in the first century trained students in legal studies and therefore there would be some in the church who were legally competent to resolve matters equitably.
... Paul indicates his revulsion at their actions by the words brother ... against another (brother) which signify the fellowship of believers - and this in front of unbelievers! ... The fact that matters could not be resolved when a brother has a dispute against another Christian is a sign of defeat for the Christian community. .... It is better to suffer wrong rather than go to court. Not only was dirty linen being washed in public but a fine was imposed on whoever lost the case - hence his accusation you ... cheat and do wrong - better `defraud.' In Ro 13:1-7 Paul discusses the God-ordained role of the state in criminal cases, but he has no place for the locally elected magistrates and juries who used the civil actions as a political arena. Christians who were legally trained and acting as mediators would resolve issues in a just way in a society where unjust conventions prevailed."
Wow! No wonder Paul is telling them that Christians should NOT take their problems, disputes, and lawsuits to the Civil courts!
But, there is more. The Bible has some specific things to say about lawsuits and disputes.
Read the following passages, and as you read them, underline or highlight in a color of your choice, what the Bible teaches about lawsuits (disputes, litigation, solving problems) and who should settle them (the Believers and the members and officials of the church or the civil courts).
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Proverbs 25:8-10 do not bring (or Do not go) hastily to court, for what will you do in the end if your neighbor puts you to shame? 9 If you argue your case with a neighbor, do not betray another man's confidence, 10 or he who hears it may shame you and you will never lose your bad reputation.
Matthew 5:25-26 Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still with him on the way, or he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. 26 I tell you the truth, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.
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Now, based on what you have read, circle your answer for the following questions:
? Does it appear that the Bible says that it is ok for a Christian (believer) to have lawsuits against another Christian and to settle these lawsuits in civil courts rather than among themselves?
YES
NO
? Do Christians sometimes have genuine and serious disagreements or problems that are so serious that they need help from others in resolving these disputes?
YES
NO
Well, yes, unfortunately, Christians do sometimes have serious disputes and problems with their fellow believers. And these disputes are sometimes so serious that others need to be asked to step in and help them resolve these problems.
But, you ask, How can we resolve such problems? What if someone has cheated me out of what they owe me, or failed to pay their bills? And what if someone has taken something from me, or has said bad things about me, or... well you get the idea. There ARE a LOT of problems that can and sometimes do develop between fellow believers, either intentionally or unintentionally. And, in the world of the ungodly (non-believers, non-Christians), these problems are hauled into the civil courts for the ungodly to judge and to declare what the solutions and / or punishments and penalties should be. But, we have seen that Paul is telling them (and us) this is not the way God wants Christians to handle their problems. And we have read passages in the Bible which affirm that teaching of Paul.
So WHO should be asked to arbitrate and help Christians to come to a fair and equitable solution? And how should these disputes be settled? Should these be settled in civil courts? Or should they be settled within the church with church members and leaders being the arbitrators? Well, actually, there is a wonderful passage in Exodus which will clearly show us God's heart in this matter. Here, let me include it for you:
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Exodus 18:13-26 The next day Moses took his seat to serve as judge for the people, and they stood around him from morning till evening. 14 When his father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the people, he said, "What is this you are doing for the people? Why do you alone sit as judge, while all these people stand around you from morning till evening?" 15 Moses answered him, "Because the people come to me to seek God's will. 16 Whenever they have a dispute, it is brought to me, and I decide between the parties and inform them of God's decrees and laws." 17 Moses' father-in-law replied, "What you are doing is not good. 18 You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone. 19 Listen now to me and I will give you some advice, and may God be with you. You must be the people's representative before God and bring their disputes to him. 20 Teach them the decrees and laws, and show them the way to live and the duties they are to perform. 21 But select capable men from all the people--men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain--and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. 22 Have them serve as judges for the people at all times, but have them bring every difficult case to you; the simple cases they can decide themselves. That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you.. 23 If you do this and God so commands, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied." 24 Moses listened to his father-in-law and did everything he said. 25 He chose capable men from all Israel and made them leaders of the people, officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. 26 They served as judges for the people at all times. The difficult cases they brought to Moses, but the simple ones they decided themselves.
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Hmmmmm. Very interesting!
Yes, God wants all disputes to be judged and solved.
But, He does not want them to be judged by the (1 Corinthians 6:1) __________________ (non-believers).
So, if the ungodly (non-believers, non-Christians) are not to be the arbitrators (judges) of our problems, who is? You obviously know that answer by now, but, before you "officially" answer that, it is time for another assignment.
Read 1 corinthians 6:1-8 again, and this time, as you read, as you did before, mark with a red circle or stick figure, every reference to Christians (believers, you, he, saints, we, men, brother, brothers, and any other words used to refer to a Christian.) Also mark ever reference to unbelievers (ungodly, unbelievers, they, etc.) by putting a black circle or stick figure on each occurrence of the words.
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< Pause while you do this assignment <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
Ok! Finished? Great! Now you are ready to "officially" answer that question: Based on what you read, then, who is to be the judge of disputes between Christians (fellow believers). Circle your answer from the choices below. Hint, more than one answer may be correct.
Yes, you are sooooo right! Other believers within the church fellowship should be the ones to settle the disputes; not the ungodly and not in the civl courts. We will consider more about HOW these disputes can be settled by fellow believers later. But, first let's be very sure that we understand that this IS God's plan.
Are there any indications in these 8 verses which affirm to you that God believers that His people are capable of settling disputes?
YES
NO
Certainly!
And, specifically, we saw several indications. So, let's look at the instances in this brief passage of 8 verses where Paul tells the believers that they / we will or should judge:
6:2 Believers (saints) will (in the future) judge _____________________ .
6:2 Believers can judge _______________________ now among fellow believers.
6:3 Therefore, Believers will judge ________________________________________ .
6:4-5 Therefore, believers should appoint as ______________ men ... in the ________________ ... to __________ a dispute between ________________.
Wow! Did you see that !!!! Believers will judge the world, will judge angels, are to judge among their fellow believers, and are to appoint men in their church to judge disputes between believers! WOW !
And, where did Paul get this "idea" that believers should appoint as judges, men... in the church ? Is there any place in the Bible where Paul could have gotten that idea? Well, yes, as a matter of fact, there is! And, you have already read it. I am referring, of course, to that passage in Exodus 18:13-26. And, you probably also thought of it as you read those words from Paul! So, this was not something Paul "thought up." This really IS God's plan!
And, judging the world! And, judging angels! Wow! Those are topics that we don't have time to consider now. They are entire studies in themselves. But, what a concept! And sooooo convicting! It should give us all pause to think that we will one day have such awesome responsibilities.
And, if we are going to be doing those things in the future and if we are instructed to be judging fellow believers now, then we should evaluate our own current lifestyles and ask ourselves: am I obeying God and living in a way that is pleasing to Him and which honors Him? Or, Am I a hypocrite? Do I think, act, live, etc. in a way that is contrary to God's desires, guidelines, and wishes?
In fact, let's do that now. Let's stop and take a few minutes and reflect on how we (you and I) are living right now -- today.
Ask yourself:
1. Am I living in willful disobedience to God's commands?
2. Am I living a lifestyle that is immoral in any way?
3. Do I put God first in my life? Or do I put myself, my job, another person, a hobby, TV, or something else in first place as to what I desire the most?
4. Am I cheating or defrauding someone?
5. Am I harboring grudges and unforgiveness toward anyone?
6. Do I ..... well, you get the idea....
So, stop now. Judge yourself! After all, we know that one day we will judge the world and the (fallen) angels of many of these same things! So, how can we judge them and declare them guilty and decree their punishments when we have the same an unresolved faults and problems! ?
Hmmmmmm?
Think about this!
And, if there is anything you need to confess to God, confess it. If there is anything you need to confess to another person, or if there is anything you need to do (ask for forgiveness, repay a bad debt, keep a promise, whatever), then do it!
So, Let's stop here and think about these things and do whatever needs to be done. Let's judge ourselves -- and get these things straightened out and resolved in our own lives before we continue. We certainly can not judge others and correct their problems until we have done the same in our own lives.
Take as much time as you need. And, we will continue our study of 1 Corinthians with the next lesson.
Scriptures marked NIV are taken from the NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION.
Copyright C 1973,1978,1984 International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishers.
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