BETHEL SUNDAY SCHOOL 10 NOV 2019
Text: 1 Corinthians 6:1 – 11

LAWSUITS AMONG BELIEVERS

1. This was a serious problem in the Corinthian Church

2. They chose to resolve their disputes by taking each other to a civil court!

THE APOSTLE PAUL ADDRESSED THIS PROBLEM FIRMLY

1. “Dare any of you, having a matter against another.” 1 Corinthians 6:1a

a. They had disputes with each other

b. They chose to resolve their disputes by threatening each other with lawsuits

2. “Go to the law before the unrighteous” 1 Corinthians 6:1b

a. The “Unrighteous” were corrupted lawyers

b. They engaged unrighteous lawyers to fight each other in court

3. “And not before the saints?” 1 Corinthians 6:1c

a. They could have resolved their grievances before “The saints”

b. Those who were godly and Spirit-filled leaders of the Church

c. They did not choose this option!

4. “Do you not know?” 1 Corinthians 6:2a

a. They were not a Church lacking in knowledge

b. They should know better after all that they have been taught!

THE GRAVITY OF THIS PROBLEM

1. The dishonor and shame that is brought to the name of the Lord

a. The honor that is given to the Church (1 Corinthians 6:2 – 3)

i. To judge the world

ii. To judge angels (Fallen angels)

b. The dishonor in the Corinthian Church (1 Corinthians 6:2 – 6)

i. That it cannot resolve these “Small matters” within the Church

ii. That it deemed itself incapable of judging matters pertaining to this life

iii. Is there not even one wise man in the whole Church who is able to judge between his brethren?

2. The failure of the Church to follow Christ (1 Corinthians 6:7 – 8)

a. That they will go to the law against each other

b. That they will not humbly accept wrong

c. That they will not let themselves be cheated but they cheat others!

3. The danger of not inheriting the Kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9 – 11)

a. They were guilty of unrighteousness

i. They do wrong

ii. They cheat

iii. They were doing these things to their brethren!

iv. They have engaged corrupted lawyers to justify their wicked deeds!

b. They were in danger of not inheriting the Kingdom of God

i. If they do not repent of their sins

ii. They were guilty of grave sins!

A VITAL REMINDER OF WHAT IT MEANS TO BE GOD’S HOLY PEOPLE!
(1 Corinthians 6:11)

1. We are “Washed” (Cleansed)

2. We are “Sanctified” (Made holy)

3. We are “Justified” (Imputed righteousness)

4. We are saved by the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of God

5. We must put away that which is sinful and live as Holy People of God!