Rulers or Rabble?, 1 cor. 6:1-11

Main Idea:  because of the transforming truth of the gospel we must settle conflicts in the church

1. rulers not rabble

1.1. The situation of the court system.

1.1.1. Litigious society

1.1.2. Favoring rich

James 2:6

1.1.3.  Corruption

1.1.4. Our current just system.

1.2. Based on eschatology and identity.

1.2.1. The meaning of judge.

1.2.2. Judge the world and angels.

If we are to judge and rule over the world and over angels in the age to come, we are surely able, under the guidance of Scripture and the Holy Spirit, to settle any matters of disagreement among ourselves today.^[1]

Romans 13:1-2

1.2.3. The heart of judgement – wisdom and authority –derived from Christ.

James 4:1-4

Psalm 119:99

2. brothers not bothers

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Matthew 5:38-48

Discourage litigation.  Persuade your neighbors to compromise whenever you can.  Point out to them how the nominal winner is often a real loser in fees, expenses, and waste of time.

Abraham Lincoln to a class of law students.

3. royalty not riffraff

3.1. Behavior of the world.

3.2. They were washed, sanctified, justified

1 Corinthians 2:1-5

Romans 5:6-8

Romans 4:5

3.2.1. Washed

Titus 3:5

3.2.2. Sanctified

3.2.3. Justified

Galatians 2:19-20

Romans 5:19-6:2

My Main Application:

Questions:

1. What situation caused Paul to write this section?
2. What attitudes and actions does it address?
3. What doctrinal problems did they have?
4. What truth did Paul apply to this situation?
5. How would these truths change their behavior?
6. Can you remember your most recent conflict?
7. What was its cause?  Is that a biblically accurate assessment of its cause?
8. How would this passage help you to resolve this conflict?
9. What can you do differently next time?  How do the truths in 1 Cor. 6 change how you will approach and deal with the next conflict you face?

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^[1]MacArthur, J. (1996, c1984). 1 Corinthians. Includes indexes. Chicago: Moody Press.