1 Corinthians 6:1-6 If any of you has a dispute with another, dare he take it before the ungodly for judgment instead of before the saints? Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases? Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life! Therefore, if you have disputes about such matters, appoint as judges even men of little account in the church! I say this to shame you. Is it possible that there is nobody among you wise enough to judge a dispute between believers? But instead, one brother goes to law against another — and this in front of unbelievers!
Paul clearly expresses that Christians possess the unique wisdom and knowledge to judge the disputes and arguments within the body of believers. With the indwelling Holy Spirit and his attributes, believers should be able to decide what is right and wrong and to mete out justice within the church. As we read in God's Word: He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8 NRSV) Of course, serious crimes among believers such as sexual abuse, manslaughter, murder, assaults, and the like must be dealt with in the larger community; and adjudicated by the system of justice within that society. But, within the above context, Paul is talking about disputes that do not rise to the level of horrific criminal activities. His ideas could apply to the general conflicts that occur within any organized group of people, regardless of their reason for gathering together. People are people, and when they interact closely, in a corporate way, there will be conflicts, some rising to the level of having others decide who is right or wrong. Paul beseeches the Corinthians not to take these basic disputes outside of the church's jurisdiction, for to do so brings disrepute upon the body of Christ. Rather than being different from the world, the Christians will be criticized for being just like the world without the ability to trust in God to solve their problems. Their reputation will be tarnished. They will be seen as hypocrites who claim righteousness, love, peace, and other good qualities because of their belief in Christ while their actions reveal discontent and clamor within the church. Jesus said for us to solve our problems with others such as before taking an offering to God to go to our brother who has something against us and to settle the problem. Then He went on to say, Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. He said do this on the way before you even get to court. (See Matthew 5:23-26)
Believers are filled with the wisdom of the Holy Spirit who is able to teach us all things. We are alive IN CHRIST the risen Savior. We have the mind of Christ; we are part of his body. We should have enough of Christ within a body of believers to make right decisions about disputes within our community. Christ can judge the angels. Paul says, Do you not know that we will judge angels? The body of Christ on Earth is made up of many members. We come from many backgrounds, different experiences in life, and possess differing levels of knowledge and training. As individuals within the church, we must rely on each other's love in an intimate way. We must believe that others are looking after our interests as well as their interests. We want to be able to depend on the servanthood of the believer. If we are immersed in Christ, our disputes and differences with each other will pale in significance to our love for each other. Paul gives this picture of the body of Christ: He says we should no longer be unstable infants. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. (Ephesians 4:15-16) On the other hand, if we are carnal, we will want our own way, thinking our problems and concerns should rise to the top of any discussion. This leads to divisions within a church. People who do not want to seek a compromise or take the role of a servant desire to rule and to control. When the church is infested with this virus, the world sees our lack of love for others. Even today, churches split over simple, nonessential reasons, such as how we arrange the pews or how we decorate the church or what the altar should look like or does the pastor wear the right uniform or are we singing the correct songs. The list goes on and on. Disputes such as these have hurt Christians throughout the ages, scarring the faith of the believers, and turning away those who are seeking an authentic faith in God.
Paul says they should be able to appoint even the weakest among them, the most uninformed, ill-prepared congregants to judge these disputes and concerns. Therefore, if you have disputes about such matters, appoint as judges even men of little account in the church! He tells them, I say this to shame you. Then he sarcastically adds perhaps they do not have anyone in the church wise enough to make decisions in these disputes. He is trying to wake them up to his main observation: This church has gone astray! Believers are attacking each other in court, and unbelievers are reaching the conclusion that Christians are no different from the world. He knows that people who represent Christ within the community should have the understanding that their testimony to the world should be of the love of Christ, the mercy of Christ. Jesus said, By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. (John 13:35) Even the weakest believers among them know love should identify them; therefore, they would judge these conflicts rightly if they were full of the knowledge of Christ. Of course, adjudicating any conflict within the church depends, relies upon, the Holy Spirit's demeanor, which is his fruit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23) Any other attitude within the courtroom of opinions will bring division; described in the Bible as the acts of the sinful nature. (See Galatians 5:19-20) Paul asks the church to BE THE CHURCH, to reflect Christ in all situations, to allow his authority to enter into all its disputes and conflicts. If Christians do so, we will be known as the light of the world for we will be reflecting THE LIGHT, Christ Jesus, Savior of the world. Jesus said, I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. (John 8:12) Yes, Good News comes to the world when we reflect the Light of the World in all situations.
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