Spirit-led arbitration is essential to church unity. Believers (by which the Spirit dwells and yields its power) are commanded to allow God leading in our relationships with people, especially in the matter of disputes among the saints. Why? God’s version of a final resolution will inject his character, glorifying will and wisdom which is pure, peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere (Jam 3:17).

In contrast to God, our human nature is self-centered and self-interested to the very core. There is no mutual agreement, or “win-win” approach desired as far as our flesh is concerned. The negotiating philosophy of our fallen disposition is, “Do unto others before they do unto you.” Why is this? The root of our human nature is sinful. As result, our default way of thinking is earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. This has created a worldly climate in the Corinthian church who have embraced the practice of suing one another in pagan courts. In our focus text, Paul warns them of the danger of these behaviors as it is injurious (both spiritually and physically) and ruins a church community witness.

Focus Scripture: 1 Corinthians 6:7-11
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The Christian life is to illuminate the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a world shrouded in darkness. Like city on a hill, the church is called to shine the light of salvation that permeates, influences, and changes the world around it to accord to Biblical norms. We cannot be effective in this divine mission if we apply worldly standards to our ethic of living. This is what was happening to the body of believers at Corinth. They had sign out front that said, “Church”, but on the inside it was filled with people who had conformed to a worldly way of living. Division, and sexual immorality operating in their fellowship had made shipwreck of their witness to the community around them. Paul dismay deepens as he now confronts the practice of lawsuits among the members of their church.

Focus Scripture: 1 Corinthians 6: 1-6
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We have all heard the saying, "One bad apple can spoil the bunch." In principle, this is what can happen within the body of believers when the “practice” of a sinful lifestyle is allowed to thrive among his people. If such person(s) is not called to account by the church, lawlessness can grow and negatively affect the life of faith of the congregants. As a result of this spiritual truth, Paul warned the churches (1 Cor 15:33), “Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals” (cf., Gal 5:9).

As we continue our study of Paul’s first letter to the Corinthian church, it appears that factionalism is not their only issue as worldliness has created a climate for another fruit of the flesh to germinate and flourish: sexual immorality. In this last section of text in chapter 5, Paul continues his instructions on how to properly address a member in their congregation who is actively involved in an incestuous relationship.

Focus Scripture: 1 Corinthians 5:9-13
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