The Man in the Middle.

1 Corinthians 6:1-11

"But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God." -1 Corinthians 6:11

Old habits die hard. Especially when those habits are rooted and supported by the current culture and any behavior counter to those expectations leave a stigma or label. Such is the case for many Christians, such was the case for the Christians at Corinth.

Paul has heard in a report (or a letter) given to him that the members of the church in Corinth are bringing their conflicts before the local tribunal to settle civil disputes. This behavior is not odd for those living in Corinth. Paul admits that these same Christians were quite justified in this behavior before the work that God did through Christ in their lives (v. 11). But Paul is also clear that they are different now. They have been changed. The previous behavior is no longer to be tolerated. They are no longer allowed the behavior of bringing fellow Christians to a civil tribunal. So how are they to handle conflict?

Paul's answer to this sheds much light on the way that Christians should treat one another. First, the courts in Corinth were not the same as our courts today. The wealthy could press down on the poor or disreputable and have their way. In other words, the courts were unfairly biased to the rich and reputable (something we will see Paul address again). So his first charge is to drop it. Let it go. Get over it. If your Christian brother or sister has offended you, forgive them, and then move on. It is better to suffer than to bully your way through a conflict.

Secondly, if the dispute is not such that can be let go. Or if the conflict lingers then turn to the church. The church is the middle man that will shed light by the commands and concerns of Jesus Christ to the conflict that is between you. The goal is not to get your way! It is rather to find a way forward, in love, with your brother or sister.

Finally, Paul compels us not to turn back. I have been forgiven of much. I cannot throw a temper tantrum for my rights to be granted. I have been relieved of my rights. I gave them away. You own them. Actually, God owns them. It is called surrender.

If you have a conflict, allow God to intervene.

Forgive.

Seek spiritual guidance.

Remember that you are a new creature, in Christ, remade for his purposes. Not your own.