Settling Disputes, Living as Saints, and Honoring God with Our Bodies
Paul’s words to the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 6 expose a troubling issue in the early church—believers taking each other to court before unbelievers. The underlying problem, however, wasn’t just about legal disputes; it revealed a deeper issue of misplaced priorities, greed, and a failure to live out the reality of their identity in Christ. Furthermore, Paul addresses the broader theme of how Christians should live in light of their union with Christ, including purity in both their actions and their bodies.
Reflection on Key Truths
1. Resolving Disputes Among Believers (vv. 1–8)
Paul strongly rebukes the Corinthians for bringing their civil disputes before secular courts rather than seeking resolution within the body of Christ. The Roman legal system of the time was corrupt, favoring the elite and the influential. By turning to these courts, believers were undermining their unity and failing to demonstrate the wisdom of Christ, which should be guiding their decisions.
His argument is striking: If believers will one day participate in judging the world alongside Christ, shouldn’t they be capable of resolving minor disputes now? Even more, the insistence on "winning" at another’s expense is contrary to the spirit of Christ, who willingly suffered loss for the sake of love. Paul’s challenge is radical—wouldn’t it be better to suffer being defrauded than to bring shame upon the name of Christ through public lawsuits?
2. Living as Those Who Have Been Transformed (vv. 9–11)
Paul warns the Corinthians against embracing an unrighteous way of life, reminding them that those who persist in sin without repentance will not inherit the kingdom of God. But he immediately follows this with a powerful reminder: “Such were some of you.” Their past sins—adultery, idolatry, greed, and immorality—no longer defined them because God had washed, sanctified, and justified them.
This transformation was not a result of their efforts but of God's intervention through Christ and the indwelling Holy Spirit. Paul’s point is clear: They are now saints, and their lives should reflect that reality. Instead of grasping for personal advantage, they are called to walk in the righteousness already given to them.
3. Honoring God with Our Bodies (vv. 12–20)
The Corinthians had adopted a distorted view of freedom, using slogans like “I have the right to do anything” to justify sexual immorality. Paul refutes this by emphasizing that their bodies are not their own. Just as food serves a temporary function, they argued that sex was merely a physical appetite. But Paul redirects their thinking—our bodies belong to the Lord, and He intends them for His glory.
The shocking reality he presents is that their bodies are members of Christ Himself. To engage in sexual immorality is not just a personal failing; it is a violation of their union with Christ. Instead of justifying sin, they should flee from it, because their bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. Bought at the ultimate price—the blood of Christ—they are now called to glorify God with their bodies.
Practical Applications
Settle disputes within the family of Christ. Seek reconciliation rather than retaliation, remembering that the world is watching.
Live in light of your new identity. Your past no longer defines you. Walk in the righteousness that is already yours in Christ.
Honor God with your body. Your body is not just a shell; it is a sacred dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. Every choice you make with it should reflect its true purpose—to glorify God.
Illustration
Imagine a beautifully restored violin, once discarded as worthless. A master musician finds it, repairs it, and tunes it for his own use. Would it make sense for the violin to be dragged through the mud or used as a hammer? No—it has been redeemed for a higher purpose. Likewise, we were once broken and misused by sin, but God has restored us for His glory. To return to a life of impurity or selfish ambition is to misuse the very life He redeemed.
Closing Prayer
Father, we acknowledge that You have made us new in Christ. We are no longer bound by the ways of the world but are called to live in the reality of our transformation. Thank You for making us clean, holy, and righteous in Your sight. May our lives reflect the beauty of Your work in us. May our actions, words, and even the way we handle disputes testify to the wisdom and love of Christ. And may we always remember that our bodies belong to You, set apart for Your glory. In Jesus' name, we stand in the fullness of all You have provided. Amen.
Final Thought
Paul’s words remind us that how we live matters—not as a means of earning favor with God, but as an expression of the reality of who we already are in Christ. Whether in our relationships, our conflicts, or our personal conduct, every choice should reflect the truth that we belong to Him.