Readings:
2 Chronicles 17-19
Sirach 23
1 Corinthians 6

1 Corinthians 6

The next issue addressed by Paul is reports of lawsuits between members of the church over various disputes. Paul is very upset at this for several reasons. First of all, we are all brothers in Christ, yet they can’t settle matters in a brotherly fashion among themselves? Why not? What is the deeper issue going on here that doesn’t allow for disputes to be settled civilly and within the family, so to speak.

Secondly, Paul states that if things get so heated that the two parties can’t come to an agreement then they should have an arbitrator in the church settle the cases for them. Much like how the Israelites had judges from among the tribes that settled disputes that arose among them.

Finally, Paul doesn’t think that pagans have any business making case decisions over believers when we will be the ones sitting on the thrones with Christ at the end of the age, and we will assist in the judgment of angels he tells them. So basically he wants them to stop airing their dirty laundry in front of the pagan court system.

He switches from arguing against lawsuits between believers very seamlessly to avoiding sexual immorality. Paul lists a few different sins and sinful dispositions that will prevent someone from obtaining eternal life in heaven. He then mentions “immorality” several times and specifically means sexual immorality. It’s plainly evident what paul is teaching here but the modern world wants the church to change it, but that’s not within her power to do.

Readings:
2 Chronicles 20
Sirach 24
1 Corinthians 7