1 Corinthians 6

Friday, 20 June 2014

If then you have judgments concerning things pertaining to this life, do you appoint those who are least esteemed by the church to judge? 1 Corinthians 6:4

Paul is continuing on with his same train of thought concerning judgments – who should judge matters in what context? The believers in Corinth had taken civil matters, such as lawsuits, (things pertaining to this life) to the pagan courts to be settled. He has shown them the utter folly of this and now goes on with that line of thought.

He says “If then you have judgments…” In this, he is saying that these things have arisen and will from time to time arise. It is natural for there to be disputes. At the time of Moses, while in the wilderness, there was a constant stream of such matters which were brought to him. This is recorded in Exodus 18. It was at a time when people were living in tents and not even settled into a home with land and a large number of possessions. How much more is it expected that such things would arise among those living a regular life in a community.

And so when such judgments “concerning things pertaining to this life” would arise, there would need to be a judge. It is inevitable and natural. But who would be the judge? Who would be chosen to preside over such petty matters of “this life?” Paul wants them to think the issue through based on what he said in the previous verse, that as believers “we shall judge angels.”

And so he says the following words, which need a careful evaluation – “…do you appoint those who are least esteemed by the church to judge?” The verb for “appoint” is the Greek word kathizete. It is actually unclear whether Paul wrote it in the imperative mood (meaning a command) or in the indicative mood (meaning interrogatively). And so a couple possibilities arise –

1) If a command, he is telling them: You are to appoint those who are the least esteemed by the church to judge (meaning the least knowledgeable in the church would still be preferable to appointing unbelievers over them for such judgments).

2) If interrogatively, he is asking them if they would actually dare to “appoint those who are least esteemed by the church” (meaning unbelievers).

The debate over which is his intent has continued on since the letter was written and scholars disagree, but in the end the thought is clear either way. It is a rebuke to them for their unsound practices. It could be that Paul was intentionally ambiguous in his wording so that we would look at this from different angles and still come to the same conclusion. The practice of going outside the church for judgments was wrong and even the least informed in the church would be preferable to the most knowledgeable outside of it.

Life application: Disputes within the church and among fellowshipping believers should be mediated by those within the church. It is a concept which seems all but forgotten today, but when thought of from the eternal perspective, it is the one that certainly makes the most sense.

Lord, as I sit here, tired from the load of work and the pressures of life, I still have a wonderful sense of joy about my situation. It’s a feeling which transcends the pains and difficulties that come my way. When times aren’t right, I keep remembering that You have promised an end to the trials and have given us a much better hope of things to come. Yes, the world wears me down, but the thought of being with You some wondrous day fills me with joy. I just can’t wait for it to come. Yes, come Lord Jesus. Amen.

Thursday, 19 June 2014

Do you not know that we shall judge angels? How much more, things that pertain to this life? 1 Corinthians 6:3

There is much debate and an almost perceived fear among commentators as to what Paul is referring to here. Some say that because there is no qualifier before “angels” it must be referring to the “good” angels. In other words, he doesn’t say the “fallen” angels or the “bad” angels. Others disagree and say he must be speaking about the leaders of churches – pastors, priests, etc. The term can be used this way, but it would make no sense at all because he is writing to a body with elders already in place and he himself is an apostle.

The plain sense of the verse demands that we look at it in no other way than that he is speaking of heavenly messengers, good or bad, that will be judged by the saints. If a sentence is to be pronounced on a fallen angel, believers will be the ones qualified to make that judgment. The good angels will be excluded from such judgments because there was no fault in them. Thus, in actuality, judgment is rendered on both. One judgment is “no” judgment necessary. The other judgment will be according to their fallen nature and evil deeds.

But for what could believers judge fallen angels? The answer is that they are the afflicters of believers now. They are the ones who wreak havoc among the weak, making miserable those believers who are susceptible. They are also those who completely possess non-believers and torment them as demons. Because of the angels’ interactions with man, redeemed man will be allowed judicial authority over them.

Likewise, the “good” angels have been “ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?” (Hebrews1:14). Because of this, their ministrations will be noted by those who finally see what good they wrought among men before their glorification.

Understanding this verse from this perspective then makes all the sense in the world. What we don’t even perceive now will become clear to our eyes in the future. God has given those who believe an opportunity to actively participate in a realm that we now only passively participate in. And if this is so, then “how much more, things that pertain to this life?”

In other words, if we will someday judge angels who are in a completely different order of being than we are, then shouldn’t we be able to handle the judgments of this life in the order we now perceive and understand! The answer begs for a positive response. Yes, we should be in control of our judgments now, not handing them over to non-believers when they fall entirely within the parameters of those who will inherit eternal life and the right to judge eternal beings.

Life application: Imagine the great honor of being one of the redeemed of the Lord. And likewise, imagine the great responsibility that accompanies that honor. Let us never take lightly our duty to govern our own affairs in the church and among believers.

Lord God, it’s not to angels that you have put in subjection the world to come, but to man, and more especially one Man. All of the authority of heaven and earth is granted to Your Son, my Lord Jesus. As this is so, then why should I worry about a single thing that happens in this life, from stubbing my toe to losing my most beloved, surely all things are within the control of Your capable hands. If the future is already granted to Jesus, then all of this life is being prepared for that day. Thank You for this sure hope. Amen.

Wednesday, 18 June 2014

Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world will be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters? 1 Corinthians 6:2

Paul is showing the utterly absurd nature of the saints going before the ungodly for their judgments. His words confirm that their counsels are merely earthly and bear little weight. In contrast to them are the judgments of the saints. “Do you not know that the saints will judge the world?” The very people to whom the Corinthians were going to resolve petty matters between the believers are the same people who will be judged by the saints someday!

Paul is showing that the religious matters bear immensely higher weight than the earthly issues we find so important. It is to the “saints” that the religious decisions will be rendered. This verse, along with so many others in the New Testament, shows us that those termed “saints” are not decided upon by a council or a pope, but rather it is a term for “believers.” All who are saved by Christ are, by default, saints. And these saints will “judge the world.”

And so, to continue to help these saints think clearly, Paul continues with, “And if the world will be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters?” The folly of those in Corinth is made clear! How can we hold to the promises of the future with all of its honor and power, and not reasonably consider it in our deliberations now? These niggling little matters (which seem so important at this time, but which actually have no true importance when considered against the backdrop of eternity) that arise between believers are minute compared to what we will someday decide.

So how can it be that we can’t even decide them now? Paul asks them to think! And it is all the more relevant to believers today. Those in Corinth didn’t have the New Testament epistles to rely on. All they had was whatever instructions they received and their faulty memories. Now, we have the whole counsel of God given to us and ready for reference, decision, and action. What an immensely valuable tool for guidance – and yet we still neglect it and we still fall into the same error today that those in Corinth fell into prior to the publication of the Bible.

Life application: What priority is Scripture in your life? Just how willing to rely on God’s instruction are you? Do you know more than He? Are your judgments more valuable than His?  We know the answers, and so let us continue to learn and apply this precious gift to our every step.

Lord, what seems so important in this life actually has very little importance compared to what is coming. So how can we fight over the miniscule things that arise and pester us each day when the true life ahead promises us eternal rest and contentment? Help us to focus on the sure promises that You have given and in this we will be able to keep the little things of this life in proper perspective. You have it all taken care of; and because of Jesus our end is assured. In this, let us remain content! Amen.

Tuesday, 17 June 2014

Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unrighteous, and not before the saints? 1 Corinthians 6:1

In Chapter 5, Paul detailed “judging” for both those inside the church and noting that the church isn’t the arbiter of matters outside the church. Now he is turning the same thought around. The reason for this isn’t explicitly stated, but it is alluded to in verse 6:6 which is just ahead.

Just as the church is to judge matters which occur within the church, the church is not to have such matters judged by those outside the church. It is a point of obvious grief to him and he will detail why as he proceeds. To stress the magnitude of the issue, he asks “Dare any of you…?” It is a note of rebuke or a note of extreme warning. In essence, as Bengel notes, it “implies treason against Christian brotherhood.” What he will continue with is something bordering on sacred.

And so he continues, “Dare any of you, having a matter against another…” There will always arise disputes between people. This has occurred since the beginning and it will continue throughout the age. People perceive things differently and feel they have a right to a legal remedy for injustices committed against them. But within the body of believers, Paul demonstrates that when such a thing arises, they should not even dare to “go to law before the unrighteous, and not before the saints.”

The absurdity of following such a course will be explained, but even before reaching those verses, it is possible to think through many reasons why this shouldn’t occur. If the saints are declared righteous, then how could a fair legal decision be rendered in a court ruled by the unrighteous? Suppose a believer has wronged another believer and is unwilling to own up to his wrong. What would preclude him from bribing an unrighteous judge to maintain his supremacy in the matter?

Additionally, what kind of example would a church or church member be setting if he were to take such matters before a non-believing body? What will be the perception of those non-believers concerning the power of Jesus, the charitableness between believers, or the ability for a church to handle matters of even greater weight (meaning spiritual matters)? If they can’t handle earthly problems, why should they be trusted with the eternal issues that religion is supposed to handle.

For these and other reasons, it is entirely inappropriate for believers within a church to not attempt to arbitrate their differences within the church setting.

Life application: How important is a matter that you would be willing to bring discredit upon the name of Jesus? At what point does an offense justify degrading Him in the presence of the unrighteous. Paul’s words ask us to consider this and to act accordingly.

Heavenly Father, You have forgiven me for so much and You have done so without holding it over my head. In Your great grace and mercy, You have forgotten my misdeeds because of what Jesus did for me. Now Lord, help me to act in the same way towards those who come to me asking for forgiveness and reconciliation. Help me not to turn my heart away from such an act, but to accept terms of peace and harmony. How can I withhold forgiveness over such little offenses when You have granted it for a life of disobedience against You. Help me in this Lord. Amen.