Disputable Matters | Messy Church, Part 7

Disputable Matters | Messy Church, Part 7

Examples of Christians publicly airing grievances/filing lawsuits against fellow believers:

– Defamation

– Discrimination

– Divorce

– Sexual Abuse Allegations

– Church Elections

– Breach of Contract and Conspiracy

Most of us when wronged, insist on making things right...

or getting even

The willingness to suffer wrong

1 Corinthians 6:1-8

When one of you has a grievance against another, does he dare go to law before the unrighteous instead of the saints? 2 Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world?And if the world is to be judged by you, are you incompetent to try trivial cases? 3 Do you not know that we are to judge angels? How much more, then, matters pertaining to this life! 4 So if you have such cases, why do you lay them before those who have no standing in the church?5 I say this to your shame. Can it be that there is no one among you wise enough to settle a dispute between the brothers, 6 but brother goes to law against brother, and that before unbelievers? 7 To have lawsuits at all with one another is already a defeat for you. Why not rather suffer wrong? Why not rather be defrauded? 8 But you yourselves wrong and defraud—even your own brothers!

These believers were taking private matters into the public court.

The result:

Division in the church

Bad reputation in the community

Negative witness in the world

1 Corinthians 6:1

When one of you has a grievance against another, does he dare go to law before the unrighteous instead of the saints?

We should never handle publicly what should be dealt with in the family.

1 Corinthians 6:2

Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by you,are you incompetent to try trivial cases?

1 Corinthians 5:12

For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge?

If saints are called to judge the world, why would we ever want the world to judge our issues?

1 Corinthians 6:7

To have lawsuits at all with one another is already a defeat for you.

1 Corinthians 6:7-8

To have lawsuits at all with one another is already a defeat for you. Why not rather suffer wrong?8 But you yourselves wrong and defraud—even your own brothers!

Be willing to suffer wrong

Would you rather be wronged and resemble Jesus or get your own way?

We want to defend ourselves publicly…

as if we don’t trust God!

So consumed with obtaining more stuff

So concerned about defending our stuff

We miss the bigger picture

1 Corinthians 6:3

Do you not know that we are to judge angels? How much more, then, matters pertaining to this life!

Judgment / Restoration

First, remove what needs to go

Then, make right what remains

1 Corinthians 6:5

I say this to your shame. Can it be that there is no one among you wise enough to settle a dispute between the brothers,

1 Corinthians 6:11

And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified int he name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

What are some wise ways to settle the dispute?

1. Never gossip, or vent

2. Settle disputes with gentleness and love

3. Be courageous

4. Be patient