1 Corinthians 6 reminds me of the belt-loop principle. Early in my career, a new management philosophy was introduced to our company; “for every negative, you need to give 4 positives”. One of the old-school owners chimed in, “With half of these guys we need to tell them they hit all their belt-loops before we can tell them what to fix.” Today’s lesson is about maintaining standards. Paul continues his reprimand of the church by questioning their motives for not peacefully resolving disputes: “Do you dare to take it before the ungodly for judgment instead of before the Lord’s people?” He asks why they would bring private conflicts out into the secular legal system. Paul asks a pointed question: “Are you not competent to judge trivial cases?” These were minor disagreements, not criminal matters. Legal debates were conducted in the very public, central marketplace. This would be the equivalent to having a family conflict fought on social media. He asks why they would air grievances before “those whose way of life is scorned in the church?” The only reason would be to cause embarrassment. “Is nobody among you wise enough to judge a dispute between believers?” Many times, we say we are seeking justice, but we actually want vengeance.
Paul concludes: “The fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated.” We extend grace to others because God has shown us mercy. They chose accusation over peace. The world escalates conflict, Jesus said to turn the other cheek. They lack humility: “Why not rather be cheated? Instead, you yourselves cheat and do wrong”. Paul then lists specific behaviors of people that will not “inherit the kingdom of God”. This instruction is often cited as condemnation of particularly terrible sins. In context, this is an incredible proof that there is no unpardonable sin. Paul emphasizes: “And that is what some of you were.” That means in their past, before repentance. There is nothing we can do to earn salvation, and there is nothing we can do to void God’s redemptive power. By God’s Holy Spirit, “you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.” Forgiveness comes at a cost. Paul is saying that is it impossible to personally receive the victory Christ won, and yet continue living as we did before receiving His holy Spirit.
Paul closes the chapter with the Christian perspective on sexual relations. First, he corrects them on Christian liberty: “I have the right to do anything… but not everything is beneficial.” He adds, “I will not be mastered by anything.” Freedom in Christ comes with responsibility to honor God in word and deed. Paul then explains a very complex concept. When we accept Christ as our Savior, we are joined with Christ. The Holy Spirit of God is poured out on us at the moment of salvation. He tells us that “God raised the Lord from the dead, and He will raise us also.” Just as individually we are one in body, mind, and spirit; we are also made one with Christ. Paul asks, “Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ Himself?” Paul explains that sex is not just a physical act. There is a unique and permanent bond created. He adds another level of accountability to Christians. To Paul, there is no such thing as casual sex. “Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never!” He declares that Christians should: “Flee from sexual immorality.” Literally, get the heck out of the situation without delay or explanation. He places sexual intercourse as a separate category of sin because “All other sins a person commits are outside the body.” He reminds them: “you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.” Friend, is it time to cinch up your britches and listen to instruction?