Avoiding Lawsuits with Christians (Day 9)

Read 1 Corinthians 6:1-8
 
   In chapter 5, Paul explained what to do with open immorality in the congregation. In chapter 6, he teaches how the congregation should handle smaller problems between believers. Society has set up a legal system in which disagreements can be resolved in courts. But Paul declares that Christians should not have to go to a secular court to resolve their differences. As Christians, we have the Holy Spirit and the mind of Christ, so why should we turn to those who lack God’s wisdom? Because of all that we have been given as believers, and because of the authority that we will have in the future to judge the world and the angels, we should be able to deal with disputes among ourselves (John 5; Revelation 3; 2 Peter 2; Jude 1). 
   Why did Paul say that Christians should not take their disagreements to unbelievers in secular courts? 1) If the judge and jury are not Christians, they are not likely to be sensitive to Christian values. 2) The basis for going to court is often revenge; this should never be a Christian’s motive. 3) Lawsuits harm the cause of Christ and make the church look bad, causing unbelievers to focus on its problems rather than on its purpose.