Guided Question

When conflicts arise with other believers, do I rely on worldly methods of self-preservation, or do I trust God’s Spirit and His people to help me walk in love, humility, and faith?

Summary

In this sermon on 1 Corinthians 6, Dr. Robert Lewis addresses the problem of lawsuits among Christians in Corinth. The issue was not simply about legal disputes but about a deeper spiritual problem: the Corinthians had forgotten their theology and were living with a worldly spirit of survival rather than the Spirit-filled life.

Paul reminds the church that theology is not abstract or academic; it shapes everyday life and decisions. Believers are called to live out their future destiny now—managing disputes with wisdom, humility, and a focus on God’s Kingdom rather than possessions or personal rights. Instead of taking one another to court, Paul calls for Christian arbitration or, if necessary, Christian resignation, following the example of Christ who surrendered His rights for the sake of love.

Ultimately, Paul urges the Corinthians to remember who they are: washed, sanctified, and justified in Christ. Forgetting this truth leads them backward into a lifestyle of hopelessness, while remembering it moves them forward toward their destiny as Spirit-filled heirs of the Kingdom.

Outline

I. The Problem Identified (vv. 1–6)

Christians were suing Christians in secular courts.
Root issue: living as if theology has no place in daily life.
Lawsuits reflected greed, selfishness, and immaturity in the faith.

II. The Theological Reminder (vv. 2–4, 9–11)

“Do you not know?” repeated six times—calling them back to forgotten theology.
Believers will one day judge the world and even angels.
Christians must live now in light of their eternal destiny.
To sue one another is to live like those outside the Kingdom.
Remember your identity: washed, sanctified, and justified.

III. The Practical Solutions (vv. 5–8)

Christian Arbitration — seek resolution through wise believers and church leadership.
Christian Resignation — if necessary, yield rather than destroy relationships or Christ’s reputation.

IV. The Call to Move Forward (vv. 9–11)

Do not retreat into sin and hopelessness.
Live as Spirit-filled people who display God’s love and forgiveness.
Theology must inform daily relationships and decisions.

Key Takeaways

Theology is for life, not just the classroom. Biblical truth is meant to shape our daily decisions and relationships.
Conflict among believers must be handled spiritually, not through worldly systems. The church is equipped with God’s Word and Spirit to resolve disputes.
Possessions are never more important than people. Giving in for the sake of love protects unity and honors Christ.
Remember your identity. We are washed, sanctified, and justified—called to live as heirs of God’s Kingdom.
Moving forward requires Spirit-filled living. Retreating into selfishness and greed leads to defeat; surrender to the Spirit leads to peace and maturity.

Scripture References

1 Corinthians 6:1–11 – Lawsuits among believers and reminder of our identity in Christ.
Matthew 5:40 – Jesus’ teaching on surrendering possessions rather than fighting.
Revelation 20:4–6 – Believers’ future destiny to rule with Christ.
Proverbs 18:19 – The difficulty of restoring an offended brother.
Acts 18:8 – Corinthians’ baptism as a sign of leaving the old life behind.

Recorded 9/6/81