BIG IDEA:
BELIEVERS SHOULD NEVER SUE FELLOW BELIEVERS
INTRODUCTION:
Remember the book written by Jay Adams, Competent to Counsel – that laid a lot of the groundwork for the basis for nouthetic counseling. Adams made the argument that believers would be wrong to submit to the counseling of unsaved psychologists. Instead believers have the resources they need to confront the most serious problems of life – the resources of the Word of God and the Spirit of God. In a similar vein, the Apostle Paul argues in this passage that the Church is Competent to Judge as well. Why would we ever consider taking a fellow believer to court and submit to the “wisdom” of unsaved judges? This would be damaging to the testimony of Christ.
We live in a society that goes to court at the drop of a hat. Look at the number of lawyers … the backlog of court cases … the ridiculous amounts of some of the settlements for damages, etc. Look at how people demand that their “rights” be protected and have the expectation of compensation if they are wronged in any way. Look at how this contributes to the high cost of liability insurance.
Some commentators want to temper Paul’s tone in this passage and say that believers should try to avoid suing fellow believers. But the clear import of the teaching is that believers should never sue fellow believers! Remember the context from chapter 5 where believers were reminded of their responsibility to judge among themselves. “Not only is the church to judge in matters of morality, but in other matters having to do with everyday life (civil situations).” (Gil Rugh)
I. (:1) ENTERTAINING THE QUESTION OF TAKING ANOTHER BELIEVER TO COURT EXPOSES PRESUMPTUOUS PRIDE
A. Universal Application to the Church of Christ
“Does any one of you”
Not just giving some local advice that applies only to certain special situations
B. Unsettled Grievance vs Another Brother
“when he has a case against his neighbor”
– assumes that this is not just some frivolous complaint but a serious and legitimate (at least in the mind of the plaintiff) grievance
– not talking about spiritual differences but about matters of property and civil law; things that people might normally sue someone over
– neighbor (lit “another”) in this context indicates another believer
C. Unthinkable Choice of Venue
“dare to go to law before the unrighteous and not before the saints?”
Lawsuits common practice in Corinth.
Paul expressing shock; look at that word “dare” – emphatic by position in the Greek
6:9 — these unrighteous are not destined for the kingdom of God; stand in contrast to the saints; carries a moral connotation as well (Rugh)
II. (:2-6) EVALUATING THE OPTION BETWEEN A SECULAR COURT AND THE JUDGMENT OF THE SAINTS SHOULD BE A NO-BRAINER
A. (:2) Reminder #1 – The Saints Will Ultimately Judge the World –
Argument from the Greater to the Lesser
1. Statement of the Obvious – Doctrine 101 class
“Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world?”
This is a huge responsibility; clearly delineates a great chasm between believers and non-believers; speaking of responsibility of believers in coming kingdom
2 Tim. 2:12; Rev. 2:26-27; 3:21 – we share the authority of His rule; 20:4
2. Simple Argument – Based on Competency
“If the world is judged by you, are you not competent to constitute the smallest law courts?”
the trivial matters
B. (:3) Reminder #2 – The Saints Will Ultimately Judge the Angels
1. Statement of the Obvious
“Do you not know that we will judge angels?”
Rugh: Heb. 1:14 — in the millennial kingdom, all the angels will be subject to believers in glorified bodies as well; angels serve on our behalf even right now – who are destined for the fullness of salvation; Heb. 2:5-9; we should be living right now in the light of this truth; no problem judging trivial matters of this life right now
2. Simple Argument – Based on argument from the greater to the lesser
“How much more matters of this life?”
C. (:4-6) Clear Conclusion: Avoid Taking Your Fellow Brother to Court
1. Because Believers are More Competent to Judge
“Therefore, if you have disputes about such matters, appoint as judges even men of little account in the church! I say this to shame you. Is it possible that there is nobody among you wise enough to judge a dispute between believers?” (NIV)
Many different interpretations suggested for the difficult text in vs. 4.
Pagan judges would have no standing in the church …
Does not require a jury of 12
2. Because the Testimony of the Church is at Stake
“but brother goes to law with brother, and that before unbelievers?”
Believers should be characterized by love, forgiveness and reconciliation; We should be the experts at putting up with one another and yielding our rights. We certainly don’t want to air our dirty laundry in front of unbelievers who do not possess the wisdom of God or the insight from the Holy Spirit.
III. (:7-8) ENGAGING IN SECULAR LAWSUITS RATHER THAN YIELDING YOUR RIGHTS TO YOUR FELLOW BROTHER CANNOT PRODUCE A GOOD OUTCOME
A Suing a Fellow Brother Automatically Makes You a Loser
“Actually, then, it is already a defeat for you, that you have lawsuits with one another.”
B. Suffering Injustice Should Always Be the Preferred Option
“Why not rather be defrauded?”
Jeffries: In the kingdom, when a dispute arises between believers, the primary goal of resolution is not justice but reconciliation.
Difficulty: both believers convinced they are right and refuse to accept the adjudication of the believer appointed to do the judging; won’t be a problem if we have the attitude of willing to be defrauded
C. Suing a Fellow Brother Automatically Puts You in the Wrong
“On the contrary, you yourselves wrong and defraud. You do this even to your brethren.”
Matt. 5:38-42; Rom 12:17-19; 1 Thess. 5:15; 1 Pet. 2
A family should be able to work things out within the family