1 Corinthians 6:1-11 = April 5

1 Corinthians 6:1-11

OPEN:

• Have you ever been on jury duty? What was it like?

DIG:

• Why is Paul so upset that members of the young church in Corinth are taking their disputes to a civil, secular court? What does Paul mean when he tells the Corinthians that they have been "defeated already" (1 Corinthians 6:7)? 
• Why do lawsuits and other kinds of conflict or indiscretion cast a shadow over the church? 
• Do you agree with Paul that it is better to be cheated than to go to court against a fellow believer? Why? 
• Does Paul mean that believers who do the things in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 will not enter heaven?

REFLECT:

• What attitudes in conflict situations do you see in yourself: An insistence on "my rights"? A desire for revenge? Peace at any cost? Apathy about my example to non-believers? 

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/HtUGE4iHvDA?feature=share

Is "Homosexuality" A Bad Translation?
https://youtu.be/wrr_jQVUSpg

Other Resources:

Managing Disputes and Handling Adversity 1 Corinthians 6

 DIVISION IS NOT MY INTENTION

“Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.” 1 Corinthians 6:9-10

As our culture spins out of control we must maintain our call to be salt and light in a decaying and dark world.

A preacher recently said, “Our culture has accepted two huge lies. The first is that if you disagree with someone’s lifestyle, you must fear or hate them. The second is that to love someone means you agree with everything they believe or do. Both are nonsense. You don’t have to compromise convictions to be compassionate.”

Our aim should be to think Biblically and act graciously.

I recently read the headlines in a national paper, “Joe Biden says LGBT rights will be his top legislative priority if elected President.” I have to admit, with all the issues affecting our great country, I was shocked this was singled out.

In a study released by the Barna Group, 9 out of 10 ministers see helping Christians develop biblical beliefs about specific issues as a major part of their role. While homosexuality is the issue teachers feel the most pressure to address, 44% feel limited in their ability to speak out because they are afraid of offending people.

In his book called, Counter Culture, David Platt writes: “On popular issues like poverty and slavery, where Christians are likely to be applauded for our social action, we are quick to stand up and speak out. Yet on controversial issues like homosexuality and abortion, where Christians are likely to be criticized for our involvement, we are content to sit down and stay quiet.”

In the season premiere of the PBS animated show “Arthur,” Mr. Ratburn came out as gay and got married. Here’s how CNN reported it – listen for their editorializing: “The Arthur premiere gave us all the happy feelings – not just because the PBS series is back for its 22nd season, but because Mr. Ratburn finally got the happy ending he deserves…the title character’s third-grade teacher marries another male character – leaving us all in happy tears. ‘It’s a brand new world!’ one of the students says during the wedding."

I realize that today’s devotional may result in some of my readers becoming frustrated. Division is not my intention. Understand that I prayed over this devotional like none other. Please just ponder what is written. As you consider your position on this important subject, may I suggest a couple of things for us to consider:

• · Our goal shouldn’t be to beat up sinners who are not like us. We must always remember the Gospel is for sinners. It’s OK to be disappointed and even angry about a specific sin, but we’re to extend love to those who may sin differently than we do.
• · We should not cave to sin. Our aim is not to be politically correct, but to be Biblically correct. It may be time for you to take a stand regarding how the Bible actually defines marriage and sexual relations.
• · Our model is Jesus Christ. We shouldn't cave in to sin or beat up sinners, but instead we must follow Christ as our example. John 1:14 says Jesus is “Full of grace and truth.”

When the woman was caught in adultery in John 8:11, Jesus ministered grace to her and then shared the truth with her; “Neither do I condemn you [grace]; go and sin no more [truth].”

Likewise, we’re called to share the truth, but shouldn't we share it with grace?

Thought of the Day: There’s a huge shift going on within some churches and among some Christians to interpret the Bible through whatever lens that makes us feel good. Instead of allowing this proposed change, we should look to God’s Word to inform, convict, and change us.