The Christians and the court

Introduction

- America is in top 5 of the most litigious countries in the world. Germany holds the first place and America the fifth place. By far the number one cause of suing in America is the desire to get rich. People file lawsuits because they want money and look for a pretext so they can sue for money. They demand money because the slipped and fell, because they did not like their doctor, because they do no like their employer.

- The churches In America are no exceptions. Over 1000 churches are being sued every month and one of the main reasons is property.

- In ancient world things were not any different. People were suing back then as well and this practiced was also in the church of Corinth. What does this particular passage teaches us about lawsuits?

I. Lawsuits between believers over wordly things are wrong v. 7

1. Why?

a) because they are motivated by greed (v. 7b)

Greed (people who put money above relationships and peace)

For example, look what it says in James (background cultural explanation)

James 2:2-6 Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Didn’t God choose the poor in this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom that he has promised to those who love him? 6 Yet you have dishonored the poor. Don’t the rich oppress you and drag you into court?

People cannot deny their desire for money and property even if they were to lose it, because they love possessions too much.

People go to the court because they cannot reach an agreement, which shows that they cannot reach an agreement. This shows that money and possessions are more important than peace and a good relationship with your brother.

b) because it will ruin the image of the church (v. 1)

a church that preaches love and self-denial but has lawsuits is sending a contradictory message to an unbelieving world.

A church like this is similar to a financial advisor who promises you to help you get out of debt when he himself is broke and in debt!

II. Minor conflicts between believers must be settled by the church

a) because it has authority

just as a policeman can stop you because the government gave him authority so does the church has authority to judge between believers

In the same manner, people from the church do not have authority to judge the people from the world as we mentioned last time. We are not to judge the people from the world but people from inside our church.

b) because it has the duty to protect the itself

I am not saying that when it comes to sexual crimes or murder or anything that is very serious police should not be involved, because if the church conceals a murder then the itself can run into legal problems and can be charged with concealment. I am saying that the church should fix a problem before it becomes a legal problem.