Disgree Agreeably
The Corinthians did not seem to have any trouble separating from each other, whether based on favorite teachers, use of spiritual gifts or finding resolution to civil disputes amongst their members.
Many parts of American society have become very litigious. We are a people who quickly turn to the civil courts to find resolution to the problems we have with one another.
Paul’s words are to the Christian church, not the world. For the believers, there is a higher priority and a higher calling to which we are expected to aspire.
1 Cor 6:1-8
v 1
Audacity of taking brothers in Christ before civil magistrate (in pagan society)
v 2-4
Revelation:
saints will judge the world
saints will judge over angels
Kingdom Perspective
28 Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life. 30 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.
resolving issues is “on the job training” for our roles in the Kingdom of Jesus
This Kingdom-mindedness is intended to draw our attention to the “higher priority”
Kingdom Priority
v 5-8
lacking Godly wisdom to mediate
“already a defeat”
lawsuits against brothers is a “fruit” issue
Root issue- agape for one another, view of the cross in relation to each other.
The higher priority is to be at peace with one another. We have “bigger fish to fry”.
Application:
civil matters- disputes (trivial cases)
Marriage: seek out mentorship or counsel BEFORE the marriage is in shambles.
Business: integrity, kingdom-mindedness, testimony awareness
Siblings: partnership/friendship
Church family: we rejoice, weep, struggle, pray…with one another.
How is NCBC prepared to respond?
Symbis(+) training, upcoming marriage mentoring
Mediation template
NON-application:
criminal matters- when crimes are committed, they are to be taken to the authorities,
not covered up.
justice for the victim
testimony to the church and the world
instances of sexual misconduct and abuse by church leaders
Inspiration:
Philippians 2:5–8 “5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.
8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”
Philippians 2:12–16 “12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.”
Colossians 1:9–12 “9 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;
11 being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.”
Colossians 3:12–17 “12 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Action:
What does it mean to forgive?
Who do we need to forgive?
What perspective do you need to adopt?