1 Corinthians: Part 8
Sunday, March 22, 2026
Read reverently the passage together and pray.
Main Passage: 1 Corinthians 6:1-11
Big Idea: A maturing church will make every effort to settle disputes among members internally, not externally.
Work through the chapter.
Vv. 1-6
What was wrong in the Corinthian church, and what solution did Paul suggest in verse one?
In verses 2-3, Paul asks twice, "Do you not know...?" What do these questions reveal about the future role and authority of believers? How should remembering this truth change the way we approach "small" or everyday disputes with other Christians today? In verses 4-6, Paul says he speaks "to your shame" and questions whether there is "not even one wise person" among them who could judge between believers. What does this tell us about the importance of wisdom and maturity within our church community?
Vv. 7-8
In verses 7-8, Paul says that the mere fact of having lawsuits among believers shows they've already been "completely defeated." Then he shocks us by saying, "Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated?" What does this teach us about priorities in the family of God? How might this principle apply to everyday conflicts today?
Vv. 9-10
Paul now, in vv. 9-10, brings up a serious list of sins right after talking about lawsuits and cheating fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. What are some reasons you believe Paul had for bringing up this list of sins? How does this connect the idea of "wronging others" in the church to the bigger picture of unrighteous living?
V. 11
What stands out to you about the shift from "were" (past) to the three actions God has done ("washed... sanctified... justified")? How does remembering our own position in Christ and the transformation through him change how you view past sins – yours and others? In what ways can this verse bring hope to someone struggling with ongoing patterns of sin?
Apply the chapter
Have you become one of the righteous in Christ?
Are you dealing with a grievance against another believer?
When you can't settle that grievance yourselves, will you look to the church for help before turning to the outside courts?