The Corinthians have such great divisions that they cannot solve them apart from going to court. Paul says they have already been overcome by their own divided ways. (1 Corinthians 6:1-11)
Sermon Outline
…but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:15-16)
Since the Church has been set apart from the world through its union with Christ, we must live as set-apart people, one way this is reflected is in how we resolve conflict. Show the world the changes God has brought into our lives, by not seeking retribution or restitution but by instead seeking reconciliation and restoration for the sake of the Gospel.
Conflict Happens: Make it Family Business, not the World’s (1-4)
Conflict Happens: Trust God’s Wisdom, not Man’s (5-6)
Conflict Happens: Protect the Gospel, not Your Rights (7-8)
Conflict Happens: Handle it Like You’re Changed, not the Same (9-11)
What it Looks Like for Christ Followers to Resolve Conflict:
- We seek _________________ from God before we start. (James 1:5)
- We take the _________________ . (Matthew 5:23-24, Mathew 18:15-17)
- We confess our _________________ in the conflict. (Matthew 7:5)
- We attack the _________________ ; not the person. (Galatians 6:1)
- We seek godly _________________ when needed. (Mathew 18:15-17)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Open Up
- If you’ve seen a tv court show (Judge Judy, People’s Court, etc.) Who is your favorite judge and why?
- What type of judge do you think you’d be? (Throw the Book at Them! A Pushover! Creative Solutions! Something else?)
- Have you ever helped someone resolve a conflict with someone else? How did it go? What wisdom were you able to offer?
Dig In
- Read 1 Corinthians 1:1-8
- When you read these verses, how would you summarize them in your own words?
- What words or phrases stand out to you? Why?
- What would you say is the real problem Paul is addressing in this passage?
- Why do you think, after being careful not to shame or admonish them strongly in the first five chapters of 1 Corinthians, Paul comes out so strongly in this passage against what they’re doing?
- Do you think it is ever appropriate for two believers to engage in a civil suit against each other in court? If so, under what circumstances? What should be done first? What should be the desired outcome?
- Read 1 Corinthians 1:9-11
- Of the specific actions and attitudes listed, why do you suppose Paul chose to list these specific ones in the context of verses 1-8?
- How would you describe the part each person of the trinity plays in verse 11? Why do you think Paul explained it this way for us?
Live It Out
- Do you have any unresolved conflict in your life, especially with another Christ follower, that you need to resolve so that your worship and witness be all it is intended to be?
- Which of the steps outlined in the conclusion of how Christians should resolve conflicts is the hardest for you to undertake? Why? How can we help you move forward in that area?
- What does it mean to you personally to know that your sins have been washed away, that you’ve been set apart, made holy, and made right with God?