1 Corinthians 6:1

Memory Verse

Dare certain ones of you, having a matter with another, to judge by the unrighteous and not by the saints? 1 Corinthians 6:1

Going before the unrighteous to obtain a judgment against another saint is shameful (1 Corinthians 6:5). This arises from a lack of love among the saints involved and their unwillingness to yield to righteousness. When there is a matter between the brethren, it should be handled properly among the brethren (1 Corinthians 6:7). Dealing with a matter among the saints does not mean overlooking a person’s illegal activities or justifying not paying restitution for harm done. We are also to submit to those in authority in the world, for those who govern have been given a sword to avenge those who are harmed and wronged (Romans 13:1–3).

When there is no one wise among the saints in the assembly to discern between the brethren, the unrighteous are not to be used to defraud the saints (1 Corinthians 6:8). It is better to suffer loss than to take what does not belong to you under the guise of the local authorities. This is not a means by which saints can cheat each other with no consequences. The unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9–10). We once belonged to darkness just as they do, but now we have been washed and sanctified (1 Corinthians 6:11). Therefore, let us walk as children of God, not cheating each other, but seeking the best for other saints. When this attitude and conduct are found among the saints, the matters of this life are easily discerned and dealt with in a righteous manner among the saints without anyone being defrauded.