Spirit-led arbitration is essential to church unity. Believers (by which the Spirit dwells and yields its power) are commanded to allow God leading in our relationships with people, especially in the matter of disputes among the saints. Why? God’s version of a final resolution will inject his character, glorifying will and wisdom which is pure, peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere (Jam 3:17).
In contrast to God, our human nature is self-centered and self-interested to the very core. There is no mutual agreement, or “win-win” approach desired as far as our flesh is concerned. The negotiating philosophy of our fallen disposition is, “Do unto others before they do unto you.” Why is this? The root of our human nature is sinful. As result, our default way of thinking is earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. This has created a worldly climate in the Corinthian church who have embraced the practice of suing one another in pagan courts. In our focus text, Paul warns them of the danger of these behaviors as it is injurious (both spiritually and physically) and ruins a church community witness.
Focus Scripture: 1 Corinthians 6:7-11
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