Matters Among Brethren
Text: 1 Corinthians 6:1–6

Matters Among Brethren

Text: 1 Corinthians 6:1–6

Introduction

In 1 Corinthians 6:1–6, Paul addresses an uncomfortable but real problem—Christians taking one another to court. The question he raises is not just about legal disputes, but about how the church of God should handle differences among its own. His inspired words call us to consider judgment, reputation, unity, and the eternal destiny of souls.

Problems in Corinth

The Corinthian church had many struggles, and one of them was that brethren were carrying their grievances before unbelieving judges. Paul begins with the strong word, “Dare.” It shows the seriousness of the issue. Christians can have conflicts, but the way they are handled reflects on the reputation of the church and on the gospel itself. The question is always: What promotes the greater good? If possible, disputes should be resolved among brethren rather than paraded before the world.

Saints Will Judge the World

Paul reminds the Corinthians of their spiritual role: “Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? … Do you not know that we shall judge angels?” (vv. 2–3). How is this done? By proclaiming the word of God. Just as Noah “condemned the world” through faithful preaching (Hebrews 11:7), so the church judges the world by teaching righteousness. The gospel itself is a standard that exposes sin and calls for repentance. If Christians can do this regarding eternal matters, surely they can handle “the smallest matters” in this life.

Small Matters Among Believers

Paul emphasizes that these disputes were not about doctrine but about worldly issues—secular disagreements such as property, money, or personal grievances. He urges the brethren to find a wise man in the congregation to handle such matters rather than letting unbelievers judge them. Taking these issues to civil courts often drags the church’s name through the mud and damages its influence. Paul even suggests that it is better to suffer wrong than to bring shame upon Christ by insisting on “six inches of property line.” Sometimes love means letting ourselves be cheated for the sake of the kingdom.

Exceptions and Judgment

Of course, Paul acknowledges that not every case can be avoided. Civil law has its place—Romans 13 teaches us that government is ordained by God. There are matters like dissolving marriages or testifying in criminal cases where the courts must be involved. But when disputes are avoidable, brethren are called to settle them within the church and not before unbelievers. The guiding principle is always: What is best for the cause of Christ?

The Warning Against Unrighteousness

Paul then broadens the discussion: “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God?” (v. 9). He gives a list of sins—sexual immorality, idolatry, homosexuality, theft, covetousness, drunkenness, reviling, and extortion. Anyone who lives in these sins will not enter heaven. This reminder connects to his earlier point: when the church acts like the world, it loses its witness to the world. Christians are called to a higher standard.

Washed, Sanctified, Justified

Paul closes with hope: “And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God” (v. 11). These Corinthians had lived in sin, but they changed. They repented, obeyed the gospel, and were cleansed. Their past did not define them—the blood of Christ did. That same hope remains for every Christian today: no matter the sin, we can be washed, sanctified, and justified through Jesus Christ.

Matters Among Brethren Sermon Outline:

Introduction

• Text: 1 Corinthians 6:1–6

• Theme: Handling disputes among Christians faithfully and wisely.

I. The Problem in Corinth (v. 1)

• Disputes between Christians taken before unbelievers

• Question of influence and reputation

• Key principle: What promotes the greater good of the church?

II. Saints Will Judge the World (vv. 2–3)

• Christians will “judge the world” by God’s word

• Example: Noah condemned the world by his preaching (Hebrews 11:7)

• If we can judge eternal matters, surely we can resolve small, earthly ones

III. Small Matters Among Brethren (vv. 4–6)

• Disputes are about secular issues, not doctrine

• Brethren should appoint wise men within the church to decide

• Better to be wronged or cheated than to harm the influence of the church

• Example: property line disputes—avoid dragging such matters before unbelievers

IV. Exceptions and Judgment (Romans 13:1–4)

• Civil law is ordained by God

• Some matters require courts (criminal cases, legal obligations, etc.)

• When disputes are avoidable, resolve them within the church

V. The Warning Against Unrighteousness (vv. 9–10)

• The unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God

• List of sins shows seriousness of living in sin

• Christians must not reflect the world’s behavior

VI. Washed, Sanctified, Justified (v. 11)

• The Corinthians had been changed by Christ

• Past sins washed away in baptism (Acts 22:16; Romans 6:3–4)

• Justification by Christ’s blood makes us innocent

• Hope and transformation available for all today

Conclusion

• Christians must handle disputes with wisdom and love

• Avoid damaging the church’s influence before the world

• Remember our identity: washed, sanctified, justified in Christ

Call to Action

Every Christian must consider: How do my actions affect the reputation of Christ and His church? Am I willing to suffer wrong for the sake of unity, or do I insist on my own way? Let us seek peace among brethren, uphold the church’s influence, and live as people who have been washed, sanctified, and justified through Jesus Christ.

Key Takeaways

• Disputes among Christians should, if possible, be handled within the church (1 Corinthians 6:1)

• Saints judge the world by teaching and living God’s truth (Hebrews 11:7)

• It is better to suffer wrong than to damage the influence of Christ’s church (1 Corinthians 6:7)

• Civil law has its place, but avoid unnecessary exposure of church conflicts (Romans 13:1–4)

• The unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9–10)

• Christians can change through repentance and obedience to the gospel (1 Corinthians 6:11)

Scripture Reference List

• 1 Corinthians 6:1–11 – Paul’s instruction about disputes among brethren

• Romans 13:1–4 – Government’s role ordained by God

• Hebrews 11:7 – Noah condemned the world through preaching

• Acts 22:16 – Sins washed away in baptism

• Romans 6:3–4 – Raised to walk in newness of life

Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO

1 Corinthians Series of Lessons by Bobby Stafford