1. Disputes among believers (1-6)

Given the divisions in the Corinthian church, it is not hard to imagine that there were also legal disputes among the Christians. But they did not settle the matter amongst themselves. They sued each other! In doing this they denied Christ's work in them. He had died for them and made them holy! They were competent to judge even angels. They should resolve disputes within the church. God would judge those outside the church. Paul had pointed out they had authority to judge inside the church (5:12,13) They were behaving shamefully.

2. You were sanctified (7-11)

In these verses, Paul gave a fatherly lecture to his spiritual children. The lawsuits among them made it look like they were defeated. Paul counseled them: It would be better to let themselves be cheated or wronged than cheat and wrong each other. They should remember who they were at one point. They were unwashed and unsanctified. But Christ died for them to wash them, sanctify them and justify them. They were whom Christ died for. So are we! Do we let disputes make us forget this?


Application: Father, help me love my brothers and sisters in the gospel.
One Word: You were justified