Glorify God Before Self

Paul was concerned with Christian interaction with one another. Paul rebukes the church for having issues amongst them that were brought before the “bema” seat of the civil magistrate (v1), typically located in the heart of the marketplace. In Greek culture, legal battles were deemed entertaining, making anyone’s lawsuit public knowledge. This serves as a wake-up call to the Christians that these judges were unrighteous—not meaning lacking morality, but being unjust before God. He backs this up with a resume indicative of the capacity Christians ought to have to judge civil issues utilizing Godly principles within the fellowship (vv 2-5).

Paul proceeds to rebuke both the brother who was wronged as well as the brother who committed the wrong; speaking to the pride of both parties. The former was so concerned with his rights that he failed to see the detriment of bringing forth a lawsuit against his brother (vv6-7). Essentially, he placed his “rights” above glorifying God and the higher good of His kingdom. As difficult as this is, God’s glorification can not be counted as a loss. The latter had no regard for the seriousness of having wronged his brother in Christ (v8). Paul spoke firmly to this brother, reminding him that his acts in the end only gain him a seat in eternity with the unrighteous (vv9-10). It would be foolish for us to assume that an act associated with this list of sins (or any other) equals eternal condemnation. These people are described by their sins indicating those who are dominated by their sins and not the Spirit. Often, homosexuality is singled out of this list, it ought not be. It is important that we are conscious not to swing the pendulum too far in either direction (denying that homosexuality is a sin before God or making it appear as an unforgivable sin to God…it is merely one of the sins mentioned). Verse 11 is a reminder of where they (and we) came from and of the grace and mercy imparted to Christians through Jesus Christ and the Spirit of God (the Holy Trinity)!

The first passage of this chapter is sandwiched in between two passages on sexual immorality. Could the grievances of the lawsuit have encompassed this topic or was the sexual immorality so prevalent in Corinth that the church had many questions regarding sexual purity? Perhaps it was both? Paul addresses these questions with some guidelines…only because it is permitted does not mean it is beneficial (v12). Practices such as indulging in prostitution, which were culturally acceptable, were not to have dominion over Christians. Appetites for food and sex were not to be regarded as the same (vv 13-14). Instead, Christians are to recognize our union with Christ (vv15-17) and desire it over fleshy unions (outside of marriage). The command for Christians is to flee sexual immorality (v18) not merely resist it. This calling is the same as that in the lawsuit discussed, to glorify God…with our bodies (vv19-20) as instruments of righteousness for it is the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit.

Questions:

What personal rights do I place before glorifying God?

What pleasures/desires do I seek above honoring the Holy Spirit?