Abide Together: Reflections on 1 Corinthians 6-7

In 1 Corinthians 6 Paul shows how lawsuits taken to the courts led by unbelievers hurts the witness of the church to the world. Paul writes in verse 7, “Actually, then, it is already a defeat for you, that you have lawsuits with one another.  Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be defrauded?” Taking another believer to a worldly court is a lose/lose situation.  Even if you win the case, you lose – because you have been a poor witness to the world.  Paul also reminds the Church of Corinth of what they used to be and the fact that they are now sanctified and justified.  He instructs them to glorify the Lord with their body, because their body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in them.  Lord, help me always put the witness and reputation of the Gospel before my own rights or perceived rights in this world.

In 1 Corinthians 7 Paul gives a lot of instruction on marriage.  He gives instruction on how married people should give themselves wholly to their spouse and how singles should marry if they cannot have self control.  He gives instruction to believers who are married to nonbelievers.  He shows how marriage and being single are both approved by the Lord.  Lord, by Your grace, empower me to be a godly husband so that You are glorified and Jonell is blessed.

– Bryan McKenzie