The Reporter   
 Volume 47 # 43,  --  October 26, 2007

 

Legal And Moral Problems    

– First Corinthians Six –

 

   In the church at Corinth there was a brother that had his father's wife. Paul instructed brethren to practice church discipline to resolve that issue. There were also other inconsistencies among the people of God in Corinth. Many of the problems that Paul dealt with sprang from the Corinthian's lax view of sin. Among other things that were going on at Corinth Christians were taking their personal disputes into Roman courts and hurting their influence as children of God.

 

   Paul knew that Christians should be able to resolve conflict among brethren rather than taking the matter before heathen courts. He said it would even be better to suffer wrong than to disgrace the Lord's name before heathens. Christians should make the best judges because they have the wisdom to judge righteous judgment. (John 7:24) Paul wondered if there was not one godly man at Corinth that could be trusted to judge in these matters that were dividing brethren. He was not saying that the church should establish "Christian courts." Rather he felt that there should be some godly brother that could arbitrate in the matter and resolve it without the law suits.

 

   The expression "Know ye not" or "Do you not know" is found six times in I Corinthians chapter six.  Paul wrote:  (1) "Do you not know that the saints will judge the world?" (I Corinthians 6:2), (2) "Do you not know that we shall judge angels?" (I Corinthians 6:3), (3) "Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God?" (I Corinthians 6:9) (4) "Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ?" (I Corinthians 6:15) (5) "Or do you not know that he who is joined to a harlot is one body with her?" (I Corinthians 6:16), and (6) "Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit..." (I Corinthians 6:19) Each of these thoughts were things the brethren should have already known

 

Let us observe:

 

   Legal problems at Corinth – I Corinthians 6:1-6: The Christians at Corinth not only were dealing with the problem of division and incest there were also legal problems. The brethren had legal matters against one another and were taking their cases before the ungodly and irreligious courts of that land. A church has serious problems when its members believe that they are more likely to get justice from unbelievers than from their own brethren.

 

   These brethren had already lost and the church had lost even before the judge rendered his verdict. These were people that professed to love one another. Their suing each other was a shame and a defeat to the church and to everyone involved. This was a disgrace to God because, "God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints." (I Corinthians 14:33) All they were doing was to invite the ridicule of the ungodly. Surely there were some godly brethren in the church that could judge in this matter and things be resolved with love! The least esteemed in the Church were better able to judge these matters, than unbelievers.

 

   Wrong though they were right – I Corinthians 6:7-8: Paul wanted it understood that their going to law before unbelievers was contrary to the spirit of Christianity. These brethren were utterly wrong or at fault for doing so. Even if they were right in their positions they were wrong in trying to settle these matters before unbelievers. Paul said, "There is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?" (I Corinthians 6:7)

 

   The spirit that Abraham manifested when dealing with Lot should be our spirit in dealing with our brethren. He would suffer wrong before he would live in such a way that unsaved people would have no respect for him and for his God. (Genesis 13) Christians are taught to do everything within their power to live peaceably with others. In Romans 12:17-19 Paul wrote, "Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord." Why not just allow God to take care of those matters?

 

   Christians belong to God – I Corinthians 6:9-14: Those that are saved are changed people. Before their conversion some of the Corinthians had been, "fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, effeminate, abusers of themselves with mankind, thieves, covetous, drunkards, revilers, and extortioners." Now the blood of Christ had cleansed them, and they were set apart to a life of godliness. They were Christians and consequently they needed to live and act like Christians. Christians cannot continue in those sinful practices of their past life. That "old man" has died and been buried.

 

   Our society need to read this list of sins again. Sexual immorality heads the list of sins. The first four sins named were fornicators, adulters, effeminate, and abusers of themselves with mankind. The "effeminate" and "abusers of themselves with mankind" are those that practice homosexual activities. A woman with another woman is also a sinful practice. (Romans 1:26-27) Christians have been washed, sanctified and justified. They now belong to God and cannot live in sin. Our body belongs to the Lord and we cannot use it for fornication. We likewise must be careful to abstain from anything that might cause a brother to stumble.

 

   Christians are the body of Christ – I Corinthians 6:15-20: God has purchased Christians with the precious blood of Jesus Christ. (I Peter 1:18-19) We have been bought with blood, therefore we belong to God. In view of that great truth we should glorify God in our bodies. Our actions must be governed by the fact that we are joined to the Lord. Paul did say that all things are lawful, but many lawful things are unwise because of the control they take over you. The Christians simply cannot be joined to sinful practices or things that control his life. The only control over our life must be the Lord.

 

   Christians must flee fornication. "Flight" is often the best way to deal with temptation. Redemption by the blood of Jesus does not lead to freedom from sin but it must lead to faithfulness to God. Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Ghost. We often talk about stewardship of our money. We must also remember that we are stewards of our fleshly body. We belong to God and we must glorify Him in our bodies. We are His. We have been bought with a price. It is impossible to glorify God in an immoral body. I Peter 1:16 should be the guiding principle for all our living. "Be ye holy; for I am holy." (I Peter 1:16)

 

   Jesus died so that you can go to heaven. Will you obey Him NOW? To become a Christian you must hear the gospel (Romans 10:17), believe in Jesus (John 8:24), repent of sins (Acts 17:30), confess Christ as Lord (Acts 8:37), and be baptized to be saved. (I Peter 3:21). After bap­tism use your life to glorify God, not to please self!

 

- - - - Charles Box

News & Notes

 

1. Prayer List: Spain Rehabilitation Birmingham: Jimmy Allen (brother of Patsy Nall). In Need Of Prayers: Jerry Barr (surgery), James Berry, Mae Beverly, Paul Deason, Roy Goodwin, Montine Hardin, Jean Harrell, Evan Hartsell, L.J. Herring (father of Willie Herring), Wanda Kyser, Marjorie McKelroy, Jo Ann Moorer, Mary Powell, Denver Reynolds, Ottey Simno, Ralph Sims, Steve Smith, Brenda Stallings, Vickie Starkie, Harold Thompson, Earl & Jane Walden, Leroy Waller, Ann Walz, and Mary Williams. Crowne Health Care: Mary Alexander, Gladys Childs, Kathy Johnson, Myrtle Perdue, and Iva Lou Wright. Homewood Greenville: Marie Walton. Georgiana Nursing Facility: Helen Autrey, Mary Lou Phelps and Doris Pierce. Shut-Ins: Emma Lee Gafford, Jean Hayes, and Doris Taylor.

 

2. Sympathy Expressed: Our love and sympathy is expressed to Elizabeth Perdue and her family in the death of her sister-in-law, Faye Mitchell.

 

3. Please Pray For: The following people are serving in Iraq: Sam Sanders, Michael Howell, Taylor Bodie, Lynn Kervin, Richard Shows, and Todd Till. Pray for them often!

 

4. Birthdays: October 28th John Reynolds, November 1st LeRoy Boutwell, and Steve Hoffman, November 2nd Patrick Lucas, and November 3rd Madden Bozeman, Stacey Harrell and Pete Smith.

 

5. Trunk Of Treats: Stacey and Patricia Harrell are hosting a “Trunk of Treats” for our children at their house on Tuesday, October 30th beginning at 7:00 p.m. Costumes will be judged. Families that are helping should get set up around 6:30 p.m.

 

6. Fall Party: Our fall parties have been a great success. This year the party will be November 10th at 5:00 p.m. at the home of Stacey and Patricia Harrell. Check with Stacey or Patricia to see what you can do to help. Please plan to attend.

 

7. Commendation To Young Men: At the “All Age Devo” last Sunday night many of our young men led singing or delivered a short lesson. What a blessing it was to be a part that great event.

 

8. Ladies Bible Class: The Wednesday morning ladies Bible class meets at 10:00 a.m. each week. All ladies are encouraged to participate.

 

9. Pray For Our Work In Guyana: The Walnut Street Church of Christ has had a major part in establishing four congregations in Guyana, South America. The Plaisance Church of Christ just celebrated its 17th anniversary. The other congregations are the Industry Church of Christ, Wowetta Church of Christ, and the Bini Hill Church of Christ. Please continue to pray for these brethren and support the works there. God bless all of you for what you have done to help with these good works.

 

10. The Reporter: “The Reporter” can be seen on our web-site or you can receive it by e-mail. Send e-mail request to: wschurchofchrist@camelliacom.com. If you receive the Reporter by mail and would be willing to receive the e-mail version we would be grateful as postage is so expensive.  The website address is: http:\\www.walnutstreetchurchofchrist.org.

 

11. Radio Programs: Remember to hear our programs and tell others to listen. Sunday: 95.9 at 8:00 a.m., 94.3 at 8:30 a.m. Monday through Friday: at 12:30 on 94.3.

 

12.  Put These Dates On Your Calendar: (a) November 4-6 – Gospel Meeting – Wald Church of Christ – Speaker Donnie Hilliard – Time Sunday Bible Study 10:00, morning Worship 11:00 and evening Worship 2:00 and weeknights 7:30. (b) November 4-7 – Gospel Meeting – Century Church of Christ, Century, Florida – Speaker Jerry Davidson – Time Sunday 6:00 p.m. and week nights 7:00. (c) November 4-7 – Gospel Meeting – Rock Hill Church of Christ – Various Speakers (d) November 11-14 – Gospel Meeting – County Line Church of Christ – Speakers see bulletin board – Time Sunday – Bible Study 10:00 a.m., morning Worship 11:00 a.m. and evening Worship 2:00 p.m. and weeknights 7:30.

 

Live Peaceably

 

   Paul said in Romans 12:18, “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” While Paul surely meant to convey the idea of being at peace with others, it seems that there is more to it than that. Notice the phrase that he used: “live peaceably.” One Psalmist said, “…seek peace and pursue it” (Psalm 34:14). Living peaceably denotes an active pursuit of peace. We need to be people who seek peace. 

 

   Many times I’ve read Romans 12:18 and concentrated on the first half of the verse – “If it is possible, as much as depends on you.” Yes, there are some people with whom it is impossible to live in peace, but that does not give us a license to neglect our peace-making responsibility. We should avoid any action that would jeopardize peacefulness such as speaking evil and lies about another (I Peter 3:10). We should never be the source of dispute or quarreling, but this still does not mean that we will not be the objects of persecution.

 

   “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (II Timothy 3:12). It is a certainty that the righteous will be afflicted, yet we must still pursue peace. Jesus said, “But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also” (Matthew 5:39-40). Often it is no easy task to maintain accord with others, but our Lord requires that we do all that we can.

 

   The prophet Zechariah said, “Love the truth and peace” (Zechariah 8:19). To maintain peace in one’s life, he or she must love peace. As Christians, are we showing the world our love for God’s peace? Do you promote peace among your classmates, your co-workers, and your family? Do you strive to keep peace in the body of Christ? “And if it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably.” “Though it be but barely possible, labour after it.” (Adam Clarke’s Commentary.)

 

-         - - - Darrell Powell

-          

Think before you speak, and you may not have anything to say.

 

Don’t just own a Bible; read it!

 

Walnut Street Church of Christ

P.O. Box 551

Greenville, Alabama 36037-0551

(334-382-3001)