November 14, 2004

JUDGING THE WORLD AND ANGELS

1 Corinthians 6:1-20

   The saints at Corinth were busy judging Paul when they should have been judging the fornicating brother in their midst. Although absent, Paul judged as though he were there, that this man should be put out from their midst until repentance had been realized. Their laxity in judging continued in other areas. Disputes between their number were being taken to courts of law to unsaved judges thus bringing dishonor upon the Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 6)!

   Not only was this wrong, their "spiritual senses" should have told them it was wrong. Five times in this chapter Paul wrote, "Don't you know..." and explained things they should already understand. Since they, "the saints," would be judging the world and angels, why could they not settle among themselves matters of dispute concerning "things of this life"? Indeed saints are far more qualified than those of the world Paul called "the unjust" (1 Cor. 6:1). There should have been a "ministry for harmony" in their midst, wise men to judge!

   As a last resort, he pleaded, "Why do you not take the wrong? Why not suffer yourselves to be defrauded?" (6:7-8). The sense of getting even or at least getting "what is coming to us" is very slow to die. After all, these were issues that pertained to "this life," and we are the heirs of the coming glory of God! Why should such a fuss be made over trivia? When we are actually seated with the Lord in the heavenlies, we shall judge angels and the world. Then "all things" will be put under His feet (and ours), angels, the world, and all else!

   Unity among God's people was always paramount among saints. "How good and how pleasant for brethren to dwell together in unity" (Psa. 133:1). Unity and harmony were paramount in the Sermon on the Mount, for "if you bring your gift to the altar...and remember that your brother has anything against you, leave there your gift before the altar and...be reconciled with your brother...and then come offer your gift" (Mt. 5:23-24). God wants harmony above worship, that is, a right heart reconciled with brethren before trying to worship Him!

   "Moreover if thy brother shall sin against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone," the goal,"...gaining thy brother!.

Ivan L. Burgener