In First Corinthians chapter six Paul challenges the intelligence and logic of the arrogant Corinthian church when he says six times in this one chapter, “Do you not know…?” If there is any question
concerning Paul’s attitude, his intentions are made clear when he writes:
“I say this to shame you!” (1 Corinthians 6:5)
The Corinthians continue to have trouble with division that is being manifest in a variety
of ways within the church. Paul challenges them to take the initiative to deal with the situations
and resolve the conflict themselves. He approaches this issue by reminding the Corinthians that
God originally created them as leaders on planet earth and, now that they are in Christ, they are being prepared to rule with Christ in the future. (Matt. 19:28; Luke 22:28-32;
Daniel 7:22; Revelation 2:26-27; Hebrews 2:5-9)
God has a great plan for the redeemed who have been taken from among mankind. We are being prepared for a great eternity that involves so much more than floating on clouds and playing harps! Concerning the future age, Paul says:
“The Lord’s people will judge the world…we will judge angels.”
But, it would be nice if these future world leaders and judges in the kingdom of God could demonstrate some level of competency in today’s world by resolving simple conflicts among themselves. Paul then asks a rhetorical question to jar these self-glorifying, arrogant leaders
in the Corinthians church:
“Is it possible that there is nobody among you wise enough to judge a dispute between believers?”
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