1 Corinthians 6:1-11
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
What caught your attention in studying 1 Corinthians 6:1-11 and why?
Paul is not surprised that believers have conflicts, but he is shocked by the way the Corinthians handle them. What specifically is so alarming to Paul, and why is that such an issue (see verse 1, 4, and 6)? What does he expect to be different about the way Christians handle conflict?
Paul is addressing ordinary civil disputes between believers, not criminal matters that properly belong before governing authorities. Why is that distinction important? What does this passage teach us about the church’s responsibility and ability to help believers resolve ordinary disputes wisely?
How do passages like Romans 13:1–7, Acts 22:25–29, and Acts 18:12–16 help us see that Paul is not condemning civil courts or governing authorities in 1 Corinthians 6? What misuse of the courts is he confronting in 1 Corinthians 6?
Paul argues that believers who will one day judge the world and angels should be able to exercise godly wisdom in ordinary matters now (vv. 2–5). What does this teach us about the wisdom God has given His church? Why might we hesitate to seek the help of wise believers when conflict arises?
How do we typically respond when we feel wronged, misunderstood, or treated unfairly? When you are wronged, what matters most to you—being proven right, being vindicated, or responding in a way that makes Jesus look beautiful? What does that reveal about our heart?
Paul asks, “Why not rather suffer wrong?” What makes that so difficult? How does the cross reshape the way we think about our rights, losses, and need for vindication?
Paul says that having these lawsuits before unbelievers is already a defeat. How does unresolved conflict or public dispute between Christians damage our witness to the gospel? What might a gospel-shaped response communicate instead?
Paul says, “such were some of you,” and reminds them that they have been washed, sanctified, and justified (v. 11). What changed their standing before God, and how should that new identity shape the way we respond to conflict now?
Practically, if you had a serious dispute with another believer in our church, what steps should/would you take? How might passages such as Matthew 18:15–17, Ephesians 4:1–3, Colossians 3:12–13, and Ephesians 4:31–32 guide you toward a response that seeks wise help, reflects God’s priorities, and makes the gospel shine?
