Lawsuits Against Believers:
(Read 1 Corinthians 6:1-11)
Paul now deals with civil dispute among the believers in the church.  Some of the Corinthians approached the pagan judges to settle their disputes.  Paul asks the Corinthians ``Don't you know someday we will judge the world”.   He again asks “Don’t you realize that we will judge angels?” (1 Corinthians 6:3; 2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6).  Paul asks “Can’t you settle these little things among yourselves?” (1 Corinthians 6:5).  Believers should settle property disputes among them in the church.    It is shameful that a brother is suing another brother before unbelievers.  Christians should not bring lawsuits against one another for they are heirs of the kingdom of God.  It would be better for them to suffer the wrong committed to them than to pursue and inflict further injury on fellow believers (1 Corinthians 6:8).  Christian faith produces godly character and behavior. They should surrender their rights and forgive those who harm them.  Paul warns that those who practice sin will not inherit the kingdom of God'' (1 Corinthians 6:9).  Genuine believers do not practice sin because they have a new identity and nature (1 John 3:9).  True faith always produces good works (Ephesian 2:8-10).  Paul indicates that there were some in the church who indulged in the sins mentioned in verse 10. But now they are washed, sanctified and justified.  God accomplished his gracious work for them through Christ and by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:11).  Paul wonders, when Corinthians believers are so blessed, how could they turn to human court to settle their disputes? When God saved us, He has given us the power to live for his glory.  No one will be able to live a sinless life until Jesus returns and completes our restoration.  Then we will be completely restored to His image. Meanwhile let us grow in purity by the help of the Holy Spirit.  Pray for the grace to forgive one another as you have been forgiven.  Christians are washed from all their sins to live for the glory of God. 
 
Glorify God in your Body:
(Read 1 Corinthians 6:12-20)
Paul confronts those who engage in sexual sin and explains that Christian liberty is not a license to sin. In fact salvation provides powerful motivation to resist sin and live a holy life.  Paul says “All things are lawful for me but not everything is of benefit to me”.  We must not become slaves to sinful habits. One of the fruits of the Holy Spirit is self control (Galatians 5:22).  Living in obedience is a satisfying and liberating Christian experience.  The believers should not be controlled by the passing pleasures of this world but by the Holy Spirit. Our bodies are made for the Lord’s glory and not for sexual immorality.  The believers receive spiritual power through their union with Christ’s death and resurrection.  The God who raised the Lord  will raise us also by his power (1 Corinthians 6:14).  Christians are bought with a price to glorify God in their bodies” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).  Our body is intended to be the temple of the Holy Spirit by virtue of Christ’s redemptive work (6:15; Acts 20:28).  Some questions about the sexual sins mentioned here still apply today. Just because these sinful relationships exist does not make them right. If you go against God's divine plan and do not repent, you will reap the consequences. It is inconceivable, one can be joined to Christ and also to the body of a harlot at the same time (6:16; Genesis 2:24).  The believer who is joined to the Lord receives His Life-giving Spirit and becomes one with Him (1 Corinthians 6:17).   Sexual immorality is the sin against one's own body.  Paul warns that believers should not abuse their bodies because it is the temple of the Holy Spirit (6:19; Genesis 39:9-12).  The local church is also called the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16).  God is the source of strength for living the Christian life. Pray that God would point out anything that offends him and lead you in the path of everlasting life. Let the Holy Spirit control your life (Romans 13:14).