1 Corinthians: Not in VainSýnishorn

When was the last time you were offended? Taking offence has become common currency in media debate and online interaction over the last few years. One writer has described it as a ‘new pandemic’. No doubt it affects our relationships within church too. 

By the way, if you found yourself disappointed by the Corinthians’ behaviour in the previous passage, you’re not going to find much relief here either! Paul raises yet another problem in the Corinthian church, and just as we’ve seen before in the letter, again the roots run much deeper than the surface issue. 

Disagreements are an inevitable part of relationships – and churches are no different. The real question is, therefore, what we do when we have disagreements. 

In Corinth, it seems that disputes between Christians were being taken to court (v. 6). This wasn’t about horrific cases of abuse, but the settling of disputes that could and should have been resolved ‘in house’. Paul’s verdict is that, whatever the result of the case, such an outcome means that everyone’s already lost (v. 7). Christians trying to get one-up on each other is evidence that something has gone disastrously wrong in the church. Interestingly, Paul expects there to be a willingness to be wronged or even cheated, rather than this need for ego-driven vindication. 

So how do we change? Three times Paul asks ‘do you not know?’ (vv. 2, 3, 9), before proceeding to remind the Corinthians of some aspect of their Christian identity. In particular he shows us that there is meant to be a world of difference between the church, God’s holy people, and the world. Whatever our past behaviour, that is what we were. Christians are those who have been ‘washed … sanctified … justified’ (v. 11). Consequently we should shirk from power-plays and the need to always be proved right. Having the ‘mind of Christ’ (2:16) here means discerning with God’s wisdom, relating through the lens of the gospel, and having the perspective of eternity.

Reflection

How does being reminded of your identity as someone forgiven, set apart for holiness and clothed in Christ’s righteousness change how you think about disagreements? 

How does it change how you think about other people?