First indicator of spiritual can be observed in what area of our lives?

Social

Likewise the first indicator of stunted growth is here. Root is spiritual, but fruit is social. Logically then, the first principles for growth Paul gives us tell us something about the spiritual realm which if truly understood (and applied), directly affects the way we interact socially.

The second principle was one that says, your social circles affect you spiritually, and social pressure can be a saving tool!

The third principle of growth also connects the social with the spiritual, and it is what we want to look at tonight.

The way you resolve conflicts affects your growth. (or Why would you trust a dead person to solve a disagreement between living people?)

1 cor 6

He's just been telling them to judge those inside the church and this sparks another idea. He has heard that they have been taking each other to court, and he figures this is as good a time as any to deal with it.

Facts:

What method of problem solving did the Corinthian believers use when they had a dispute?

Does Paul like it? Why not?

What two reasons does he give for not taking each other to court before unbelievers?

1. Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? If the world is judged by you, are you not competent to constitute the smallest law courts? Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more matters of this life? appoint from w/in the church arbitrators-- what is the issue? competence of saints

2. Actually, then, it is already a defeat for you, that you have lawsuits with one another. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be defrauded? On the contrary, you yourselves wrong and defraud. You do this even to your brethren.

What were they in danger of believing? I can be a swindler and inherit kingdom? Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived, etc.

What interesting statement does Paul make here about the believers.-- such were some of you, but you were justified!! (don't miss at interp) Here's the gospel again! All things all lawful, but not all things are profitable!!

-- what is the issue? inappropriateness of lawsuits among brethren

three possibilities--do not let them judge now since we are the ones who will judge then, or do not be unrighteous for you will not have part in the kingdom

What does this tell me about spiritual growth?

Interpretation:

Context:

How is it better to be defrauded than to go to court before unbelievers?

What is the kingdom of God? Why does it matter that the unrighteous won't inherit it? Why does this disqualify them as arbitrators for the people of God?

Application:

Can we still apply this? Have you ever had a disagreement with a believer that it did not seem solvable outside going to court? I know Adventists that have sued each other!

What are some ways we sue each other? Fistfight at Liversidge's church.

What are some ways we fail to judge those inside?

If channel 11 were to film it, what would they see?