Scripture to Read: 1 Corinthians 6:7–8
Being willing to listen to our Lord and His Word keeps us from sinning and making incredibly unwise decisions, but when we’re not listening to our Lord and walking in obedience to His Word, we’ll reap the consequences. God had Paul write this in 1 Corinthians 6:7–8, “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? 8 On the contrary, you yourselves wrong and defraud. You do this even to your brethren.” God wanted the believers in Corinth to see and understand that for them to have civil lawsuits against each other was a defeat for them. Then, God had Paul ask two questions: “Why not accept the injustice against you?” and “Why not let yourselves be cheated?” God had Paul ask these questions because our Lord Jesus Christ had already told us in Matthew 5:39–41, “do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. 40 If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. 41 Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two.” Jesus also said this in Matthew 5:44, “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Jesus also said this in Matthew 5:48, “Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Our God expects us to act like Him (Ephesians 5:1–2) and not like we were (Ephesians 2:1–3) when we were lost in our sin.
Challenge & Application
Why is it critical that we listen to our Lord and walk in obedience to His Word?
How are we to deal with injustice according to our Lord and His Word?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!