1 Corinthians 6:2

Or know ye not that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world is judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?

'know ye not' -'Was the cause of this obviously sinful conduct reckless disregard for the will of God or ignorance? Could it be possible that the congregation which thought themselves to be somewhat actually were ignorant?' (Willis p. 181)

'that the saints shall judge the world?' -Paul does not tell us specifically in what sense Christians will or do judge the world?

Points to Note:

1. 'One view understands that the saint's faith will condemn the unbelief of the world just as the Ninevites will rise in judgement against the generation that rejected the Christ.' (Matthew 12:41) [Note:. Willis p. 181]

2. 'I think the world will be judged in light of the choices the saints made. In choosing Christ the saints have charged the world that it is foolish. They have rejected the world's wisdom as nonsense, its priorities and values as upside down and its goals as madness.' [Note:. McGuiggan p. 70]

3. In the final judgement,. find simply one judge that both saint and sinner must stand before. (2 Corinthians 5:10)

I think that McGuiggan is on the right track in reference to this verse. In choosing Christ and eternal treasure over temporary gain, we like Moses, have demonstrated ourselves more in touch with reality than the world. (Hebrews 11:26) By laying up treasures in heaven, instead of upon the earth, we have demonstrated that we can assess and determine "true value" better than the world. (Matthew 6:19) By choosing God's ethic's over the world's,. have demonstrated that. can tell the difference between good and evil, truth and error, reality and. sham. (Hebrews 5:14) In view of all of this, how can Christians every say, "my brethren aren't qualified to help me, but an unbeliever is."????

'are ye unworthy' -'are you not competent.' (NASV) 'Are you unfit to try the most trivial cases' (TCNT)

Well, are we? If your brethren in Beaverton were "smart" enough to choose Christ. If they aren't fooled by the "ethics" of the world. If they can tell truth from error. If they aren't impressed with the popular, but false religions of our day. Then shouldn't they be able to give you some good sound advice for how to resolve. dispute between another brother?

Lenski has. good comment here: 'And now some foolish church member in Corinth presumes to think that the saints who judge the world are "unworthy" to adjudicate in some trivial affair between himself and. brother? The very idea is ridiculous. And he must rush off to some pagan judge who stoops before idol shrines to have his case tried.' (p. 237)

'to judge the smallest matters?' -'the most trivial cases.' (TCNT) Compared to other "judgements" that church members are required to give (like the one in chapter 5). If. can correct "judge" who Christ Is and What Must. Do To Be Saved? Then. should be able to properly judge lesser issues.