Can A Christian Sue Another Christian?

                                                   CHRISTIANS & LAWSUIT

                                         Can a Christian sue another Christian?

            When we first came to the USA, there used to be a repeated ad on Television about an attorney who seems to get you out of any legal problem. All you need is to call 1-800-Call Jim. It appeared that anyone could sue anyone, and Jim Sokolov has all the legal answers. The United States has more lawsuits per 100,000 people than any other country. We have a prestigious Law School in our state. Harvard's John M. Olin Center for Law, Economics and Business published a report in 2010 that measured various aspects of the legal systems of the U.S., U.K., Japan, France, Canada, and Australia."[1] It is fascinating to read their findings

            What makes so many people sue others? John Ortberg has an answer, "The bigger our sense of entitlement, the smaller our sense of gratitude. Our entitlement mindset has led to many lawsuits: when we don't get something we want, we sue somebody. For instance!

            The San Francisco Giants were once sued for only passing out Father's Day gifts to men. A psychology professor sued for sexual harassment because of the presence of mistletoe at a Christmas party. A psychic was awarded $986,000 when a doctor's CAT scan impaired her psychic abilities. You have to wonder about this third one: If she really was a psychic, shouldn't she have known not to go to that doctor in the first place?[2]

            If non-Christians, resort to suing others for trivial matters, it is understandable, but can a Christian sue another Christian? What does the Bible say about lawsuits? We have been following a series through the first letter to the Corinthian Church where the Apostle Paul addressed the Corinthian believers on various matters of concern. In chapter six, verses 1-8, we see how Paul dealt with the apparent lawsuits among fellow believers.

            In chapter five, Paul explained what to do with open sexual immorality in the congregation. In chapter 6:1-8, he addressed whether or not Christians should file lawsuits against their fellow Christians in a secular court of law and how to deal with injustice cheating. This may not answer all your questions but let's see what we can learn from it.

            Vs. 1-3, "When one of you has a dispute with another believer, how dare you to file a lawsuit and ask a secular court to decide the matter instead of taking it to other believers! 2 Don't you realize that someday we believers will judge the world? And since you are going to judge the world, can't you decide even these little things among yourselves?

            3 Don't you realize that we will judge angels? So, you should surely be able to resolve ordinary disputes in this life." We should recognize that Paul addresses the Corinthian Church on specific internal matters, not all Christians everywhere. However, we will glean principles that might be helpful in how we deal with our disputes with one another in the family of God.

 

I. AVOIDING LAWSUITS WITH CHRISTIANS 

            Vs. 1, "When one of you has a dispute with another believer, how dare you to file a lawsuit and ask a secular court to decide the matter instead of taking it to other believers!"  A dispute or grievance with another believer, this phrase in Greek was commonly used as a "lawsuit."

            In speaking of Christians taking other Christians to court over legal disputes, Paul does not specify any criminal cases. Some think they are different kinds of property cases. He teaches elsewhere how significant offenses must be handled by the state (Romans 13:1-7).

            By saying, "how dare you," Paul strongly admonishes Christians to take their legal grievances for settlement before qualified Christians. Why did Paul say that Christians should not take their lawsuits to unbelievers in secular courts? First, when we take our disputes to secular courts, the non-Christian Judge may not be sensitive to core Christian values.

            Second, when someone goes to court, often the basis is revenge. As Christians, revenge should never be our motive. Third, lawsuits harm the credibility of Christians and damage the cause of the gospel. In verses 2-3, Paul gives a glimpse of believers' role in God's Kingdom.

 

II THE ROLE OF BELIEVERS IN GOD'S KINGDOM

            Vs. 2-3, "Don't you realize that someday we believers will judge the world? And since you are going to judge the world, can't you decide even these little things among yourselves? Don't you realize that we will judge angels? Here is a theological reason why certain matters are settled among the believers only. How do we understand what over future role might be?  

            Besides translating as to judge, The Greek word, Krino, can also be translated as "to rule and govern." It is a remarkable reality that believers one day will participate in judging and ruling the world and having authority over angels. Consider the following scriptures.              Matthew 19:28, "Jesus replied, "I assure you that when the world is made new, and the Son of Man sits upon his glorious throne, you who have been my followers will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel." This promise was to the twelve disciples.

            How about the believers of all time? What would be their role in God's future Kingdom? Rev 2:26-28, "To all who are victorious, who obey me to the very end, to them, I will give authority over all the nations. They will rule the nations with an iron rod and smash them like clay pots." They will have the same authority I received from my Father."

             In verse three, what did Paul mean by saying, "Don't you realize that we will judge angels? "Most likely, the meaning of this passage is that believers in heaven will take part in the judgment of the fallen angels and exercise some authority over the holy angels. "After dealing with this subject, John Piper concludes, "Even though I may not know the specifics of how we will judge angels, the truth of this text is a breathtaking exaltation of ordinary believers.  

            It should fill us with a continual sense of wonder, awe, hope, and joy. It should move us to confident engagement in helping others live this way, especially believers who conflict with each other and are tempted to settle that conflict with worldly means rather than Spirit-filled Christians."[3] The truth is that the believers one day judge and rule the world and the angels.

            In light of that, how do we live? How do we settle our conflicts? Do we employ the same worldly means or act as Spirit-filled Christians? Listen to Paul's advice in verses 3-4.

            Vs. 3-4, "Don't you realize that we will judge angels? So, you should surely be able to resolve ordinary disputes in this life. If you have legal disputes about such matters, why go to outside judges who are not respected by the Church?" Here Paul employs human logic to make his point. He made them realize their elevated future role as judges of the world and angels. Then he appealed to their God-given ability to resolve ordinary disputes among themselves.

            What could be the ordinary disputes of our time? In Church, they could be what kind of paint we should use, the color of the carpet, whether we should have instruments in worship or not, etc. At home, they could be disputes over recreation, spending money, property-related issues, etc. Paul argues that we can resolve these matters among ourselves. How so?

           

            We, believers, have the Holy Spirit and the mind of Christ, so why should we turn to those who lack God's wisdom? Moreover, if one day we will judge the world and angels, can we not settle these ordinary disputes now among ourselves?  In verse five, Paul says it is to our shame that we run to the secular courts as if we don't have even one wise person among us.

            So, next time think twice before rushing to file a lawsuit against a brother or sister in the family. Maybe you will find some wisdom among the believers to deal with that matter. On the other hand, if it is a criminal offense or an act of violence, seek legal intervention quickly.

 

III. CHRISTIANS & LAWSUITS

            I want us to look at Christians & Lawsuits; in general. Can a Christian sue another Christian? This passage may not adequately answer this question. According to Paul, it may be necessary to go to court on certain severe matters as he teaches elsewhere. In verses seven and eight, he explains our general attitude towards lawsuits and how to handle injustice.

            Vs. 7-8, " Even to have such lawsuits with one another is a defeat for you. Why not just accept the injustice and leave it at that? Why not let yourselves be cheated? Instead, you yourselves are the ones who do wrong and cheat even your fellow believers."

            When Christians have lawsuits against one another in the family of God, it is a total defeat for all of us. It looked like that was the case with the Corinthian believers; they were a defeated community through their lawsuits. Paul asked them a couple of questions.

            "Why not just accept the injustice and leave it at that? Why not let yourselves be cheated?

In verse eight, he says, "instead, you yourselves are the ones who do wrong and cheat even your fellow believers." I am not a legal expert to advise you on handling a divorce situation or other legal matter. But as a shepherd, I point you to the Chief shepherd when it comes to responding to injustice and cheating meted against you. Our natural tendency is to take revenge.

            But Spirit-filled Christians will react differently. Romans 12:19, Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, "I will take revenge; I will pay them back," says the Lord." In closing, consider how Jesus handled injustice.

            Isaiah 53:7-9, "He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth. Unjustly condemned, he has led away. He had done no wrong and had never deceived anyone. But he was buried like a criminal; he was put in a rich man's grave." Amen!

 

 

 

           

 

 

 

 

 

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[1] https://www.acsh.org/news/2019/12/27/blame-and-claim-can-we-fix-americas-uniquely-litigious-culture-14477

[2] John Ortberg, Sermon "The Great Gratitude Experiment," PreachingToday.com (11-12-12);

[3] John Piper, Desiring God https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/in-what-way-will-christians-judge-angels

 

The Power Of Prayer In A Troubled World

                                   THE POWER OF PRAYER IN A TROUBLED WORLD

            We have seen disturbing images coming from Afghanistan as the Taliban took over the country last week. The gut-wrenching photos from Haiti's 7.2 magnitude earthquake are still fresh in our minds. We are living in a troubled world—some experience more troubles than others. We can complain and point fingers at people and governments for our problems. That doesn't change the situation, but what can change, and who can deliver us from our troubles?

            A few nights this past week, I was awakened from my sleep with an overwhelming sense of urgency and burden to pray for Afghanistan and Haiti's situation. The Lord brought the high-priestly prayer of Jesus to my mind to help me pray and cope with my troubled heart. As we look into Jesus's Prayer, we will understand how the Power of Prayer sustains us in a troubled world.

            Before we delve into Jesus' prayer, let me share the context in which he offered his prayer. Jesus was nearing the end of his mission on the earth. In a way, he knew what troubles were awaiting Him. Yet, he was peaceful and persistent in accomplishing his mission. Right after this prayer, Jesus was betrayed by one of his disciples to be beaten up and crucified.

            Similarly, when we face all kinds of troubles, it should be no surprise because Jesus told us so. John 16:33, "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart because I have overcome the world."

            After warning them that they will have many troubles in this world, he did not want them to focus on the problems overly, neither did he go on to fix the world's problems. Instead, he prayed and drew their attention to Himself, where they can find peace and courage.

             By now, we might know that there will be very difficult times in the last days.  Global warming, pandemics, unrest, earthquakes, famine, wars, etc., all point to the end times. When we face such calamities, trials, and sorrows of all kinds, who do we turn to for solutions? How do we navigate in this troubled world? Jesus gives the church a three-pronged strategy to stay afloat.

 

I. JESUS PRAYED FOR HIS GLORY TO BE RESTORED (Vs. 1-5)

            Is it wrong to pray for ourselves?  Some people think I don't want to burden God with my problems, while others struggle with more issues than I do. It is a good thought, but it is not wrong to pray for yourself and others. It is not selfish. Praying for ourselves is encouraged in the scriptures, and our Lord and the disciples have modeled it. When we pray for ourselves, we express our dependency on God and cultivate an intimate relationship with our heavenly Father.

            In verses 1-5, Jesus' prayed for his glory to be restored. He addressed God as "Father," which occurs 122 times in John's Gospel, which tells us about Jesus' intimate relationship with His Father. He said, "Father, the hour has come." Glorify your Son, referring to the passion, crucifixion, and resurrection, which is the pathway to glory. What is the Glory of God?

            The meaning of the word glory is "heavy in weight." It is the "weighty importance and shining majesty that accompany God's presence." The verb glorify means "to give weight to" or "to honor." Thus, to glorify God is to recognize God for who He is and to respond appropriately. Have you ever been in the presence of influential people? They can emanate such an aura of power and authority. People honor them and even tremble in their presence. In India, I once had the opportunity to meet the governor of our state. It was an incredible experience.

            As I walked in, I could feel the Charisma in his eyes and his power surrounded by bodyguards with machine guns. If human leaders display such glory, how about the God of the universe? One day, that majestic and glorious God came down to the earth in the form of Jesus Christ. Jesus began his ministry with 40 days of prayer and fasting.

            Throughout his life, he earnestly prayed and taught his disciples how to pray. In his longest prayer in verse five, we hear him pray, "Now, Father, bring me into the glory we shared before the world began." What kind of glory did Jesus share with the Father?

            It is interesting to see how people perceive Jesus. Many people of that time saw Jesus only as of the Son of a Jewish carpenter.  Some saw him as a good teacher and revolutionary. Others saw him as a drunkard, glutton, demon-possessed, and mentally challenged. Yet, a small band of them saw Him as the Son of the living God and the Messiah and remained loyal to Him.

            In this post-Christian era, many have a low opinion of who Jesus is. Some argue Jesus is black, others say he is white, yet others say he is neither black nor white but brown. Some Christians are very casual when it comes to relating to him. They say he is my best friend forever, buddy, and a companion. Yet a lot of genuine Christians call him Lord and Savior.

            When Jesus came into this world for the first time, He left all His glory behind and took up the form of a slave. When he comes back for the second time, He will be different. God restored his former glory. Do you have any clue of what that glorified Jesus would look like?        John, the evangelist, gives us a glimpse of the glorified Jesus in heaven. Rev 1:12-18, "When I turned to see who was speaking to me, I saw seven gold lampstands. And standing in the middle of the lampstands was someone like the Son of Man. He was wearing a long robe with a gold sash across his chest. His head and his hair were white like wool, as white as snow.

            And his eyes were like flames of fire. His feet were like polished bronze refined in a furnace, and his voice thundered like mighty ocean waves. He held seven stars in his right hand, and a sharp two-edged sword came from his mouth. And his face was like the sun in all its brilliance. When I saw him, I fell at his feet as if I were dead.

            But he laid his right hand on me and said, "Don't be afraid! I am the First and the Last." That is the majestic Jesus whom we will encounter when we all get to heaven. Our fitting response to this glorified Jesus would be that we bow down and worship Him with reverence and awe. After praying for Himself, he showed his love and concern by praying for his disciples.

 

II JESUS PRAYED FOR HIS FOLLOWERS. (Vs. 6-19)

            Jesus' prayer for his disciples contains several assertions, assurances and ends with pleading for their protection. The first assertion, Vs. 6, is about how he revealed God to his followers, to who they belonged from the beginning, and how they obeyed God's word.

            The second assertion, Vs.7-8, is about his follower's acceptance and genuine faith. They accepted and believed as the fact that Jesus came from God, and God had given him everything as a gift, including the very message he passed on to them. The third assertion, Vs. 9-10 is about how all those who belonged to God and Jesus will bring glory to Him in the end.

            The third assertion, Vs. 11-12 is about how he protected them by the power of God's name, his eventual departure, and the disciple's continual survival in a hostile world. In this section, Jesus pleads for God's protection to unite the disciples as he was united with the Father.

            In verses 13-19, Jesus's focus has turned to the disciples and all his follower's status to something of "being in the world yet not belonging to the world. "Consider this for a moment. Jesus said that they did not belong to the world any more than he did. What did he mean?

            Jesus gave his disciples hope to look beyond their current troubles in the world and look towards their heavenly inheritance, which He had promised them in John 14. What does that mean for us today? When we see our lives from that divine perspective, everything changes.

            Our difficulties, troubles, and challenges become manageable because they won't last forever. Also, we won't waste our energy and time on this world that is quickly passing away. Instead, we endeavor to know and do God's will. How can we do God's will in our lives?

            In John 14, he assured us that He would not leave us as orphans but send His Holy Spirit to lead us into all the truth. In his prayer, Jesus assured his disciples of His word. God's word is the anchor of our souls. After praying for himself, and his disciples, Jesus prayed for the world.

 

III THE POWER OF PRAYER IN THIS TROUBLED WORLD (Vs. 20-26)

            Vs. 20-21, "I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me." Jesus prayed for himself, his disciples, and all who would believe through their preaching of the gospel. As a result of this prayer, I got to believe in Jesus and became His follower.

            This prayer has been so effective and powerful. It has changed the world more than what Christ has done while he was on the earth. As a result of this prayer, millions of people came to the saving faith in the Son of God. If you got saved, it was because of this prayer. If you haven't yet given your heart to Jesus, open up your heart today and let Him come in and change you.

            This prayer of Jesus is still changing lives; many Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, people from all religions, and even atheists have come to know Christ and will come to know Him in the future. Jesus prayed that, "And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me." Imagine the scenario where the whole world will believe that Jesus was sent from God.

            Whenever we pray for the salvation of people, we are praying the will of God as He doesn't want anyone to perish but all to come to know Him. You and I cannot fix the problems of the world, but Jesus can. There is Power in Prayer. When we pray to the all-powerful God, he will get to work to change situations and lives. So, by faith, let's keep praying for our unsaved family, friends, and colleagues that one day they will come to know Jesus as their savior. Amen!