Resolving Conflict and Pursuing Holiness in Christ

Summary

Tonight’s study from 1 Corinthians 6 calls us to a higher standard in how we handle conflict, pursue righteousness, and honor God with our lives. The way we treat one another, especially within the church, is a direct reflection of the holiness of Christ who saved us. Paul rebukes the Corinthians for taking their disputes before unbelievers, highlighting that as believers, we are called to judge even greater matters in the future. If we cannot resolve our own conflicts with humility and grace, how can we expect to be entrusted with spiritual authority? The heart of the issue is often pride—our insistence on being right, our unwillingness to let go, and our desire to win arguments rather than seek peace.

True spiritual maturity is demonstrated not by always getting our way, but by our willingness to yield, to let go of offenses, and to trust God with the outcome. When we hold onto grudges or broadcast our frustrations, we not only harm our own souls but also damage the reputation of Christ in the eyes of the world. Paul challenges us to ask ourselves whether our actions bring glory to God or shame to His name. Sometimes, for the sake of Christ, it is better to suffer wrong or be defrauded than to insist on vindication at the expense of unity and witness.

Paul also addresses the importance of personal purity, reminding us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. We are not our own; we have been bought with a price. This means we must flee from sin, especially sexual immorality, and set up practical safeguards to avoid temptation. The call is not just to avoid outward sin, but to cultivate a heart that is quick to forgive, slow to anger, and eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Ultimately, the way we handle conflict and pursue holiness is not just about personal peace, but about advancing the gospel. Our lives are the testimony that others see. If we can resolve our issues with love and humility, we show the world the transforming power of Christ. Let us be real with ourselves, seek God’s help in our weaknesses, and commit to living in a way that brings honor to His name.

Key Takeaways

- Spiritual maturity is measured by our willingness to let go of offenses and trust God with unresolved issues. Holding onto grudges or insisting on being right only leads to division and hinders our spiritual growth. True strength is found in humility and the ability to yield for the sake of Christ. [18:32]

- The way we handle conflict within the church directly impacts our witness to the world. When we air our grievances publicly or refuse to resolve issues biblically, we bring shame to the name of Christ and undermine the gospel mission. Our actions should always seek to protect Christ’s reputation and promote unity. [28:20]

- Letting go for the cause of Christ means valuing God’s glory above personal vindication. Sometimes, it is better to suffer wrong or be misunderstood than to escalate conflict and damage the body of Christ. This requires a deep trust in God’s justice and a willingness to surrender our rights for His purposes. [31:14]

- Freedom in Christ must be governed by love and self-control. Just because something is permissible does not mean it is beneficial. When we allow our emotions or desires to control us, we become slaves to those impulses and step outside the blessable state God desires for us. [39:06]

- Personal purity and practical safeguards are essential for living a life that honors God. Recognizing our weaknesses and establishing boundaries helps us avoid situations that lead to sin. Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and we must be intentional about glorifying God in both body and spirit. [46:33]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[06:20] - Technical Difficulties and Fellowship
[08:23] - Introduction to 1 Corinthians 6
[13:56] - Understanding Conflict in the Church
[15:26] - The Benefits of Resolving Disputes Biblically
[18:32] - The Challenge of Letting Go and Spiritual Maturity
[19:40] - The Need for Spirituality in Handling Offense
[22:46] - The Danger of Holding Grudges
[23:37] - Trusting God with Unresolved Issues
[25:02] - Giving Offenses to God, Not the World
[26:53] - Protecting Christ’s Reputation in Conflict
[29:33] - Accepting Church Leadership and Judgment
[31:14] - Letting Go for the Cause of Christ
[33:47] - Real-Life Consequences of Unresolved Conflict
[35:42] - Choosing the High Road in Relationships
[37:00] - The Call to Personal Purity
[39:06] - Freedom, Self-Control, and the Blessable State
[43:24] - Fleeing Temptation and Setting Boundaries
[46:33] - Practical Safeguards for Holiness
[49:22] - Closing Prayer and Announcements

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: Handling Conflict and Pursuing Holiness (1 Corinthians 6)

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### Bible Reading

1 Corinthians 6:1-20 (ESV)
(You may want to read the whole chapter together, but especially focus on verses 1-11 and 18-20.)

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### Observation Questions

1. According to Paul in 1 Corinthians 6, what was the main problem with how the Corinthian church was handling their disputes?
[[08:23]]

2. What does Paul say about believers judging the world and even angels? Why does he bring this up in the context of church conflict?
[[13:56]]

3. In verses 9-11, Paul lists certain behaviors and lifestyles. What does he say about those who continue in these things, and what reminder does he give to the church?
[[37:00]]

4. What does Paul mean when he says, “All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful... I will not be dominated by anything”?
[[39:06]]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why does Paul consider it shameful for Christians to take their disputes before unbelievers instead of resolving them within the church? How does this affect the church’s witness?
[[28:20]]

2. The sermon mentions that “spiritual maturity is measured by our willingness to let go of offenses and trust God with unresolved issues.” Why is letting go so difficult, and what does it reveal about our hearts?
[[18:32]]

3. Paul says, “Why not rather suffer wrong? Why not rather be defrauded?” (v.7). What does this say about the value of unity and the reputation of Christ compared to personal vindication?
[[31:14]]

4. How does Paul connect personal purity and the way we handle our bodies to our identity as Christians and the presence of the Holy Spirit?
[[46:33]]

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### Application Questions

1. Think about a recent conflict you’ve had, either in church or elsewhere. Did you handle it in a way that protected Christ’s reputation, or did it possibly bring shame to His name? What would you do differently next time?
[[28:20]]

2. Are there any grudges or offenses you’ve been holding onto for a long time? What is keeping you from letting them go? What would it look like to truly “give it to God” and move forward?
[[22:46]]

3. When you feel wronged, is your first instinct to seek vindication or to seek peace? How can you practice “letting go for the cause of Christ” in a specific relationship this week?
[[31:14]]

4. The sermon talks about setting up practical safeguards to avoid temptation, especially in the area of sexual purity. What is one specific boundary or system you could put in place to help you honor God with your body?
[[46:33]]

5. Paul says that “freedom in Christ must be governed by love and self-control.” Can you think of a time when you let your emotions or desires control you? What would it look like to choose self-control in a similar situation?
[[39:06]]

6. The way we handle conflict and pursue holiness is a testimony to the world. Who in your life is watching how you live out your faith? How might your actions this week point them toward (or away from) Christ?
[[49:22]]

7. The pastor shared a story about someone who had to make a hard choice to avoid temptation, even if it seemed extreme. Is there an area in your life where you need to take a more radical step to protect your walk with God? What would that step be?
[[46:33]]

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God for humility, strength to let go of offenses, wisdom in conflict, and a heart that desires to honor Him in every area of life. Pray for unity in the church and for your group to be a testimony of Christ’s transforming power.

Devotional

Day 1: Resolving Conflict Within the Church Reflects Christ’s Holiness
When believers handle disputes among themselves with humility and grace, it not only preserves unity but also upholds the reputation of Christ before a watching world. Instead of airing grievances before unbelievers or on public platforms, Christians are called to resolve matters within the church, seeking peace and restoration so that the gospel mission is not hindered. This approach demonstrates spiritual maturity and a commitment to God’s glory above personal vindication. [13:56]

1 Corinthians 6:1-3 (ESV)
When one of you has a grievance against another, does he dare go to law before the unrighteous instead of the saints? Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by you, are you incompetent to try trivial cases? Do you not know that we are to judge angels? How much more, then, matters pertaining to this life!

Reflection: Is there a conflict you are currently facing with another believer? What would it look like to seek resolution privately and prayerfully, rather than making it public or escalating it further?


Day 2: Letting Go of Pride and Entrusting Justice to God
Pride often keeps us from releasing offenses, leading to bitterness and division, but God calls us to lay down our need to be right and trust Him with the outcome. True spiritual growth is marked by the ability to let go, forgive, and allow God to handle situations in His righteousness, even when we feel wronged or misunderstood. This surrender is not weakness but a powerful act of faith that brings peace and freedom. [23:37]

Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Reflection: Think of a situation where you have struggled to let go of an offense. Can you pray today, asking God to help you release it and trust Him with the outcome?


Day 3: Our Actions Impact Christ’s Reputation
The way we handle our frustrations and disagreements—especially in public or online—either brings honor to Christ or brings shame to His name. Before reacting or speaking out, believers are called to consider whether their words and actions will glorify God or harm the witness of the church. Protecting Christ’s reputation means choosing humility, restraint, and love, even when emotions run high. [28:20]

Matthew 5:16 (ESV)
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Reflection: Before you post or speak about a conflict, ask yourself: Will this bring glory to God or harm His reputation? What is one practical step you can take today to protect Christ’s name in your interactions?


Day 4: Freedom in Christ Requires Self-Control and Love
While believers have freedom in Christ, not everything is beneficial, and unchecked emotions or desires can enslave us and lead us away from God’s blessings. Exercising self-control and choosing love over personal rights keeps us in a “blessable state,” where God’s favor can rest upon us. It is better to let go of the need to win or be right than to step outside of God’s will and lose His peace. [39:06]

1 Corinthians 6:12 (ESV)
“All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything.

Reflection: In what area of your life do you find it hardest to exercise self-control? What is one boundary or habit you can put in place this week to help you remain in a blessable state?


Day 5: Living as God’s Holy Temple—Fleeing Temptation and Pursuing Purity
Believers are called to honor God with their bodies and lives, recognizing that they are temples of the Holy Spirit, bought with a price. This means actively fleeing temptation, setting up safeguards, and making choices that reflect our identity in Christ. Purity is not just about avoiding sin but about glorifying God in every aspect of our lives, knowing we belong to Him. [43:24]

1 Corinthians 6:18-20 (ESV)
Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

Reflection: What is one specific temptation or area of weakness where you need to set up a safeguard? How can you honor God with your body and choices today?

Quotes

Because in order for you to do that, you have to be spiritual. You have to truly give yourself to God. When you're carnal -minded, it's hard to just flip that switch and just turn off and just say, you know what? For the grace of God and for the glory of God, I'm just going to let it go. It's not worth it. I'm going to take the high road. I'm not going to just get all in the weeds with you. I'm just going to do right by God. [00:20:17] (20 seconds)  #ChooseTheHighRoad Edit Clip

Believers are called to handle eternal matters. So we are called to resolve conflict. That's what we do. We are the peacemakers. Blessed are the peacemakers. And so as God is calling us to do things, we can handle things because why? He's the prince of peace.He gives us a peace that passes all understanding. So if we are all connected to the Prince of Peace, shouldn't we have peace? [00:20:44] (25 seconds)  #PeacemakersInChrist Edit Clip

When they get mad and they get a thought in their mind, they open mouth and just say anything. But what we ought to be asking ourselves is, am I going to bring glory to God about how I handle this?When I'm on Facebook or I'm on YouTube and I'm just ranting, I'm just going off on everybody, everybody this and everybody that. And, oh, somebody did this to me the other day. And I was at church and somebody did that to me. Is God getting the glory from what you're doing or are you harming the reputation of God? [00:28:48] (24 seconds)  #GlorifyGodInSpeech Edit Clip

Brother, when you serve God, in order to go higher, you have to go learn to go low. You have to learn how to get on your knees and pray. And when you get on your knees and pray, God will take you higher. And so you can't just demand that you're way up here every time, and everybody has to say yes to you and get out of your way when you walk through the room and shout your name. It's not like that.For the cause of Christ, we just say, you know what? It's just not worth it. [00:35:53] (21 seconds)  #HumblePrayerElevates Edit Clip

All things are lawful to me. I can do what I want to do, but it's not always the best thing for me to do. So, I can go, I don't even know where there's one at, but there's, you know, whatever, if there's a liquor store around, I can walk in that liquor store if I want to.It's not good for me to do that.nothing there for me but I'm old enough and I can do what I want to do so I can do certain things but that doesn't mean that I should be doing it and then he says I will not be brought under the power as soon as I start giving myself to this situation it becomes my master [00:39:40] (36 seconds)  #FreedomWithWisdom Edit Clip

There is a state which I always refer to as a blessable state and you're in this state as you do right by God and as God blesses you but you can step out of that state if you want to you can step over here you're no longer where God wants you you now have stepped out of the blessings of God you won the argument they apologized but you stepped out of the blessings of God Paul said I'm not going to do that [00:41:57] (24 seconds)  #StayInTheBlessing Edit Clip

We have a call here to live right because it will impact our ability to be with God.Again, this is something a lot of times people don't want to admit, but God is letting us know this stuff that we're doing, it can impact whether we go to glory or not. [00:42:52] (17 seconds)  #LiveForGlory Edit Clip

You have to have a system in your life of dealing with conflict, dealing with situation, dealing with temptation. So what is your system?How have you already prayed about how are you going to deal with things when things happen to you? [00:44:16] (17 seconds)  #ConflictResolutionPlan Edit Clip

How about taking the gospel to Dallas area by living the life that God wants you to live? How about taking the gospel message to your neighbors and let them see somebody actually trying to serve God rather than you just pretending and playing church on Sunday morning. And then the rest of the week, you act just like the world. [00:48:46] (16 seconds)  #LiveTheGospelDaily Edit Clip