West Cork Methodists

If any of you has a dispute with another, do you dare to take it before the ungodly for judgment instead of before the Lord’s people?

 2 Or do you not know that the Lord’s people will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases?

 3 Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life! 

4 Therefore, if you have disputes about such matters, do you ask for a ruling from those whose way of life is scorned in the church?

 5 I say this to shame you. Is it possible that there is nobody among you wise enough to judge a dispute between believers? 

6 But instead, one brother takes another to court – and this in front of unbelievers!

7 The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated? 

8 Instead, you yourselves cheat and do wrong, and you do this to your brothers and sisters. 

forgiveness, and hope.

  Witness: How does the way I handle conflict — in family, work, or church life — reflect (or distort) the gospel I profess to believe?

  Grace: Where might God be inviting me to “lose” for the sake of love — to yield a right, absorb a wrong, or extend forgiveness — so that Christ is honoured?

  Identity: Paul reminded the Corinthians, “You were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified.” How might remembering my new identity in Christ reshape the way I respond to disputes, disappointments, or divisions?

1 Corinthians 3 is our text today as we explore unity.

Spiritual Immaturity Blocks Unity (vv. 1–4)

Farmers in God’s Field (vv. 5–9)

Builders on God’s Foundation (vv. 10–11)

Quality Matters – The Test of Fire (vv. 12–15)

God’s Temple – Holy and United (vv. 16–22)

And the takeway questions: 

Field Check:

Am I planting, watering, or encouraging growth in God’s field — or am I competing for space?

Blueprint Audit:

Are my actions and decisions aligned with the foundation of Christ?

Temple Care:

How can I actively protect and strengthen the unity of God’s people this week?

1 Corinthians 2:1-16

The passage today is 1 Corinthians 1:18-31.

God’s Wisdom Is Revealed in the Cross (vv. 18–21)

God’s Power Works Through What the World Despises (vv. 22–25)

God Chooses the Lowly to Display His Glory (vv. 26–29)

Our Boast Is in the Lord Alone (vv. 30–31)

1 Corinthians 1:4-17 provides us with a rich passage to challenge us:

Gratitude — Seeing Grace Before Grievance

Gospel — Christ at the Centre

Getting Real — Unity Over Ego

We continue our exploration of 1 Corinthians with a look behind the scenes. What happened when Paul travelled to Corinth? Acts 18:1-11tells us the story

1 Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes,

2 To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours:

3 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 14 Do everything in love.

15 You know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the Lord’s people. I urge you, brothers and sisters, 16 to submit to such people and to everyone who joins in the work and labors at it. 17 I was glad when Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you. 18 For they refreshed my spirit and yours also. Such men deserve recognition.

19 The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Priscilla[a] greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house. 20 All the brothers and sisters here send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.

21 I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand.

22 If anyone does not love the Lord, let that person be cursed! Come, Lord[b]!

23 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.

24 My love to all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen.[c]

Eye for Eye

38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ 39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. 40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. 41 If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

Love for Enemies

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?

Our final look at the Beatitudes and we focus in on verse 11 and 12, as our underpinning passage and then Matthew 27:27-31 is our focus. 

We visit with the Beatitudes once more as we discover blessed are the peacemakers