Reverence and Unity in the Lord's Supper
Summary
In today's reflection on 1 Corinthians 11:17-34, we delve into the importance of how the church gathers, particularly focusing on the Lord's Supper. The passage highlights the issues within the Corinthian church, where their gatherings were causing more harm than good due to divisions and improper conduct during the Lord's Supper. This serves as a reminder that the manner in which we come together as a church is crucial. The Lord's Supper is not merely a ritual but a sacred act that requires preparation and reverence. It is a time to remember the cross, renew our hope in Christ's return, reflect and repent, and reinforce unity within the church.
The Lord's Supper is a time to remember the cross, not just as a historical event but as the foundation of our faith. It reminds us of the reality, brutality, and necessity of the cross. The cross is not just a symbol; it is the pivotal moment in history where Jesus' sacrifice made reconciliation with God possible. As we partake in the Lord's Supper, we are called to remember the depth of Christ's love and the gravity of His sacrifice.
Furthermore, the Lord's Supper is a time to look forward to Christ's return. It is a proclamation of His death until He comes again, stirring in us a longing for the fulfillment of His promises. This anticipation reminds us that our citizenship is in heaven, and we are to live with our eyes set on eternity.
Self-examination is crucial before partaking in the Lord's Supper. We are called to examine our faith, repent of unconfessed sins, resolve conflicts, and approach the table with the right heart and motives. This self-examination ensures that we do not partake in an unworthy manner, which could bring judgment upon ourselves.
Finally, the Lord's Supper reinforces our unity as a church. It is a communal act that reminds us that we are all equal before Christ, united by His blood. As we partake together, we celebrate our common salvation and the unity we have in Christ.
Key Takeaways:
- The Lord's Supper is a sacred act that requires preparation and reverence. It is not just a ritual but a time to remember the cross, renew our hope in Christ's return, reflect and repent, and reinforce unity within the church. [12:23]
- Remembering the cross involves acknowledging its reality, brutality, and necessity. The cross is the foundation of our faith, and we are called to remember the depth of Christ's love and the gravity of His sacrifice. [19:41]
- The Lord's Supper is a proclamation of Christ's death until He comes again. It stirs in us a longing for His return and reminds us that our citizenship is in heaven. [30:48]
- Self-examination is crucial before partaking in the Lord's Supper. We must examine our faith, repent of unconfessed sins, resolve conflicts, and approach the table with the right heart and motives. [37:14]
- The Lord's Supper reinforces our unity as a church. It is a communal act that reminds us that we are all equal before Christ, united by His blood, and celebrates our common salvation. [46:22]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Upcoming Family Forum
[02:30] - Introduction to 1 Corinthians 11
[04:15] - The Importance of Preparation
[06:00] - Issues in the Corinthian Church
[08:30] - Divisions and Factions
[12:23] - The Lord's Supper Misunderstood
[15:00] - Remembering the Cross
[19:41] - The Reality and Brutality of the Cross
[22:10] - The Necessity of the Cross
[25:56] - Renewing Hope in Christ's Return
[30:48] - Anticipation of the Marriage Feast
[34:00] - Self-Examination and Reflection
[37:14] - Questions for Self-Examination
[43:46] - Unity in the Lord's Supper
[46:22] - The Spiritual and Physical Connection
[55:12] - Conclusion and Invitation to Reflect
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1 Corinthians 11:17-34
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Observation Questions:
1. What specific issues were present in the Corinthian church gatherings that Paul addressed in 1 Corinthians 11:17-34? [12:23]
2. How does Paul describe the significance of the Lord's Supper in this passage? [19:41]
3. What does Paul say about the divisions and factions within the Corinthian church, and how do they affect the Lord's Supper? [22:10]
4. According to the sermon, what are the four key aspects of the Lord's Supper that Paul highlights? [25:56]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. Why does Paul emphasize the need for self-examination before partaking in the Lord's Supper, and what might be the consequences of neglecting this practice? [37:14]
2. How does the anticipation of Christ's return influence the way believers should approach the Lord's Supper? [30:48]
3. In what ways does the Lord's Supper serve as a reminder of the unity among believers, according to the sermon? [46:22]
4. How does the sermon suggest that the physical act of the Lord's Supper is connected to spiritual realities? [43:46]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your personal preparation for the Lord's Supper. How can you ensure that you approach it with the reverence and preparation it deserves? [12:23]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of remembering the cross. How can you incorporate this remembrance into your daily life, not just during the Lord's Supper? [19:41]
3. Consider the divisions that might exist within your own church community. What steps can you take to promote unity and reconciliation? [22:10]
4. How does the anticipation of Christ's return affect your daily decisions and priorities? What changes might you need to make to live with an eternal perspective? [30:48]
5. Self-examination is crucial before partaking in the Lord's Supper. What specific areas of your life require reflection and repentance? How can you address these areas this week? [37:14]
6. The sermon discusses the connection between the physical and spiritual aspects of the Lord's Supper. How can you be more mindful of this connection in your spiritual practices? [43:46]
7. In what ways can you actively contribute to reinforcing unity within your church community, especially during communal acts like the Lord's Supper? [46:22]
Devotional
Day 1: The Sacredness of the Lord's Supper
The Lord's Supper is a sacred act that requires preparation and reverence. It is not just a ritual but a time to remember the cross, renew our hope in Christ's return, reflect and repent, and reinforce unity within the church. The Corinthians were reminded that their gatherings were causing more harm than good due to divisions and improper conduct during the Lord's Supper. This serves as a reminder that the manner in which we come together as a church is crucial. The Lord's Supper is a time to remember the cross, not just as a historical event but as the foundation of our faith. It reminds us of the reality, brutality, and necessity of the cross. [12:23]
"For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes." (1 Corinthians 11:26, ESV)
Reflection: How can you prepare your heart and mind to approach the Lord's Supper with the reverence it deserves this week?
Day 2: The Cross as the Foundation of Faith
Remembering the cross involves acknowledging its reality, brutality, and necessity. The cross is the foundation of our faith, and we are called to remember the depth of Christ's love and the gravity of His sacrifice. The cross is not just a symbol; it is the pivotal moment in history where Jesus' sacrifice made reconciliation with God possible. As we partake in the Lord's Supper, we are called to remember the depth of Christ's love and the gravity of His sacrifice. This remembrance is not just about looking back but also about understanding the ongoing impact of the cross in our lives today. [19:41]
"But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world." (Galatians 6:14, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you actively remember and honor the sacrifice of Christ in your daily life today?
Day 3: Anticipation of Christ's Return
The Lord's Supper is a proclamation of Christ's death until He comes again. It stirs in us a longing for His return and reminds us that our citizenship is in heaven. This anticipation is not just a passive waiting but an active longing for the fulfillment of His promises. It encourages us to live with our eyes set on eternity, knowing that our true home is with Christ. As we partake in the Lord's Supper, we are reminded of the hope we have in His return and the joy that awaits us in His presence. [30:48]
"But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ." (Philippians 3:20, ESV)
Reflection: How does the anticipation of Christ's return influence your priorities and decisions today?
Day 4: The Importance of Self-Examination
Self-examination is crucial before partaking in the Lord's Supper. We must examine our faith, repent of unconfessed sins, resolve conflicts, and approach the table with the right heart and motives. This self-examination ensures that we do not partake in an unworthy manner, which could bring judgment upon ourselves. It is a time to reflect on our relationship with God and others, seeking forgiveness and reconciliation where needed. This practice helps us to approach the Lord's Supper with a clean heart and a renewed spirit. [37:14]
"Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!" (2 Corinthians 13:5, ESV)
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to examine your heart and seek reconciliation with others before participating in the Lord's Supper?
Day 5: Unity in the Body of Christ
The Lord's Supper reinforces our unity as a church. It is a communal act that reminds us that we are all equal before Christ, united by His blood, and celebrates our common salvation. As we partake together, we celebrate our common salvation and the unity we have in Christ. This unity is not just a concept but a lived reality that should be reflected in our relationships with one another. It calls us to put aside divisions and embrace the oneness we have in Christ. [46:22]
"For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ." (1 Corinthians 12:12, ESV)
Reflection: How can you actively promote and celebrate unity within your church community today?
Quotes
When it comes to the church, last week we looked at the first half of 1 Corinthians chapter 11. And when we did, we said there's going to be one principle that's going to help us make sense of what Paul was dealing with in that first half of this chapter. And the reality is that principle served us well, I think, for dealing with those verses, but it's going to serve us well, not just for last week. This principle is going to serve us well for studying chapter 11, 12, 13, and 14. [00:06:14] (30 seconds)
And the reason is, we have come to a place in Paul's letter where he says, he is addressing things that are taking place when the church gathers. And so last week, we said this principle that would serve us well is that when the church comes together, how the church comes together matters. It's important. Last week, we dealt with it under the heading of headship, right, and the struggles that were going on within the 1 Corinthians, or not the 1 Corinthians church, the Corinthian church that Paul wrote about in 1 Corinthians. [00:06:54] (33 seconds)
Now we're in verse 17, he says, I can't commend you at all here. I don't commend you on these things. We've got some massive problems. And so it kind of pits things and we say, how can that be? Because the topic that we dealt with last week can be considered, especially in the culture that we live in today, a touchy topic, right? It's a heavy topic. And so how can Paul say, I want to, and I commend you, and now I can't commend you. [00:09:34] (25 seconds)
but it could be that with what he was dealing with last week was an issue of ignorance, where the church was coming together and they were coming together in an improper way that was creating problems, but that there wasn't malice or ill intent that was behind it. It was a misapplied freedom, misapplied understanding of things. And Paul's saying, hey, listen, I commend you guys for getting together. I commend you guys for doing things. I just need to speak to a bit of an issue that's showing up. [00:10:08] (27 seconds)
Because when we have a problem of ignorance, we show up to those conversations and say, I need to remind you of something. That's in some ways what Paul was doing. I need to remind you of the doctrine that fueled this practice of head coverings and headship that we were dealing with last week. Whereas today, when we come to a passage that begins with, in the following instructions, I do not commend you, we may be dealing with something that's more along the lines of insubordination. [00:10:48] (27 seconds)
Meaning that it's not a matter of ignorance. Here we're dealing with the church has blatantly stepped across the line. They said, we know what we ought to do. We know what the practice is supposed to be. We know how we're supposed to conduct ourselves, but we're just not doing it. There is a rebelliousness that may be taking place in this passage. That may make sense of it because this is where Paul comes in and says, with an issue of insubordination, I need to rebuke you. [00:11:28] (29 seconds)
So instead of remind you of something, he says, you're out of line. And we need to have an immediate course correction because what's happening is no good. Because you'll see there at the second half of verse 17, he says, when you come together, it's not for the better, but for the worse. And in some ways, it's hard to piece that together. Because in our minds, we're like, well, when the church gets together, there's got to be good in that. There's got to be just an inherent good in getting the church together for something. [00:12:08] (30 seconds)
There's no room to commend you. And so what's happening? Let's look at verses 18 through 22 together real quick. He says, for in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you. Well, we've dealt with that, right? That was chapter one. We acknowledge that there were some divisions going on in Corinth. However, now there seems to be more divisions that are taking place in the gathering of the church. This isn't just the existence. [00:13:28] (25 seconds)
What shall I say to you? Shall I commend you in this? No, I will not. And so what we have happening here in Corinth is that as the church has come together, there are divisions and there are factions that Paul is saying these things are taking place. And he speaks of these divisions and says, these things seem to be bad. And then these factions, he says, now I understand there's gonna be some factions because there has to be a way for those who are genuine to prove themselves. [00:14:48] (25 seconds)
That's the problem that we're dealing with is that fundamentally in Corinth, there were some practices that were being done that they were dividing and splitting the church. And these weren't just matters of opinion or philosophical issues. Say, okay, well, we're gonna agree to disagree and you're gonna go this way and we're gonna go this way. These aren't Paul and Barnabas issues, if you will. These are issues that says, hey, when we're here, you belong and you don't. That's the issue that's taking place in Corinth. [00:16:08] (31 seconds)
That's exactly right. That's exactly what was taking place. That the activity that we do together as a church, as a body, to come and express unity, they were doing the exact opposite. Rather than coming together, rather than being unified, rather than acting in one voice as one body, they've split up. And they've said, some are going to belong over here and some are going to go to this way. And what was happening is it seems like, culturally speaking, there was an issue of socioeconomic status that was at play here. [00:17:28] (32 seconds)
We're going to go back to the basics, things that you've already received, right? For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you. Okay, we've talked about this. We've dealt with these things already. I've taught you all this. You know these things, but we need to go back to the basics. Because we need to understand we seem to have forgotten what this is all about. That this, when we come for the Lord's Supper, Paul says it's not just empty tradition. [00:31:23] (31 seconds)
It's not just a meal to stuff your face. There's a sacredness and a significance that's involved in it. So while the church in Corinth was using this meal as a time to bring division, Paul says there's an appropriate, there's a correct way biblically for the church to come before this table. And in doing so, he's going to highlight four things, I believe, that become the focal point of what's happening or how we come to the table. So that we come, as the sermon title says, with the proper table manners. [00:31:53] (31 seconds)
That we don't come with divisiveness. That we don't come throwing a petty party on anyone or splitting things up. That we come with an appropriate heart, with an appropriate understanding of what's to take place. And so rather than division, rather than disrespect, Paul reminds us that the Lord's Supper is a time, first and foremost, to remember the cross. We see that here in verse 24. Well, before that even, let's speak to the rest of verse 23. [00:32:33] (27 seconds)
He instituted it, and he did so on the night when he was betrayed. And he did so in this way, verse 24. He took the bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me. In the same way also, he took the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this as often as you drink it in remembrance of me. And the symbolism in what Christ has established and ordained for the church to do takes us back to the cross. [00:33:53] (35 seconds)
The symbolism is riddled throughout it. He's like, this is my body. And there's something to be said. When Jesus is doing this with the disciples, he has the unleavened bread, and he's tearing off a piece of it and gives it. Tears off a piece of it and gives it. This is my body, which is for you. This is my body. And the disciples, when Jesus is doing this, you imagine sitting like, What on earth is he talking about? What's he getting at here? [00:34:33] (25 seconds)
The cross reminds us who we are. And so we remember the reality of the cross. But not only that, it also brings to mind the brutality of the cross in just what Jesus has set up. This is my body given for you. This is my blood poured out. Like, that's graphic material. And there's a reason I believe that Jesus didn't just say to his disciples, Hey, guys, listen. You know, the next few days are going to get pretty rough. [00:37:53] (31 seconds)
There's going to be some wild things that happen. You're going to see things happen to me. And I'm just going to... Every now and then, could you just remember what I do for you? Can you just think about it? Maybe talk about it together? I think there's a reason that Jesus comes and he takes bread and he tears it. And he gives it to him and says, As often as you do this, do this in remembrance of me. This cup is my blood poured out for many. As often as you do this. [00:38:33] (29 seconds)
He brings an action to it. Because in doing so, it should do something within us. And that's so obvious! and enjoy someish דing, and as often as useful. That's obvious. that draws our attention back to the brutality of the cross. Because no doubt, we've sanitized it. We look at movies like The Passion of the Christ and most people in this room would say, I can't watch it. It's too gruesome. It's too horrific. It's uncomfortable. And it absolutely is. [00:39:13] (37 seconds)
But I'm going to go on a limb and guess that from that point forward with all the disciples came to witness over the next couple days after Jesus instituted the supper that every time they did this in remembrance of Him they did not think of a sanitized cross. I'm going to go on a limb and say every time they did this they thought of Jesus. beaten and bloodied and nailed to a cross humiliated mocked spat on for you. I guarantee you that when they did this in remembrance this wasn't just some casual thing that's what they remember they're like His body was broken. [00:39:53] (53 seconds)
He poured His blood out for many. This isn't meant to be just some flowery romanticized moment but we come to this in the way that Jesus instituted it it should remind us of the gravity of the payment the sacrifice that was made to bring us to where we're at today to make you who you are today. it was not a cheap price our Lord suffered He endured Hebrews says for the joy set before Him He endured the cross and scorned its shame what's the joy but that you and I would be reconciled to God that you and I would have our sins forgiven and so we come when we remember the cross we remember guys the gravity of it the brutality of it that He did it not just for all those out there but He did that for you [00:40:33] (81 seconds)
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