Introduction

Introduction-1

• In this section Paul deals with several problems in regard to the Lord’s Supper.
• First, the sectarian divisions he dealt with in the first four chapters had carried over into the Lord’s Supper.
• Second, The Lord’s Supper had been associated with a common meal.
• Third, The rich and the poor had divided themselves into cliques.

Introduction-2

• Fourth, Because of the nature of the Lord’s Supper, the Corinthians were not approaching it with the proper attitude or recognizing its significance.
• Paul tells them what it represents, and how important it is.
• He says that we should discern the body of Christ and examine ourselves worthy of His sacrifice.

Preliminary Thoughts

Preliminary Thoughts

• So far in this letter Paul has dealt with various problem.
• Religious division and faction (1-4)
• Tolerance to fornication (5)
• Legal recourse against each other (6)
• It is evident that the problem of the Gentile’s previous life carried over into the church.
• As Paul concludes this chapter, we see that the Lord’s Supper was also a victim of the Gentile/Jew lifestyle practices.

Chapter 11:17-34 Synopsis

Chapter 11:17-34 Synopsis

• 11:17-22 – Current Conduct at the Lord’s Supper
• 11:23-26 – Institution of the Lord’s Supper
• 11: 27-34 – Examine yourself

1 Corinthians 11:17-22

Conduct at the Lord’s Table

Conduct At The Lord’s Table

1 Cor. 11:17-22

• Paul begins by chastising the Corinthians by telling them that they had no praise from him for their actions regarding the Lord’s Supper.
• The divisions that were discussed in chapters 1-4 had carried over into the Lord’s Supper.
• Where there are divisions there has to be factions.
• Paul specifically says that what they were doing was not eating the Lord’s Supper as it was intended to be eaten.

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Concerning Factions-1

• The word faction comes from the Greek word, heresies (Strong’s no. 139)
• Defined as “dissensions arising from diversity of opinions and aims”
• It is used in Gal. 5:20 as “contentions.”
• Paul described the conflict as “factions” (the KJV says “heresies”).

Concerning Factions-2

• Thayer defined factions (hairesis) as “dissensions arising from diversity of opinions and aims.”
• Turner defined this word as “‘obstinate persistence in self-opinionated views contrary to revealed truth.’”

Concerning Factions-3

• Factions is described as a “work of the flesh” in Gal. 5:20
• Peter spoke of “destructive heresies” (same word) in 2 Pet. 2:1.

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The ultimate goal of the factions was to disrupt and divide a united people in two groups against each other

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Concerning Factions-3

• Factions is described as a “work of the flesh” in Gal. 5:20
• Peter spoke of “destructive heresies” (same word) in 2 Pet. 2:1.

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The ultimate goal of the factions was to disrupt and divide a united people in two groups against each other

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Gal. 5:19-20

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Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Concerning Factions-3

• Factions is described as a “work of the flesh” in Gal. 5:20
• Peter spoke of “destructive heresies” (same word) in 2 Pet. 2:1.

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The ultimate goal of the factions was to disrupt and divide a united people in two groups against each other

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2 Pet. 2:1

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But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction.

Concerning Factions-3

• Factions is described as a “work of the flesh” in Gal. 5:20
• Peter spoke of “destructive heresies” (same word) in 2 Pet. 2:1.

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The ultimate goal of the factions was to disrupt and divide a united people in two groups against each other

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1 Corinthians 11:23-26

Institution of the Lord’s Supper

Institution of the Lord’s Supper

• Paul now tells them:
• What the Lord’s supper is
• Why it is importance to them.
• And how it is to be observed.
• Proclaiming His death.

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1 Corinthians 11:27-34

Examine Yourself

Examine Yourself-1

• Eating and drinking in an unworthy manner… Guilty of the body and blood.
• Sick… Weak… Asleep
• Paul instruction for a right attitude with correct judgment.
• Paul concludes by saying the he would set the rest in order when he comes.
• Evidently there were things that he chose not to put in writing.

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Discerning The Lord’s Body-1

Some of the things we should remember each time we partake of the Communion

• We live under a New Testament that is sealed with Jesus’ blood (Lk. 22:20).
• Jesus died for the church and purchased it with His blood (Acts 20:28).
• Jesus did this willingly (Jn. 1:29) because the Godhead loves mankind (Jn. 3:16).

Discerning The Lord’s Body-2

Some of the things we should remember each time we partake of the Communion

• We remember how our sins helped send Jesus to the cross.
• The Lord’s Supper reminds us that we are one body (1 Cor. 10:17).
• Since a dead savior cannot save us, the Supper reminds us of the resurrection.

Discerning The Lord’s Body-3

Some of the things we should remember each time we partake of the Communion

• The Communion reminds us that Jesus will one day return for us (verse 26b).
• Remembrance tells us to be awake, mentally alert, and focused.
• The Lord’s Supper reminds us that we are owned by Jesus (Rom. 6:13).

Discerning The Lord’s Body-4

Some of the things we should remember each time we partake of the Communion

• It reminds us to examine ourselves (verse 29).
• It reminds us that we are in the presence of the true and living God (Heb. 10:31).
• We can be guilty of not giving the Lord’s supper the respect is deserves and what it represents.

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Examine Yourself-1

• Eating and drinking in an unworthy manner… Guilty of the body and blood.
• Sick… Weak… Asleep
• Paul instruction for a right attitude with correct judgment.
• Paul concludes by saying the he would set the rest in order when he comes.
• Evidently there were things that he chose not to put in writing.

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Conclusion

Conclusion

1. Do not allow Cliques are factions that become harmful to each other and the unity of the church.
2. It is better to be divided by truth than united by error.
3. The people of the local church share in each others concerns, and needs without contempt of any kind.
4. Jesus gave His life for us – Let us remember what he gave, how he gave it, with our full attention and understanding, when we commune with Him.

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