1 Cor 11:17-34 - The Heart of Gathering

Pastor Bill conveyed verses 2-16 last week and there are three things that I would want to review real quick:

1. Hats or no hats? Long hair or short hair?

Paul went into detail earlier about things like whether you're allowed to wear a hat during worship or if men should cut their hair. Daniel, I see you're wearing a hat today—and Chris, you still have long hair. The point isn’t about specific fashion choices, but about cultural application based on a timeless principle.

It’s kind of like when Paul says to “greet one another with a holy kiss.” In some cultures, that’s totally normal. But here—if I started doing that to everyone on a Sunday morning—I’d probably get fired.

The key is this: We’re not saying the Bible only applies to one culture, but when we read Scripture carefully (through exegesis), we discover a timeless principle that was being expressed in a culturally specific way.

So what is that principle?

2. Men to look and to be like men. Women to Look like Women.

That’s the foundational truth Paul is reinforcing. It’s timeless—and it’s one we must hold onto in a world that’s actively trying to blur those lines.

This brings up a lot of tension, especially if you have friends who are gay, lesbian, transgender—or if this is something you wrestle with personally. We want to say clearly: We have love and compassion for every person, and we welcome them here. But we also believe love must be grounded in truth.

The world is redefining “love” to mean complete affirmation and no boundaries. But biblical love always holds to what is true. So yes, I will be kind, respectful, and welcoming to my friends in the LGBTQ+ community—but I also must hold to what the Bible teaches. Paul affirms this clearly in 1 Corinthians 11:2–16.

I love what Kevin DeYoung says about this passage:

“However we apply this passage we can assert, without equivocation, that God wants men to look like men and women to look like women, though what that physically looks like will vary from time to time and place to place… The Bible here affirms an essential truth no longer obvious in our day—it is disgraceful for a man to appear to be a woman and a woman to appear to be a man.”

The third thing I want to review is:

3. The Role of Men and Women

The last important point Pastor Bill made was about the role of men and women. The term that was brought up is complementarianism—we believe that men and women complement one another. Both are equal. Both are valuable. But we also believe that God has given us different roles. That men should teach and yes even women can teach under the oversight of elders or pastors. Not as a way of judging or criticizing but actually as a way of support.

Christ is the head of the Church. Both men and women follow Christ, but there is still an order of headship. This is good. This is how God designed it. I’ve said this before in devotionals—sometimes we think work or structure is a bad thing, especially when we don’t enjoy it. But work was actually part of God’s design before sin entered the world. In the same way, the roles of men and women were part of God’s good design before the fall.

Paul roots his teaching not in culture, but in creation:

Adam was created first, and Eve was made from his side.

Headship existed before the fall—it reflects God’s intentional design.

These gender roles are not random or outdated—they point to something greater: the relationship between Christ and the Church (Ephesians 5).

So while the culture is constantly trying to redefine roles, identity, and authority, we believe the Bible gives us a clear and good picture of God’s design—one that leads to life and order.

If you go to verse 2, you will see that Paul actually commends them for maintaining all of this well.

1 Corinthians 11:2 ESV

2 Now I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions even as I delivered them to you.

We know Paul is an honest man and would rightly call them out if they were doing this wrong. However, he commends them and says all of this as a reminder. But if you go to verse 17 and about the passage I will be preaching on today, Paul says this:

1 Corinthians 11:17 ESV

17 But in the following instructions I do not commend you, because when you come together it is not for the better but for the worse.

They had a little break, they had a moment while they were reading or hearing this letter to breathe and think man, alright at least we got the topic of head coverings right and then Paul get’s back into the rebuke.

So if you all would please stand, while I read the word of the lord:

1 Corinthians 11:17–34 ESV

17 But in the following instructions I do not commend you, because when you come together it is not for the better but for the worse. 18 For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you. And I believe it in part, 19 for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized. 20 When you come together, it is not the Lord’s supper that you eat. 21 For in eating, each one goes ahead with his own meal. One goes hungry, another gets drunk. 22 What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I commend you in this? No, I will not. 23 For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, 24 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.” 25 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.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. 27 Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. 28 Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself. 30 That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died. 31 But if we judged ourselves truly, we would not be judged. 32 But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined so that we may not be condemned along with the world. 33 So then, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for one another— 34 if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home—so that when you come together it will not be for judgment. About the other things I will give directions when I come.

Let’s pray:

Father, one who is love and creator of all things.

Jesus, one who is love and savior of all who believe.

Spirit, one who is love and our greatest advocate.

We know that we truly are unable to learn or process these words without you. There are many moments in my life where I look back and am thankful

For you being present with me.

For you guiding me to the truth.

For you protecting me from darkness.

I am unworthy. We are unworthy. But you God, are worthy. Speak through me as I preach what I have studied and prepared. Soften your people’s hearts to hear your word and know their heavenly master. You alone God are able to do all things and your will is to be done. We pray for it. We desire for it as Jesus modeled for us:

Your Kingdom come. Your Will be done. On earth as it is in heaven.

Thank you for your patience, kindness, and sovereignty.

Amen.

1. Gather Together for the Better (Verses 17-19)

Normally, when we gather as a church, it's supposed to be for the better. But I think we all saw what happened when we stopped gathering during COVID—things got worse.

We witnessed anxiety and depression reach an all-time high—not necessarily just because we weren’t in church—but because we stopped gathering with one another altogether. We saw people walk away from church. Some walked away from the faith entirely. We saw hundreds of churches shut down.

Not gathering—physically being apart—is detrimental. And this isn't just observation; Scripture backs this up.

Hebrews 10:24–25 ESV

24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

We gather so we can stir one another up, encourage each other (1 Thess. 5:11), and build one another up in love (Eph. 4:16). But that’s not what’s happening in the church of Corinth.

1 Corinthians 11:17 ESV

17 But in the following instructions I do not commend you, because when you come together it is not for the better but for the worse.

Paul has written so much about why the church needs to gather but says: your gatherings are doing more harm than good.

So yes—coming together is a good and needed thing, but there must also be order and the right heart behind it. Otherwise, even our gatherings can be “for the worse.”

Paul explains what the problem is.

1 Corinthians 11:18 ESV

18 For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you.

Remember these factions? This was presented almost 10 chapters prior in 1 Corinthians 1:10–17 and again in 1 Corinthians 3. What ended up happening is that this church was starting to form factions around different leaders. It’s good to have a diverse group of elders, Life Group Leaders, and teachers—but the goal is to be one. The point isn’t to all gather here on a Sunday morning and have mini rivalries with one another.

This past week, one of our TSM leaders, Jesse, preached for our Youth Group and did an excellent job. Now, how silly would it be for the kids to only listen to certain individuals? Or to say, “Wait, Jacob or Elias isn’t preaching? I’m not going to listen because I’m a follower of Elias,” or, “I’m a follower of Jacob.” Of course, we’re all going to have preferences and thoughts about sermons—and if Jesse or I were preaching heresy, then no, they shouldn’t listen. But those kinds of things should never divide the church or create factions. And we all should be here to support one another. Be praying for your pastors as they preach and teach as there is a lot of mind games that go in the actual preaching. We should be on each other’s side, a team, rooting for one another. We all got room for improvement, but what is the heart behind it all?

Because in addition to all the reasons I already mentioned about the importance and command of gathering, it’s meant to unify us.

Ephesians 4:1–6 ESV

1 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

This is what happens when we gather and we all have a part to play in this. We all have different roles and even though we all are different, we all should complement one another through the same spirit that lives inside us.

Rather than coming together and being unified as one body because there is one God, one Lord, on Spirit, this church was doing the opposite, or in Paul’s terms, they were coming together for the worse.

He does have a point of contention though: Let’s read verse 18 again and then verse 19.

1 Corinthians 11:18–19 ESV

18 For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you. And I believe it in part, 19 for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized.

What Paul is acknowledging here is that there are genuine divides within the church—because that’s how truth works. When you stand on the side of truth and pursue what Christ desires, division will come. Truth has that effect. It exposes what is false, and that can be uncomfortable. It separates light from darkness, conviction from compromise. There will be moments when we need to share the truth in love, even when it’s hard. But it’s still love, because love without truth isn’t love at all.

Jesus Himself spoke to this reality in Luke 12:51–53, where He said:

Luke 12:51–53 ESV

51 Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. 52 For from now on in one house there will be five divided, three against two and two against three. 53 They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”

The point Jesus makes isn’t that He delights in division, but that the truth of the Gospel inevitably brings a dividing line. Some will receive it; others will resist it. And Paul is saying here in 1 Corinthians 11 that these kinds of divisions can actually reveal who is genuine among the believers.

David E. Garland says this

“Paul is not promoting division, but acknowledging that in a divided church, God uses the situation to reveal true believers—those who remain humble, obedient, and faithful despite the chaos.” - David E. Garland

Even by saying you are a follower of Jesus and not of Paul or Appolos, would have caused division even though that is an important truth to state. But something I believe that is important to ask you all:

How do you respond to truth in your life?

Do you find yourself going deeper into the rebellion and sin?

Do you try to run and hid from it?

Does it divide you from a friend?

Tone and the way truth is presented is essential. Relationship should be there, but does it divide you apart?

2. What They Were Doing Wrong (Verses 20-22)

1 Corinthians 11:20–22 ESV

20 When you come together, it is not the Lord’s supper that you eat. 21 For in eating, each one goes ahead with his own meal. One goes hungry, another gets drunk. 22 What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I commend you in this? No, I will not.

When we first read this passage, it seems kind of odd. We often take the Lord’s Supper with just a small piece of bread and a little bit of grape juice. So when we read this, we might wonder—how are they eating a whole meal? I mean, I guess you could eat all the bread? But is that really what it’s saying?

And how are they getting drunk? We use grape juice, but some churches use wine—so are they just drinking way too much “communion wine”?

Let’s dive into the culture and understand how this actually played out:

In Corinthian culture, it was normal for people to gather for idol feasts, which were full of food and heavy drinking. These pagan celebrations often included gluttony and drunkenness—that was just what you were expected to do in those settings. Unfortunately, some of the Corinthians were bringing that same mindset into the church.

The Lord’s Supper back then wasn’t a brief moment in the service like we experience today. It was an actual dinner—a full meal. Think of it more like a church potluck. Now, having a potluck or shared meal isn’t wrong, and even combining it with the Lord’s Supper isn’t inherently bad. But what Paul rebukes here is how they were approaching it.

Many of these believers were used to the extravagant idol feasts they either used to attend or were still culturally surrounded by. So when they came together for the Lord’s Supper, they carried that same party-like mentality into the church. To make it worse, it wasn’t even a true potluck—people weren’t sharing. They were bringing meals only for themselves.

That’s what Paul is addressing in verse 21: “each one goes ahead with his own meal.” In other words, the wealthier individuals or families would bring their food and eat it among themselves, leaving others out. The poor—who didn’t have much to bring—would come to this meal, watch others feast, and walk away hungry.

It’s kind of like when I was a young college guy—some of us would show up to a potluck with just a bag of chips and then eat everyone else’s food. Except in this case, the poor weren’t mooching—they simply didn’t have anything to bring, and the rich wouldn’t share. That’s why Paul adds in verse 21, “one goes hungry.”

And then on top of all that, people were getting drunk—not because they were sipping too much communion wine during a reverent moment, but because, just like with the food, they brought their own wine and reenacted their old idol-feast behavior. This is what Paul means when he finishes verse 21 with “another gets drunk.”

Paul responds to this absurdity with a resounding:

1 Corinthians 11:22 ESV

22 What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I commend you in this? No, I will not.

What Paul is saying here is not that they shouldn’t eat together or that it’s wrong to have a meal and celebrate the Lord’s Supper.

In fact, Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper during a meal. In both Matthew 26:26–29 and Luke 22:14–20, we see the phrase, “As they were eating…”—which shows the Lord’s Supper began in the context of the Passover meal.

The early church also broke bread together regularly. In Acts 2:42, 46, the phrase “breaking of bread” refers to both fellowship meals and communion, often happening in homes.

The term love feasts is used in Jude 12—these agapē feasts were shared meals that often included the Lord’s Supper.

So Paul is not condemning the idea of eating a meal or celebrating communion as part of that meal. He’s getting at the heart and attitude of the Corinthians. That’s the real issue—and here’s how we see it:

So what were they doing wrong?

They were being selfish—bringing their own food and drink with no intention of sharing. When Paul asks, “Do you not have houses to eat and drink in?” he’s calling out the audacity of treating the Lord’s Supper like a private meal rather than a shared act of worship.

They were humiliating others, especially the poor, by flaunting their wealth. Instead of unity and humility, they were turning the table into a stage for social superiority.

They were treating the meal as one of pleasure and indulgence, getting drunk just as they would have at pagan feasts. But the Lord’s Supper is sacred—not a party.

They were being divisive. Rather than building up the body of Christ, their gatherings were doing harm—highlighting differences, forming factions, and undermining the unity the church is called to.

So when you first heard this passage you may have been thinking well I don’t take to much too much bread, it’s grape juice, so I can’t get drunk, i’m doing just fine. But when we get to what Paul is truly saying, it’s very convicting:

Don’t be selfish when you gather at trinity church. Maybe this doesn’t relate to food or drink but are you actually being secretly selfish and making this about you. Mother’s Day mention

Maybe you don’t humiliate others or flaunt your wealth but maybe there are certain personalities that you try to separate yourself from. I hate to break it to you, you’re going to be spending eternity with them. Maybe you’re not humiliating them publicly but maybe you gossip or actually bring them down in your mind. IN your heart.

Are you building one another up or tearing each other down. The goal is unity, not division. Maybe its neither, not divisive or unifying. Maybe you feel like you are on the sidelines. Well we believe here at Trinity Church that everyone has a role to play and we want you involved and apart of this church. Yes, it can be messy, but God’s grace is marvelous and what unites us all.

3. What Jesus Said About Communion (Verses 23-26)

1 Corinthians 11:23–26 ESV

23 For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, 24 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.” 25 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.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

Before diving into the practical implications of this passage and why Paul is referencing these words, let’s take a closer look at verses 24 and 25. Notice that these quotes are nearly identical to what we find in Luke’s Gospel. Specifically, the phrase “Do this in remembrance of me” is a direct match with Luke 22:19:

Luke 22:19–20 ESV

19 And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 20 And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.

For a long time, scholars have placed the writing of the Gospels between 60–90 AD, but recent studies suggest these dates may be much earlier. Mark could be closer to 42 AD, with Luke possibly written around the same time Paul wrote 1 Corinthians (52–55 AD). This is particularly significant because Acts (which is written by the same author as Luke) is widely agreed to have been penned around 62 AD, meaning Luke likely predates this.

While it’s not certain that Paul is directly quoting Luke in 1 Corinthians 11:23–25, the resemblance is striking. More importantly, both Paul and Luke seem to be drawing from a common tradition or liturgical practice that was already in place by the time of Paul’s writings. This further highlights the shared early Christian understanding of the significance of the Lord’s Supper.

So that is the first thing I wanted to mention to you and point out but let’s get into what Jesus is saying. Look at verses 24-25

Are Christians cannibals?

The short answer is no, but that is what critics will mention about Christians and Communion. Jesus does say that the bread represents his body and the wine or grape juice represents his blood, so is that the point is this? Well there are three views and I will tell you where Trinity Church lands is what scripture teaches.

The first is transubstantiation, teaching that the bread and the wine actually become the body and blood of Jesus.

This was and is held by the roman catholic church. That we must eat and drink Jesus as a sacred remembrance of this. This is in reference to when Jesus says “This is my body” or “This is my blood” says that Martin Luther held on to something very similar but a tad different and he held on to the belief of

The second is consubstantiation, teaching the bread remains bread and the wine remains wine, but by faith they are the same as Jesus’ actual body.

In transubstantiation, the bread and wine’s substance is completely changed into Christ's body and blood.

In consubstantiation, the bread and wine retain their substance, but Christ's body and blood are mysteriously present "with" and "under" the bread and wine.

In all honesty, they seem very similar almost identical to me.

The third is symbolism or a memorial view, teaching the bread and wine are purely are outward sign that point to the body and blood of Christ in remembrance of Him.

The elements do not change in substance based on faith, nor do they actually become Jesus’ body and blood. Instead, they represent what He has done for us on the cross. This view emphasizes the importance of Jesus’ words, “Do this in remembrance of me,” and continues with Paul’s reminder in verse 26:

1 Corinthians 11:26 ESV

26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

When Jesus says, “This is my body,” we understand that He is speaking figuratively, not literally. The bread and wine are symbolic of His atoning sacrifice. In the same way, when Jesus says, “I am the vine,” He is not claiming to be a physical plant. Rather, He uses that metaphor to communicate spiritual truth—that true life is only found in Him.

“The elements are symbols—powerful symbols—but they do not contain grace in themselves. They point us to Christ.” - John MacArthur

The third view is what Trinity believes in and that this is what Jesus says about communion and how we proclaim, preach, the Lord’s death until he comes. We don’t just do this once such as baptism, but constantly and consistently.

How We Should Partake in Communion (Verses 27-34)

So after learning what Jesus said about communion and what it means, we now need to look at how we should partake in it. This is still an important point for us today, but it was especially serious back in Paul’s time—because those who partook in an unworthy way were judged by God.

1 Corinthians 11:27–32 ESV

27 Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. 28 Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself. 30 That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died. 31 But if we judged ourselves truly, we would not be judged. 32 But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined so that we may not be condemned along with the world.

I’ve mentioned this before during our communion times, but taking communion is a sacred and holy moment. In verse 27, Paul says we must partake in a worthy manner. Now we know none of us is truly worthy on our own—we can’t earn that. So this verse isn’t saying that if you don’t feel worthy, you should avoid communion. Paul, as he has said all throughout this letter, is getting at the heart. None of us are worthy in ourselves, but through Jesus Christ, by faith in Him, we are made right with God.

Communion is for believers. And if you're in a rough patch in your walk with Christ, that doesn’t mean you’re disqualified from coming to the table. It’s about being honest and genuine before God. Verse 28 tells us to examine ourselves.

Have you ever you looked at yourself in a mirror with no clothes and just examine yourself? Most don’t enjoy doing that and won’t look at themselves until after they put clothes on. But we need to do that with our lives. Examine every detail and it might be painful but through this pain and the reality comes the true hope of what Christ has delivered you from.

That’s why we always take a moment before communion—to think deeply about what Jesus has done. What sins has He died for in your life? Think about His body that was broken. Think about the blood that flowed from His hands on the cross. That’s what we remember. And that’s what we examine. This moment becomes a kind of reset. Every time we take the Lord’s Supper, we are preaching the gospel to ourselves—and to each other—all over again. Think of that mirror though and don’t let it fill you with negativity because God loves every ounce and you are beautifully and wonderfully made in His image. That’s what the gospel does. That is what the word of God provides.

Charles Spurgeon says: “It is a great thing to be able to look in the mirror of God’s Word and not be afraid of the reflection.”

The church Corinth was not doing this and it was a serious issue in the church in Corinth. Some were getting sick. Some had even died. And maybe that’s scary to hear—but remember, the time and context were a bit different. As the gospel was spreading and taking root, God often acted in powerful and visible ways. People were speaking in tongues, prophesying, healing. I’m not saying those things can’t happen today—but they were more frequent then as signs confirming God’s message. God allowed that judgment not to destroy people, but to discipline them. Verse 32 says it plainly: “so that we may not be condemned along with the world.”

So no, this isn’t meant to scare you away from taking communion. But it is meant to draw your heart into reverence, reflection, and awe as you remember what Christ has done for you.

Something practical we should all do though, maybe it’s not necessarily eating the Lord’s supper, but we should definitely remind ourselves of the gospel every day. That is the only reason that you are apart of the kingdom of God and the gospel has the power to save. Everything you do, is for Him. Whether word or deed, food or drink, do everything to glorify God.

1 Corinthians 11:33–34 ESV

33 So then, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for one another— 34 if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home—so that when you come together it will not be for judgment. About the other things I will give directions when I come.

We see Paul’s main point come through clearly in the last two verses of this chapter. He circles back to what we’ve already seen in the earlier verses: this divisive behavior among the Corinthians has to change. They need to gather not for the worse, but for the better. If someone is just there to fill their stomach or indulge because they’re hungry, Paul says they should eat at home. The focus when the church gathers is to eat together in unity. That means sometimes sacrificing what you might want to eat or how much you’d normally eat. It’s easy for us to take this for granted today—we have endless food options and rarely go without for more than a few hours, unless we’re intentionally fasting. But in Paul’s time, many poor believers may have gone a day or two without a meal.

The church meal wasn’t just symbolic—it was a real opportunity to be fed and cared for by wealthier brothers and sisters. And it all came together around the Lord’s Supper: breaking bread and drinking the cup in remembrance of Christ, who gave Himself so that we could be one body, united through His death and resurrection. They can still eat a meal together and celebrate the Lord’s supper but their hearts must reflect Christ, Especially when they gather as believers, but how much more so for a memorial of what Jesus Christ has done. The early Christians continued to do this as well in what we see in the Didache where they would celebrate the Lord’s supper, eat their meal, and continue to give thanks to God.

Closing