1 Cor 11

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Traditions you don’t understand but you do it anyways

Golden Birthdays

V 17-22

There is this festival that is set forth for the church to come take part in called the “Love Feast”

Imagine a southern style potluck where the families all bring to celebrate a communal meal together

Meant to be something that brings a church together as one united body to share a meal and partake in the lords supper together

This was seen as normal as the whole observance of the Lord’s supper was done since christ ate before he took the bread and the cup

remembering back to 1 Cor 1, this church is already in the midst of great division. There is many issues that are helping the church to grow farther and farther apart

In idea, this meal is a beautiful thing. All are welcome to a seat at the table. Everyone has something to eat and divides should be brought down.

But the rich in this church have taken more than their portion. They’ve taken more food and drink than allotted to them out of selfishness

Their lack of concern for others has lead to members of the church leaving the meal hungry or thirsty. Creating a greater divide than initially present.

Application: When our chief concern is only ourselves, others suffer as a result

V 23-26

While it is debated amongst scholars, it is likely there was some level of divine revelation that is present

Paul likely received this next section directly as revelation from the lord. This is directly from the source

Luke was written between 60-90AD, 1 Cor 11 was written between 53-55

Paul didn’t attend the last supper. He was not there. Luke was

Luke 22:19-20 is a near identical copy of 1 Cor 11

This is my body which is broken for you

This a reminder of what has taken place in order for us to be saved. We have been forgiven a great debt but that came at the steepest of prices

This is the new covenant in my blood

In the bread we look back to what has happened

Graphic Recap

Through our participation in communion we remember what has been done for us in the finished work of Christ on the cross. We are reminded of both our iniquities that put Christ on the cross, and the saving work that was accomplished as planned on our behalf

This a holy time that is specifically set out for believers to partake in. It is a time to draw near to God as we are reminded of the truth of what he does, while also being reminded that we are broken and sinful beings.

Application: Communion brings us back to the heart of the Lord

V 27-32

Paul presents a warning to the church as they partake in this holy sacrament

This is not something to take haphazardly. It is not to be taken lightly or without acknowledgement of our position

It is also not requiring christians to fix themselves to come before the table of the Lord. Our worthiness is from Christ’s righteousness and not our own

When we partake, we must do so in a way that is holy and honoring to the Lord.

Are we living in sin and unapologetic about it?

Do we lack understanding about the magnitude of what communion represents?

Are we being divisive and do we have issues that we are causing with others?

In this church there appears to be a corrective punishment that has been given to members who did not heed these warnings. Some, to the point of death

This is disciplinary not condemning

It is corrective for those who are saved rather than condemning and taking salvation

Still shows how seriously we ought to take it, but reminds us that it is done out 1of love