(Division) When Services Do More Harm Than Good! 1 Corinthians 11:17-34.

Pause for Thought

What was the reason Paul said that their communion services were doing more harm than good? In a word ‘division’ in the previous chapters Paul dealt with differences of opinion ranging from which ministers they should follow to women’s head coverings. Now we read that some of them had forgotten what the Lords supper signified, in the rush to satisfy their own carnal desires. In the early Church communion was often celebrated at the end of a fellowship meal, a lovely idea but it had turned into a demonstration of selfishness as some ate and drank excessively while others went without. 11:17-22

Discerning the Lords body 11:29 refers both to the physical body of Jesus and the corporate body of believers. Holy Communion is first and foremost a remembrance of the death and resurrection of Jesus, as we partake of the bread and wine we partake in faith of the full redeeming power of Jesus Christ toward us spirit, soul and body. We partake with our brothers and sisters we are members together of Christs body, if we bring division to the Lords table and fail to honour the corporate body of Christ we bring judgement upon our selves 11:29-30.

Paul doesn’t say that we should stay away from communion but that we should examine ourselves, and so eat of the bread and drink of the wine 11:28

When we partake of the Lords Supper we strengthen our faith because we are fellowshipping with Jesus Christ and with members of His body 11:23-26

A verse to remember

For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are announcing the Lords death until He comes again. 1 Corinthians 11:26. N.L.T.

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