The Corinthian church, much like many other churches showed division among its congregation. Paul felt the need to address this issue as he provoked the believers in Corinth in love providing seemingly much needed accountability.
“17 Now in giving these instructions I do not praise you, since you come together not for the better but for the worse. 18 For first of all, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you, and in part I believe it.” (1 Corinthians 11:17-18)
Pointing out a weakness among the Corinthian church, the apostle is obvious about his discontentment with the outcome of gatherings where a division was observed and reported. Unlike head covering which deserved praise, church meetings brought rebuke by Paul.
“19 For there must also be factions among you, that those who are approved may be recognized among you. 20 Therefore when you come together in one place, it is not to eat the Lord’s Supper.” (1 Corinthians 11:19-20)
One of the positive outcome from divisions among the church was inevitably that only some, if any of the factions would be in tune with the word of God, with the teaching of the apostle Paul. In his rebuke of the Corinthians Paul commands on believers involved in divisions not to partake in gatherings aimed at glorifying God through the Lord’s Supper, a tradition and offering that should be harmonious with the gospel and the Law of Jesus which is based on love and acceptance.
“21 For in eating, each one takes his own supper ahead of others; and one is hungry and another is drunk. 22 What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and shame those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you in this? I do not praise you.” (1 Corinthians 11:21-22)
Issues among the Corinthian church involved disrespecting the tradition behind the Lord’s supper. Reports of eating without giving thanks and even drunkenness at gatherings raised concern among the church and eventually, which led Paul to rebuke believers in an attempt to differentiate God’s expectations upon His children from Satan’s impact on the weak within the church.
“23 For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” (1 Corinthians 11:23-24)
While in Corinth Paul has demonstrated the Lord’s Supper, a symbolic event which was in tune with unity. Here the apostle reiterates the true meaning behind the sacred gathering, to be offered as a living sacrifice to God without division, according to the gospel delivered by Paul revealed to him by the Lord.
“25 In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.” (1 Corinthians 11:25-26)
Calling on believers to share in bread and wine at gatherings as a proclamation of the Lord’s death, Paul ‘s message is a simple one: Christians should honor Jesus’ sacrifice by partaking in the Lord’s Supper and do so harmoniously in spite of differences between individuals. Let us pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant Paul,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
