A Year To Remember - 1 Corinthians 11:17-34
The Lord's Supper
Yesterday morning I had a chance to teach 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 at Calvary Monterey. In this exciting text Paul gives a word of correction to the Corinthian church regarding their taking of the Lord's Supper, commonly referred to by the modern church as "communion."
Apparently, the Corinthians had adopted the practice of a large corporate meal with the entire church, a good practice, but it had become corrupted on multiple levels. For one, they had become very divisive and factious as a church. Those divisions had led to a social segregation of the classes, the rich and poor separate from one another, especially in their large meal together. Basically, those who needed the meal (the poor) were slighted by those who felt entitled to eat first and most (the rich). It was an unfortunate situation in Corinth, but it became even more unfortunate when they began to believe they were practicing the Lord's Supper during that strange corporate meal. Paul stood to correct it.
Our Equality In Christ
Paul was horrified at the divisions in the Corinthian church. He was disappointed that those who had nothing were shamed by those who had much. He longed to see the poor within the church treated with dignity, honor, and respect. He knew that one message of true communion was equality, that we are all one in Christ Jesus.
As I mentioned yesterday, I believe the church has a great opportunity to bless the less fortunate during difficult economic times. Those who are well off have an opportunity to practice generosity, one of the more noble and beautiful character traits I can think of. Paul wasn't necessarily speaking of the official church, but the individual believers within the Corinthian body who had the power to help those they worshipped with. If we will pray for opportunities, prepare for opportunities, and look for opportunities to help those in need, I believe God will grant us the opportunities we've looked for.
The Real Communion
Paul then took the Corinthians back to the original intention of the Lord's Supper (communion). Like a SWAT team breaking down the door to take a fugitive captive, so Paul busted down the door to the Corinthian church and took back the Lord's Supper. He wanted them to see it for what it truly is.
In a word - remembrance. The Lord's Supper is an opportunity for us to see Jesus more clearly. Communion offers us a chance to put on the glasses of the bread and cup so that we can see Jesus Christ in His glory. Paul tells us we get to remember three main things through communion.
- Jesus' past work.
- Our current standing.
- Jesus' future coming.
When partaking in communion, recognize it as a holy moment, an opportunity for you to remember Jesus, an opportunity to see Him afresh. We ought to take the moment seriously, asking God to refresh us in His love as we remember the cross and the new covenant.
A Stern Warning
Paul closed out his exhortation with a frank warning. He exhorted the Corinthians to take the Lord's Supper correctly, not in an unworthy manner. Their raucous "love feasts" were in now way a fulfillment of the Lord's Supper, especially with all the factions among them. All of that needed to stop. They needed to come to that table sober-minded, thankful, and humble over what Jesus Christ had done for them.
What an opportunity we still have as we partake of the Lord's Supper together. It was so sweet to share in it together this past Sunday, even if I did forget my customary communion tie! To remember Jesus in that way is incredibly special, especially when it's with a church family you love and care for.
My hope is for 2009 to be a year to remember. Oh, I hope it's a great year and all, and I expect God will move mightily this year, but what I mean is that I hope 2009 is a year we remember Jesus more. I hope and pray that the cross of Mt. Calvary is fresh in our minds every day this year. The price Jesus paid for you and me...such love. Let's get the point. Let's remember Him!
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