FOCUS TEXT: 1 Corinthians 11:17-34

This past Sunday, as a part of our “We Are Family” series, we explored 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 to understand the central role of the Family Table—the Lord’s Supper—in the life of God’s family, the Church. This passage reveals Paul’s correction of the Corinthian church’s misuse of communion emphasizing its intended purpose to unite believers in Christ’s redemptive work.

Paul begins by rebuking the Corinthians for their divisive behavior during the Lord’s Supper, where the wealthy would indulge while the poor went hungry, betraying the communal nature of the sacred meal. He reminds them of its significance: a commemoration of Christ’s sacrifice that should unify believers, not divide them. Paul underscores the need for self-examination before partaking in the Lord’s Supper, warning against casual or disrespectful participation that incurs judgment.

In Verses 23-26 Paul recounts the institution of the Lord’s Supper by Jesus Himself, emphasizing its symbolic nature as a remembrance of Christ’s body broken and blood shed for our redemption. In Verses 27-30 Paul warns of the consequences of partaking unworthily, stressing the need for self-examination (especially examining our hearts and actions toward members in God’s family) and repentance. In Verses 33-34 Paul urges the Corinthians to wait for one another and to approach the Lord’s Supper with reverence, ensuring it fulfills its purpose of demonstrating God’s unifying power and proclaiming Christ’s death until His return.

Closing out the message we considered four reasons to celebrate communion reverently and regularly: We participate in the family table to:

• Remember: The Lord’s Supper prompts us to remember Christ’s sacrifice and the new covenant sealed in His blood.

• Reflect: It invites us to reflect on our own lives and relationships in light of Christ’s selflessness and love.

• Renew: It offers opportunity for the renewal of our hearts, where we recommit ourselves to Christ and His mission.

• Rejoice: Finally, it calls us to rejoice in the salvation we have through Christ and the hope of His return.

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER:

• How does our approach to the Lord’s Supper reflect our unity and love for fellow believers?

• In what ways can self-examination before participating in communion deepen our reverence for Christ’s sacrifice?

PRAYER RESPONSE:

Let us pray for a renewed understanding of the Lord’s Supper as a symbol of our unity in Christ and a reminder of His redemptive love. May we approach this sacred meal with hearts prepared and minds focused on glorifying Him.

MEMORY VERSE: 1 Corinthians 11:26