1 Corinthians “Church Purity in a Polluted Culture” Part 17 - 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 “Social Snobbery at the Lord's Table”

1 Corinthians1 Corinthians““Church Purity in a Polluted Culture”Church Purity in a Polluted Culture”

Part 17 - 1 Corinthians 11:17-34Part 17 - 1 Corinthians 11:17-34““Social Snobbery at the Lord's Table”Social Snobbery at the Lord's Table”

IntroductionIntroduction

Since the beginning of the church, it was Since the beginning of the church, it was customary for the believers to eat together customary for the believers to eat together (Acts 2:42, 46). They called this meal “the (Acts 2:42, 46). They called this meal “the love feast” since its main emphasis was love feast” since its main emphasis was showing love for the saints by sharing with showing love for the saints by sharing with one another. The problem was that the one another. The problem was that the Corinthians were using these “agape’ feasts”, Corinthians were using these “agape’ feasts”, as they became known, as occasions to make as they became known, as occasions to make social distinctions between rich and poor. social distinctions between rich and poor. Paul is profoundly troubled by this Paul is profoundly troubled by this development and argues strongly against it.development and argues strongly against it.04/21/2304/21/23 EBFC Semon Series: 1 CorinthiansEBFC Semon Series: 1 Corinthians 22

Text (11:17-34)Text (11:17-34)

17 17 In the following directives I have no praise for you, for your In the following directives I have no praise for you, for your meetings do more harm than good. meetings do more harm than good. 18 18 In the first place, I hear In the first place, I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you, and to some extent I believe it. among you, and to some extent I believe it. 19 19 No doubt there No doubt there have to be differences among you to show which of you have have to be differences among you to show which of you have God’s approval. God’s approval. 20 20 When you come together, it is not the Lord’s When you come together, it is not the Lord’s Supper you eat, Supper you eat, 21 21 for as you eat, each of you goes ahead for as you eat, each of you goes ahead without waiting for anybody else. One remains hungry, another without waiting for anybody else. One remains hungry, another gets drunk. gets drunk. 22 22 Don’t you have homes to eat and drink in? Or do Don’t you have homes to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you for this? nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you for this? Certainly not! Certainly not!

04/21/2304/21/23 EBFC Semon Series: 1 CorinthiansEBFC Semon Series: 1 Corinthians 33

Text (11:17-34)Text (11:17-34)

2323 For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24 24 and and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 25 25 In the same In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” remembrance of me.” 26 26 For whenever you eat this bread and For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. 27 27 Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. and blood of the Lord. 28 28 A man ought to examine himself before A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup.he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup.04/21/2304/21/23 EBFC Semon Series: 1 CorinthiansEBFC Semon Series: 1 Corinthians 44

Text (11:17-34)Text (11:17-34)

29 29 For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself. of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself. 30 30 That is why That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. fallen asleep. 31 31 But if we judged ourselves, we would not come But if we judged ourselves, we would not come under judgment. under judgment. 32 32 When we are judged by the Lord, we are When we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world. world. 33 33 So then, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for So then, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for each other. each other. 34 34 If anyone is hungry, he should eat at home, so that If anyone is hungry, he should eat at home, so that when you meet together it may not result in judgment. when you meet together it may not result in judgment. And when I come I will give further directions.And when I come I will give further directions.


No No Commendation Commendation

(11:17)(11:17)

No Commendation No Commendation (11:17)(11:17)

17 17 In the following directives I have no praise for you, for your In the following directives I have no praise for you, for your meetings do more harm than good. meetings do more harm than good. 18 18 In the first place, I hear In the first place, I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you, and to some extent I believe it. among you, and to some extent I believe it. 19 19 No doubt there No doubt there have to be differences among you to show which of you have have to be differences among you to show which of you have God’s approval. God’s approval. 20 20 When you come together, it is not the Lord’s When you come together, it is not the Lord’s Supper you eat, Supper you eat, 21 21 for as you eat, each of you goes ahead for as you eat, each of you goes ahead without waiting for anybody else. One remains hungry, another without waiting for anybody else. One remains hungry, another gets drunk. gets drunk. 22 22 Don’t you have homes to eat and drink in? Or do Don’t you have homes to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you for this? nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you for this? Certainly not! Certainly not!


• Paul is giving a rather sober indictment concerning something that should be so natural and beneficial to the body of Christ.

• Paul declares that their meetings were doing more harm then good.

• Paul is giving a rather sober indictment concerning something that should be so natural and beneficial to the body of Christ.

• Paul declares that their meetings were doing more harm then good.

What Went What Went Wrong? (11:18-Wrong? (11:18-

22)22)

DIVISIONS TO SHOW DIVISIONS TO SHOW GOD’S APPROVAL GOD’S APPROVAL

(11:18-19)(11:18-19)17 17 In the following directives I have no praise for you, for your In the following directives I have no praise for you, for your meetings do more harm than good. meetings do more harm than good. 18 18 In the first place, I hear In the first place, I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you, and to some extent I believe it. among you, and to some extent I believe it. 19 19 No doubt there No doubt there have to be differences among you to show which of you have have to be differences among you to show which of you have God’s approvalGod’s approval. . 20 20 When you come together, it is not the Lord’s When you come together, it is not the Lord’s Supper you eat, Supper you eat, 21 21 for as you eat, each of you goes ahead for as you eat, each of you goes ahead without waiting for anybody else. One remains hungry, another without waiting for anybody else. One remains hungry, another gets drunk. gets drunk. 22 22 Don’t you have homes to eat and drink in? Or do Don’t you have homes to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you for this? nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you for this? Certainly not! Certainly not!


In God's providential direction of the life of the church, he allowed controversy in order that the genuine spiritual quality of individual believers would be known.

In God's providential direction of the life of the church, he allowed controversy in order that the genuine spiritual quality of individual believers would be known.

HUMILIATION AT THE HUMILIATION AT THE LORD’S TABLE(11:20-LORD’S TABLE(11:20-

22)22)17 17 In the following directives I have no praise for you, for your In the following directives I have no praise for you, for your meetings do more harm than good. meetings do more harm than good. 18 18 In the first place, I hear In the first place, I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you, and to some extent I believe it. among you, and to some extent I believe it. 19 19 No doubt there No doubt there have to be differences among you to show which of you have have to be differences among you to show which of you have God’s approval. God’s approval. 20 20 When you come together, it is not the Lord’s When you come together, it is not the Lord’s Supper you eat, Supper you eat, 21 21 for as you eat, each of you goes ahead for as you eat, each of you goes ahead without waiting for anybody else. One remains hungry, another without waiting for anybody else. One remains hungry, another gets drunk. gets drunk. 22 22 Don’t you have homes to eat and drink in? Or do Don’t you have homes to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you for this? nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you for this? Certainly not! Certainly not!


• Those who had plenty would eat without even waiting to see if those who had little had enough.

• Paul did not suggest that they abandon the feast, but rather that they restore its proper meaning.

• Those who had plenty would eat without even waiting to see if those who had little had enough.

• Paul did not suggest that they abandon the feast, but rather that they restore its proper meaning.

How Should The How Should The Lord’s Supper Be Lord’s Supper Be

Observed? (11:23-Observed? (11:23-26)26)

AS WAS GIVEN BY THE AS WAS GIVEN BY THE LORD (11:23-26)LORD (11:23-26)


Jesus instituted this ordinance during the Jewish feast of Passover. Jesus instituted this ordinance during the Jewish feast of Passover.

THE NEW THE NEW COVENANT(11:25)COVENANT(11:25)

2323 For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24 24 and and when he had given thanks, he broke it and saidwhen he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, , “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 25 25 In the same In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” remembrance of me.” 26 26 For whenever you eat this bread and For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. 27 27 Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. and blood of the Lord. 28 28 A man ought to examine himself before A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup.he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup.04/21/2304/21/23 EBFC Semon Series: 1 CorinthiansEBFC Semon Series: 1 Corinthians 1313

The old covenant, the Mosaic covenant that God made with His people Israel was constantly broken because of Israel's sin. This covenant was replaced with the new covenant, which would provide complete atonement for all the sins of God's people, past, present, and future.

The old covenant, the Mosaic covenant that God made with His people Israel was constantly broken because of Israel's sin. This covenant was replaced with the new covenant, which would provide complete atonement for all the sins of God's people, past, present, and future.

JESUS’ BLOOD: THE JESUS’ BLOOD: THE NEW COVENANT (HEB. NEW COVENANT (HEB.

10:9-10)10:9-10)

““9 9 then he added, “Behold, I have come to do then he added, “Behold, I have come to do your will.” He does away with the first in order to your will.” He does away with the first in order to establish the second. establish the second. 10 10 And by that will we have And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” (Hebrews 10:9–10 of Jesus Christ once for all.” (Hebrews 10:9–10 ESV)ESV)


Jesus’ Literal Jesus’ Literal StatementsStatements

““I am the bread of life.” (John 6:48)I am the bread of life.” (John 6:48)““Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)““7 7 So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. you, I am the door of the sheep. 14 14 I am the good I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me,” shepherd. I know my own and my own know me,” (John 10:7, 14)(John 10:7, 14)““I am the true vine, and my Father is the I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser.” (John 15:1)vinedresser.” (John 15:1)04/21/2304/21/23 EBFC Semon Series: 1 CorinthiansEBFC Semon Series: 1 Corinthians 1515

IN REMBRANCE(11:25-IN REMBRANCE(11:25-26)26)

2323 For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24 24 and and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 25 25 In the same In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” remembrance of me.” 26 26 For whenever you eat this bread and For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. 27 27 Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. and blood of the Lord. 28 28 A man ought to examine himself before A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup.he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup.04/21/2304/21/23 EBFC Semon Series: 1 CorinthiansEBFC Semon Series: 1 Corinthians 1616

This is a communion with fellow believers with the spiritual presence of Christ and calling to memory the sacrifice He made for us.

This is a communion with fellow believers with the spiritual presence of Christ and calling to memory the sacrifice He made for us.

Back to The Back to The Problem At Hand Problem At Hand

(11:27-32)(11:27-32)

unworthy manner unworthy manner (11:27)(11:27)


The phrase in an unworthy manner, is the Greek word anaxios, is specifically aimed at treating the Lord’s Supper as a common meal, and the bread and cup as common things, not apprehending the meaning and significance of each.

The phrase in an unworthy manner, is the Greek word anaxios, is specifically aimed at treating the Lord’s Supper as a common meal, and the bread and cup as common things, not apprehending the meaning and significance of each.

guilty of sinning guilty of sinning (11:27)(11:27)


To be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord is to undermine the truth that Jesus' body was broken and his blood shed for others. Thus the selfish behavior of the Corinthians is not only a sin against others, but it also represents a profaning disrespect for Jesus himself.

To be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord is to undermine the truth that Jesus' body was broken and his blood shed for others. Thus the selfish behavior of the Corinthians is not only a sin against others, but it also represents a profaning disrespect for Jesus himself.

examine himself examine himself (11:28)(11:28)


The Greek word for examine is the verb dokimazo, which refers to testing metals to determine if they are genuine.

The Greek word for examine is the verb dokimazo, which refers to testing metals to determine if they are genuine.

Let’s Summarize Let’s Summarize The Solution The Solution (11:33-34)(11:33-34)

Wait for each other Wait for each other (11:33)(11:33)

29 29 For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself. of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself. 30 30 That is why That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. fallen asleep. 31 31 But if we judged ourselves, we would not come But if we judged ourselves, we would not come under judgment. under judgment. 32 32 When we are judged by the Lord, we are When we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world. world. 33 33 So then, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for So then, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for each other. each other. 34 34 If anyone is hungry, he should eat at home, so that If anyone is hungry, he should eat at home, so that when you meet together it may not result in judgment. when you meet together it may not result in judgment. And when I come I will give further directions.And when I come I will give further directions.


Wait for each other, or look past your own immediate needs and patiently wait to fulfill another’s.Wait for each other, or look past your own immediate needs and patiently wait to fulfill another’s.

ConclusionConclusion

ConclusionConclusion

1.1. There is an inseparable link between the There is an inseparable link between the manner in which we observe of the Lord’s manner in which we observe of the Lord’s Supper and the manner in which we treat our Supper and the manner in which we treat our brothers and sisters in Christ. brothers and sisters in Christ.

2.2. If we really, really got it, how could we ever If we really, really got it, how could we ever put our selfish needs before the needs of our put our selfish needs before the needs of our brothers and sisters in Christ!brothers and sisters in Christ!


Documents

1 Corinthians “Church Purity in a Polluted Culture” Part 17 - 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 “Social Snobbery at the Lord's Table”