1 Corinthians 11:17-34

Apparently Paul is hearing that the Corinthian's were not properly partaking in the Lord's Supper. "...when you come together, it is not for the better but for the worse." (v17, ESV). What they are doing is actually counterproductive. First of all, there were divisions among them (v18-19). Beyond that, they weren't properly recognizing and understanding what the bread and the cup really were signifying. Some were not waiting for others before eating in their hunger and some were getting drunk (v21). They clearly were viewing the Lord's Supper as any other meal and not giving it the honour and respect that should be given.

Paul explains it in the next paragraph. What the bread and the cup signify and why we should partake in the Lord's Supper. This section and going into the next paragraph is often quoted during communion in some of the churches I have been to. I found the end of this paragraph to be particularly catching my eye today.

For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.

(v26, ESV)

Who do we proclaim to? We are not proclaiming to God, though God does see, but we are to proclaim to other people. This goes hand in hand with preaching the Gospel and stuff like that. In our lives, we are to be examples to others.

Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise,

(Eph 5:15, NIV)

The next paragraph is how you are to partake in the Lord's Supper. First, do not partake in an unworthy manner. Pastor Brian at Unionville Oasis once made a point to ask yourself "Do you love Jesus?" before partaking. He began saying how we can never be perfect in that sense of trying to be worthy. However, we have faith.

For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law.

(Rom 3:28, NIV)

We can't be perfect and in that sense be worthy before partaking in the Lord's Supper. However, we can become worthy in faith. We are justified by faith. In addition, the next few verses talks about examining yourself. We are to examine ourselves before partaking of the bread and the cup. The initial question "Do you love Jesus?" I believe encompasses these things. You need to believe him and have faith in what he said if you say that you love Jesus. In addition, we should do what we say if we love him.

If you love me, you will obey what I command.

(John 14:15, NIV)

For God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but in sanctification.

(1 Thess 4:7, NASB)

We are not called to lead lives of sin, though we will continue sin, but in a process of sanctification. Part of that requires examining. It's interesting how it is explained. Well, first we are "guilty of profaning the body and blood of the Lord" (v27, ESV). But also:

For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgement on himself.

(v29, ESV)

It's like asking God to judge you. And if God judges you, its game over for you man, because you are not perfect unless you are Jesus.

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

(Rom 3:23, NIV)

So what to do? Wait for others before partaking of the bread and the cup. If you're hungry, eat at home before coming. Regard it with reverence. When we partake in it, we are proclaiming the Lord's death until he comes. Acknowledging that he died and he rose and he's coming back. We should not shame his name by living in an unworthy manner. We should examine ourselves before partaking of the Lord's Supper. "Do you love Jesus?"