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I CORINTHIANS: LESSON 7
INTRODUCTION:
When the congregation in Corinth came together to partake of the Lord’s supper, the division that was prevalent in the church manifested itself again. The Lord’s supper was being abused by not only considering it a common meal, but some were partaking, while not receiving others so they could partake also. Paul writes to remedy this problem.
VII. THE PROBLEM OF ABUSES REGARDING THE LORD’S SUPPER (11:17-
A. Abuses of the Lord’s supper (v. 17-
1. Division in the church made coming together not for the better, but for the worse (v.17-
2. God allows factions so the approved may be manifested (v.19).
3. Division: people eating before others – one is hungry and another is drunken (v.21)
4. Purpose Lost: do you not have houses to eat and drink in? (v. 22)
5. It was impossible to partake of the Lord’s supper because they had made it a common meal, and despised those who had not by separating from them, putting them to an open shame.
B. Paul reminds the Corinthians of the Lord instituting His supper – what it truly means (v.23-
1. Bread – this is my body which is for you.
2. Cup – this cup is the new covenant in my blood.
3. In eating the bread and drinking the cup we proclaim the Lord’s death till He come.
C. Personal consequences and remedies to solve the problem. (v. 27-
1. One is guilty of the body and blood of the Lord if he or she partakes in an unworthy manner – eateth and drinketh judgment unto oneself.
a. For this cause, many are weak, sick and spiritually dead.
2. One should prove oneself and eat discerning the body.
a. Is not judged
b. Consider the condemnation a chastisement in order to not be condemned with the world.
3. Solution to problem:
a. Wait or kindly receive on another
b. If hungry, eat at home that coming together be not unto judgment.
QUESTIONS:
1. Why could not Paul praise the Corinthians in their coming together?
2. What did Paul mean when he said he “partly believed” that divisions existed among the Corinthians?
3. Why does God allow factions and heresies to arise among his people?
4. What two reasons does Paul give that made it “impossible” for the Corinthians to eat the Lord’s supper?
5. How were the Corinthians despising the church?
6. How should we remember the Lord when we partake of the bread and cup?
7. What are we “proclaiming” in the eating of the bread and drinking of the cup?
8. What are the consequences of partaking of the Lord’s supper in an “unworthy manner”?
9. What is involved in “proving oneself” as one partakes of the Lord’s supper?
10. What two commands did Paul give to remedy the problem of abuses regarding the Lord’s supper in Corinth?