The New Testament church observes two ordinances, believer’s baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Baptism is a testimony of what the believer understands has happened in his or her life—that they were dead in their trespasses and sins but through Christ they have been raised to experience new life. The Lord’s Supper is a memorial for the believer to recognize the broken body and shed blood of Christ on the cross. Both ordinances are to be observed within the confines of corporate worship.
In any act of corporate worship, it is important for believers to have proper focus and right attitudes. Worship entered into lacking either dishonors God. The church at Corinth struggled with worship dishonoring to God. Paul gave them complete and precise direction as to how to correct their short comings.
Focus on unity (1 Corinthians 11:17-22, 33-34)
Paul continues to encourage the Corinthian believers concerning the need for unity in the fellowship. It appears these relatively new Christians had not grasped fully the meaning of the Lord’s Supper because there were so many disparate approaches to partaking of the sacraments. It should be understood that the Lord’s Supper was not observed in the early church as it is today. It always was a part of a fellowship meal. The venue, however, does not excuse improper behavior.
Some came and began the supper without waiting on the others (v. 21). Others came to be filled or to get drunk (vv. 21-22). Paul scolds them in very serious terms.
If there is an act of corporate worship in the Christian church which should call the fellowship to unity it is the observance of the Lord’s Supper. At this table, everyone is equal. No one has a higher role or calling. Jesus is the focus, the star in this act of worship. It is all about him and his work of redemption on the cross. Everyone who comes to eat the bread and drink the cup comes as an equal.
Put the spotlight on Jesus (1 Corinthians 11:23-26)
In all Christian worship, the central focus should be Jesus. It is particularly true of the Lord’s Supper. These verses (vv. 27-32) are Paul’s instruction concerning a proper approach to participation in Communion.
Paul literally recounts exactly what was recorded as Jesus’ words on the night he instituted the supper. Even as Jesus was instructing his disciples at the first supper it is clear where the focus of attention was to be. That night in the upper room he told them, “this is my body” and “this is my blood” (vv. 24-25). He wanted them to understand the importance of his death and the forgiveness it would bring.
As Paul gives the verbatim of Christ’s words, he concludes with a word intended, not only for the Corinthian believers, but all Christians who would follow, “do this in remembrance of me” (v. 24). The focus of the Lord’s Supper table always has been, and always will be, Christ and his sacrificial death.
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If this is supper is to remember Jesus and if it is intended to focus on his broken body and shed blood, then it must not be celebrated “in an unworthy way” (v. 27). It cannot be simply a fellowship meal and it must not be relegated to mere spiritual ritual. It always must be presented and participated in so as to maintain the significance and the reverence the Lord’s Supper deserves.
Examine yourself (1 Corinthians 11:27-32)
Paul’s final instruction is to the individual believer to, “examine himself before he eats the bread and drinks the cup. (v. 29). The elements of the supper are the symbols of Christ suffering. It was his broken body and shed blood that purchased forgiveness of sin. The Lord’s Supper is about the forgiveness of sin and it is practiced as a reminder of the cost of sin (v. 26).
The admonition to examine one’s self is an invitation to seek the Holy Spirit’s help in the revelation of any unconfessed sin. To partake of the Lord’s Supper with unconfessed sin would be to render the sacrifice of Christ ineffectual. But it also is an opportunity to ensure right motives in partaking of the elements. Is it truly to remember the death of Jesus or is participation for some other reason?
Finally, this time of examination is for relational reflection. Paul began with the unity of the fellowship and it stands to reason his thoughts here might be assurance one is in proper relationship with others in the church.
Paul inserts an observation concerning many in the church who were, “weak … sick … and fallen asleep” (v. 30). As with any sinful act there is the possibility of God’s judgment. To receive the symbols of the Lord’s body and shed blood with purposeful and unconfessed sin would have, in and of itself, been an act of sin.
Conclusion
The act of partaking of the Lord’s Supper has been passed down from generation to generation. Paul’s instructions have been recorded and preserved in the pages of God’s word. The modern Christian is under the same constraints as the Corinthian believers.
Today’s church still must come together in unity, in right relationship with God and man, and with a proper focus. To do otherwise would be to partake unworthily. It is the responsibility of today’s church to properly preserve the practice of the Lord’s Supper, “until he comes again” (v. 26).
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