Dishonorable Fellowship

Today, we have the privilege of going behind the scenes on one of the most familiar passages of Scripture to the believer in the New Testament--- this being the Lord’s Supper. Churches all over the world will pick up this passage and read it multiple times a year in remembrance of the Lord’s death and the taking of the communion elements. But yet, as familiar as this passage is, I believe that most of us may not even know the context or the reason it was written within it’s setting in 1 Corinthians. Why did Paul by the inspiration of the Spirit pick up his pen to write this very important text? Today, we are gonna pull back the curtain and see that this important truth and the verses we read to commemorate and remember our Lord’s death were used right in the middle of a harsh criticism with the way the 1st century believers in Corinth were handling their gatherings together. I believe that we too should take heed to these preliminary verses lest we too be found unworthy and dishonorable in how we take up the bread and cup of the Lord’s table.

Pray

Before we get too far, and pull back the curtain, it’s always important to recap the previous events. Notice, that most story driven TV shows will usually include a quick recap because the next episode will draw on the events of the previous ones. The same is true of this Scriptures so it is vital that we always be aware of what has taken place. It’ll keep the integrity and meaning of the book more clear if we take pause to do so. By now, we have done so many recaps, that I hope that you guys would be able to give me the recap without much aid.

We understand that the book of 1 Corinthians was written to the believers in Corinth sometime after Paul had started the church there and spent time discipling them in the Lord. This letter would come to them from Paul who is in eagerness needing to rebuke sin and correct and teach true Biblical doctrine and practice. Chapter 1-6 were Paul’s harsh rebuke on the divisions, sexual sins, and the improper handling of disputes in the church. Chapter 7-potentially the present chapter, began Paul’s answers to the questions that were posed to Paul, perhaps in another letter, about common issues in the church. These included marriage and divorce, singleness, meat offered to idols and the principle of Christian liberty, and possibly the issue of head covers and the broader doctrine of Gender roles- more specifically leadership and submission.

The beginning of chapter 11, Paul commends them on remembering him in everything and maintaining the traditions- these traditions or as some versions might read, ordinances are basically the oral teachings. So Paul commends them for hearing him and trying to maintain what he taught. Paul gave more clarity on the topic of headship as we discussed. But as he gives this more detailed instruction, he then changes his tone as the Spirit draws his memory to something that he heard that he in no way can he commend them for. In fact, what was meant to be a good thing has turned out to be far worse. And what was it that Paul has changed his demeanor on so quickly, let’s no pick up our copies of Scripture, pull back the curtains, as we reveal the inner problems facing the Corinthian people and why it could be said that they had a dishonorable fellowship.

Read 1 Corinthians 11:17-34

1 Corinthians 11:17–34 ESV

But in the following instructions I do not commend you, because when you come together it is not for the better but for the worse. For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you. And I believe it in part, for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized. When you come together, it is not the Lord’s supper that you eat. For in eating, each one goes ahead with his own meal. One goes hungry, another gets drunk. What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I commend you in this? No, I will not. For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself. That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died. But if we judged ourselves truly, we would not be judged. But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined so that we may not be condemned along with the world. So then, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for one another— if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home—so that when you come together it will not be for judgment. About the other things I will give directions when I come.

As Paul said here, “in the first place”, let’s discuss the...

I. The Problem concerning their Gatherings(v.17-22)

I(A). Marked with Division

Paul says that it has been reported that there are divisions amongst them. The phrase following that gives us a somewhat better glimpse into Paul’s mind. “I believe it in part”. It could be a different way . “I believe a certain report.” What we are seeing here is bickering, fightings, quarreling… tattletalings. You’ve probably been there when your young kids or even you as a younger self reported on the wrong doings of another sibling only for them to share their portion of the story. Usually each side of the story getting more embellished to make the other person look worse, often times making discerning the truth difficult. Here Paul says it wasn’t so hard to believe the reports though that the church (Ekklesia meaning assembly, congregation, body) once again was not acting as one but as many. This wasn’t so surprising to Paul about the divisions because he has already written in great detail about the other points of division amongst their members. About which speaker to follow and model (loyalties to a certain group), about this and that and everyone other silly little thing. But as we already spoke of in chapter 3, the root and reason of the constant division is simply immaturity and carnality. They were acting like little kids, fixated on meaningless and trivial things and consumed by self.

Any time division is present, most likely the root cause is selfishness and immaturity. Sure, there are times we must separate from someone over doctrinal issues or separate ourselves from unrepentant believers

2 Thessalonians 3:14–15 ESV

If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed. Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.

2 Thessalonians 3:6 ESV

Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us.

But separation is not cause for bitterness, bickering, quarelings, speaking in ways to each other and other people in ways that doesn’t build up. This is wrong!

Ephesians 4:15–16 ESV

Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

1 Corinthians: The MacArthur New Testament Commentary The Perversion of the Lord’s Supper

One of the most fearful things in the church is division, because it is one of the first and surest signs of spiritual sickness. One of the first symptoms of worldliness and backsliding, often before it shows up in compromised doctrine or life-style, is dissension within a congregation

This next verse written here for us is quite interesting. Take note of verse 19.

1 Corinthians 11:19 ESV

for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized.

There must be factions… there must be divisions. Paul recognized that while in the earthly sinful state that we are all in… divisions cannot be entirely avoided. The greek word for “there must be” is the word “Dei” which translate to me it is necessary. Making said division part of God’s plan. Does He cause it, no… absolutely not. Has He a plan to use it, ABSOLUTELY. And for what purpose does He use division? To highlight the love, harmony, maturity, and the spirituality of those who are “genuine” or we would be better to use the word “approved.”

1 Corinthians: The MacArthur New Testament Commentary The Perversion of the Lord’s Supper

Approved (dokimos) refers to that which has passed a test. The term was used of precious metals tried in fire and proved to be pure. Church division, ungodly and sinful as it is, nevertheless is used by the Lord to prove the worth of His faithful saints. In the midst of bickering and divisiveness they are separated out as pure gold is from the dross. Evil helps manifest good. Trouble in the church creates a situation in which true spiritual strength, wisdom, and leadership can be manifested.

Luke 17:1 ESV

And he said to his disciples, “Temptations to sin are sure to come, but woe to the one through whom they come!

What strikes me about this verse is that two sides are easily revealed. Those that are immature, sinful, carnal, fleshly, selfish, and with little proof of spiritual life and then there are those that are genuine, approved, spiritual. And I have to ask that each of us ask ourselves which category do we fall in. Paul says it was very easy to recognize the genuine and the approved amongst the selfish and immature in the Corinthian church. All of us want to say that yes we love the Lord and yes we are His followers but why then is there such a gap in believers. Why are some in a category of genuine/approved and others not?

We should all be aware that we have been bought with a price as the Bible says and that we are to glorify God in our bodies and our spirits which are God’s. We should all be aware that we are made into a new creation, old things are passed away behold new things have come. We should all be aware that each of us is to be transformed by the renewing of our minds so that we may approve and discern the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God in our lives.

So what about you believer? Are you approved unto God, a workman not needing to be ashamed? Easily recognised by others for your maturity? I can easily pick out the mature in our church. What defines them is not years, or appearance… what defines maturity is love for others, service in the church and for God, a longing for the Scriptures and doctrine, and longing to be with other people, being involved in their lives, disciple-making and caring about the great commission.

Can I just be honest with you… that group that I am describing, that we see constantly giving love, lifting each other up in prayer, serving the church, longing to know the Word of God, the group, that we hardly ever see complain or gripe or bicker is the same group that comes every Sunday school hour, the same group the does their very best to come Sunday nights, and Wednesday’s, many if not close to all are engaged in leading another member in disciple-making teaching them the truths of God’s word, reproducing themselves as God has instructed into the life of another. This same group is actively praying for and reaching out to lost ones in the community. Don’t believe me, come and listen to the testimonies we are blessed to hear on Sunday nights and during communion Good-news testimony and praise. It’s incredible. But often times, who are the ones that are marked by complaints, and disagreements, and talk to each other about things they dislike about such and such or so and so at the church. It’s often times the same folks who are coming out to be apart of those other gatherings. Who are missing out on further times of instructions from the Word of God, who don’t have time or who don’t make time to pray with their fellow saints midweek about the lost souls that we are charged with to reach, who feel like other things on a Sunday night are more important than hearing more truth and fellowship with God’s people. I understand the feeling. It’s easy to say well not tonight. I’m tired. Well, I went to church this morning. But that’s the problem isn’t it. Where is the zeal for God’s word, where is desire to be fed, where is the longing to be apart of what God is doing, where is conviction that I am hear to be a blessing and sacrifice for others in our church. Now I know that for some, it physically may not be possible to be present at every service or even any services. But is your life marked by concern for the church, for others, for learning, for growing, for giving, for teaching, for praising God. Or is it marked by what you feel like doing. How you speak will be a good indicator of that. How you speak about your church and the other members in it is a good indication of that.

If Paul was in the room writing this letter about our church, would your actions easily identify you as being part of the approved and genuine? I almost believe, because it is human nature to do so that some will say, well I would be if in the genuine group it was for so and so or I would be part of that group if that they didn’t run it this way… it doesn’t matter what other’s are doing, we cannot blame our actions on another. We can only be responsible for our own actions and how we chose to line ourselves up in obedience to the Word of God.

The Corinthians were marked by ungoldy and immature divisions but that wasn’t the only problem their fellowship was marked with… it was also....

I(B). Marked with Greed

Reading in verse 20-21… We get a glimpse of New Testament church living. The phrase “When you come together” meant more for these Corinthians believers than just getting together. The early christian believer held a love feast in connection with the Lord’s Supper, during which they gathered for a fellowship meal. They would often send and receive letters from other churches and collect money for orphans and widows during this time as well. Apparently some of the members were not sharing their food but greedily consumed it before the poor showed up. This can be seen in verse 22.

What does Paul say of this action? He says listen, if you guys are literally going to come a despise and defraud the church of God by coming to a love feast that was designated to help encourage and uplift others and the church as a whole. Bringing the body together much as we saw in the first church.

Acts 2:44–46 ESV

And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts,

The this gather was all about self. Indulging one-self while others go with nothing. Especially the poor. Paul says two things about this… one that it would be better them to just eat at their own homes instead of coming and two, he says that this is NOT THE LORD’S SUPPER!!!

They had completely misapplied and misrepresented the very thing they had come together to remember.

II. The Truth about the Lord’s Supper (v.23-26)

It is said that these words here are like a diamond dropped in a muddy road. It is at this point that Paul breaks his rebuke to share and to remind them again of why they take up the Lord’s Supper together. They had been taught already on this but they had failed to keep it good and pure.

Paul begins by saying, For I received of the Lord, that which I delivered unto you. This message, this text is the earliest writings on communion. 1 Corinthians being written before the gospels themselves even meaning that this was not passed down through the apostles to Paul or gathered through writings. Paul was given direct revelation from God as to how the night of His breaking of break and passing the cup went. And it began on the same night in which He (Jesus) was betrayed. This most beautiful and meaningful of celebrations began on the very same night our Lord was arrested and betrayed. In the midst of Satan’s wickedness, God plants His Holiness. Amongst all the world’s evil, God establishes His good. It absolutely amazing to see the power of God amongst these few select words.

The first element to be given is the bread. This bread represented the body of Jesus Christ. And this bread was given on our behalf. My old KJV reads this body which is broken for you. The word broken stands out because this word is only used in the KJV but the best manuscripts and modern translations don’t have it. And its fit not to be there for as John 19:33

John 19:33 ESV

But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs.

John 19:36 ESV

For these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken.”

Nonetheless, his body was given for us. Our gracious, loving, magnificent, merciful God became man and died for us.

The truth of the matter is that Christ was unselfish in every way. Caring so much for our lost soul that He died for us. Phil. 2 speaks well on this. Yet, the Corinthians selfishly acted and thought of know one else while they ponder in communion meal on how good Christ was to them. Hypocrisy at it’s finest yet a dangerous thing that many a Christian face. So happy for what Christ has done for them but so little a thought of what they should do for others. Always a receiver but never a giver. Not willing to sacrifice but wanting always to be spoiled.

Perhaps, this is why we are called to often partake in communion. Perhaps this is why we are told multiple times to remember the Lord’s death in the right way, perhaps so that it may remind us in how we ought to live our lives as Christ lived His. Perhaps taking communion is for our good.

I believe that is what Christ and Paul had in mind when they say;

1 Corinthians 11:26 ESV

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

You live as a testimony as His work in your life. It is also a proclamation for the world’s sake. It is a testimony to the world that we are not ashamed of our Lord or of His blood, that we belong to Him and are obedient to Him.

Taking communion is for our good. It is for our spiritual health. Just as food and drink keep us alive, it makes sense that the objects that Jesus chose to use in illustrating his death are foods meant for our survival, so too is the communion time in a spiritual sense vital for our spiritual death. That is why Matthew Henry calls communion “a spiritual diet” that should be “consumed often”.

It is a shame that many miss the importance and the imperative of these verses. Communion is not just good for us, it is also commanded. Not just optional or when I feel like it. Do this in remembrance of me! The very words of Christ. As often as you eat this bread and drink this come. For how long, until He comes. But why then do so many miss communion or treat it as optional. Why are our communion services not attended by all. When was the last time you came to partake with your family the Lord’s table?

How do we treat the precious blood that was spilt on our behalf. Are we as grateful followers of Him desiring to obey His words and remember the command or do we live as ungrateful children who forget the kindness of God and fail to pause and remember and obey.

Paul now turns his reminder of truth of the Lord’s Supper to an harsh examination of ones’ life.

III. The Examination of what we Bring to the Lord’s Table (v.27-32)

Paul says therefore… meaning to say because of what you have heard, know this. That whoever eats the bread or drink the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord.

How do we partake in communion in an unworthy manner? Well, specifically, within the context of this chapter, we would be guilty of partaking unworthily if we were engaged in selfish, immature, acts of division and greed.

Verse 29 opens up to us the level of attention paid to the remembrance of the Lord.

1 Corinthians 11:29 ESV

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

Without discerning the body… Without giving careful thought to what Christ has done. To ponder, to meditate, to take it, to understand all that it entails. This is what it means to discern the body. To truly understand Christ’s sacrifice should cause in us many things, change in our behavior, A new burning zeal to serve Him, A more grateful and appreciative heart, a longing to know more, a desire to continue on, and much more. The very opposite of discerning the Lord’s body would be to come for duty, to do it ritualistically, to not be moved to tears and emotions. To think very plainly on it all. This too would be considered taking the Lord’s Supper unworthily.

We could sum up most of what it means to come to the Lord’s table with this statement from John MacArthur.

1 Corinthians: The MacArthur New Testament Commentary The Preparation for the Lord’s Supper

If a believer comes with anything less than the loftiest thoughts of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and anything less than total love for his brothers and sisters in Christ, he comes unworthily.

And to come unworthily and partake brings about dishonor. Not just to the individual who partakes but also to the Lord. To trample our country’s flag is not to dishonor a piece of cloth but to dishonor the country it represents. To come unworthily to Communion does not simply dishonor the ceremony; but to dishonor the One in whose honor it is celebrated. The Lord will not stand for His name and His sacrifice to be treated in this way. That is why His punishment is severe.

1 Corinthians 11:30 ESV

That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died.

Paul shares with the Corinthians that God brings about weakness, sickness and even death to those that dare treat His Son this way. It is a very serious matter. One that God is still very serious about today as He was in the days of the early church.

What’s the remedy? If we judge ourselves truly.... we would not be judged. TRULY!!! no lies, no excuses, no trying to hide the facts… honest before God putting our faults and failures in confession to Him… then we will not be judged. Another important reason to take part in communion often. To honestly, and severely evaluate our own lives and confess faults before the Lord. This should be done daily anyways, but this is a vital time we should always remember to do so. Let fear of God’s chastisement turn us away from sin. But let His love hold us in a close relationship with Him.

This brings us to Paul’s Conclusion/application of their dishonorable fellowship

IV. The Conclusion/Application of their Dishonorable Fellowship (v.33-34)

Read verses 33-34...

What about you dear Christ. Do you have sins that you too need now confess. Have you been honest with yourself in these moments and found that you too have more identified with the immature, the selfish, the greedy, and the divisive or have you been found to be part of the approved. If you’re really not sure, ask around those in the church to give you an honest evaluation… not just your friends either. Your fruits will be evident whether good, bad, or plain.

What has been your way of treating the Lord’s Supper? Have you treated it in the seriousness and level of honor it deserves. Have you been careful to be obedient to the Lord’s commands in your observation of His death and the ordinance of Communion.

God loves a humble heart. One that readily admits faults. Let go of your pride and confess those sins before Him. Return to the relationship with God that brings joy and life. He eagerly desires to take you back in, but know that if you do not, He as a loving Father will do, bring chastisement and correction in your life. May our church be blessed with Fellowship that is honorable and pleasing to God especially pertaining to the Lord’s Supper.