The Lord’s Supper, or communion, is a common practice in most churches of every denomination. The practice may differ from church to church, however, the purpose is the same: to remember the death of Christ on the cross. The best instructions given in God’s Word for the Lord’s Supper is found in 1 Corinthians 11:17-24. Here we find a warning from the Apostle Paul to the church at Corinth against partaking of the Lord’s Supper in an unworthy manner.

                The Corinthian church was full of problems. Paul’s letter to the church addresses some of these issues. The main issue plaguing the church was the simple fact that there was much division. There were factions in the church that centered around cliques of people from different economic lifestyles. As a result, their worship was hindered and God was not pleased.

                Division in the church is not uncommon today. Sadly, many churches do not even come close to meeting the potential that God has for them, because they are too focused on themselves. Divisions may occur over the smallest of things. Some churches are divided over personalities. Some churches are divided over musical styles. Some churches are divided over methodology. Behind all division lies one underlining sin: Pride. Churches divide over power and control. Such battles for control lead to continuous division. The divide is not over crucial issues such as theology and missiology. Rather, most division is centered around just plain selfishness. This is what is seen in the church at Corinth.

                The problem addressed. In verses 17-22, the Apostle Paul lays out the problem understood. Paul mentions that he hears there are divisions among them, and he rather not believe it, but it is too obvious to ignore. The early church would often have a feast they called, the “love feast.” This was basically a fellowship time where the people gathered and enjoyed a meal. This feast was not unlike the many potluck church dinners of our day. After the feast, the church would partake of what is known as the Lord’s Supper, an act of worship commemorating the sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross of Calvary. There was certainly nothing wrong with having such a feast. Churches are to be encouraged to have such times of fellowship together. However, the issue with the Corinthian church was the obvious division that was seen at the feast. The wealthy people would come to the feast with lots of good food. They ate on one side of the room while the poorer people ate on the other side. The poor people had very little to eat, yet, the wealthy would not share their plenty. There were even some who supposedly got drunk at the feast and behaved in an unruly manner. We thought our churches had problems! This Corinthian church was a mess!

                The issue at hand was not simply the practice. The issue was a matter of the heart. The division seen in the church at Corinth came from hearts filled with selfishness and pride. To look down on others because of their economic position and to elevate oneself to a place of prominence is nothing short of just plain selfishness and pride. Unfortunately, though the circumstances may differ, the church of today is often plagued with selfishness and pride. The things churches fight over are mostly frivolous things. Such selfishness and pride breaks the heart of God and causes Him to remove His hand of blessing from the church.

                The instructions from the Lord. In verses 23-26, the Apostle Paul gives the Corinthian church a message from the Lord. It is a message that Paul received from the Lord directly and is now passing that message on to the church. Paul explains to the church the purpose for the Lord’s Supper. Gathering for the Lord’s Supper is not about having a good time filling our stomachs with food. The purpose of the Lord’s Supper is to remember and commemorate the work that Jesus did on the cross of Calvary. It is explained that the Lord’s Supper is to follow the pattern set by Jesus at the last supper. Bread is to be broken and eaten commemorating the body of our Lord which was broken for us. The cup represents the New Covenant made available to all who believe in Jesus. The cup reminds us of the New Covenant sealed by the blood of Jesus. Instruction is then given to eat of the bread and drink of the cup in remembrance of Jesus. The Lord’s Supper should be observed for the purpose of proclaiming the good news of the Gospel until Jesus comes again.

                The examination required. Verses 27-34 reveals that an examination is required before one partakes of the Lord’s Supper. Those who eat of the bread and drink of the cup in an unworthy manner is guilty. They also invite judgement upon themselves. The discipline hand of God follows those who worship in an unworthy manner. Therefore, before coming to the table to worship, it is required of us to examine our lives. We are to look deep into our hearts and make sure there is nothing in us that is dishonoring to the Lord. As such things are revealed, it is imperative that we confess and repent immediately. Only then can we partake of the Lord’s Supper in a manner worthy of Him. Only then can our worship be acceptable to God.

                Partaking of the Lord’s Supper is not something to take lightly. The Corinthian church learned this lesson as they were confronted by Paul. Coming into the presence of God to worship Him and to commemorate what He has done is a serious matter. It does us good to examine ourselves and repent of our sin so we may remember Him and worship Him in a manner worthy of Him.