QT 4/2/2025 1 Cor 11:17-24, Feeding others not self

1 Corinthians 11:17–26 (ESV) —

17 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. 18 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, 19 for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized. 20 When you come together, it is not the Lord’s supper that you eat. 21 For in eating, each one goes ahead with his own meal. One goes hungry, another gets drunk. 22 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.

23 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, 24 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.” 25 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.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

 

NOTE: I had not noticed that Paul had been commending them for anything except in the introductory prayer. It seems like he has only been rebuking. So, this issue must be very severe.

 

1. There are factions and divisions when they meet.
2. They do not share the Lord's supper together.
3. Some get drunk at the Lord's supper.
4. Some go hungry.

 

This sounds a little more like a pot luck and it probably was something similar that also included communion. The instruction on communion was given to Paul personally by Jesus, probably during his 13 years in the desert. They really are basic principles of life, do not drink to excess, do not eat to excess, and share with others. As for the Lord's supper, I am glad it is not a meal today, it allows me more time to focus on where I have failed the Lord, and to make sure the slate is clear. Communion cleanses me, although that is not the purpose. It reminds me of all that Jesus did on the cross for my salvation.

 

PONDER:

1. How do I act at meal times?
2. How do I act in regards to drink and food, excess or control?

 

PRAYER: Father, I pray to be sensitive to others and not focused on feeding my flesh. Help me to see people that you place around me to serve and help.