1 Corinthians 11: Order in The Lords Supper

Read 1 Corinthians Chapter 11

Introduction: 1 Corinthians 11 is a chapter that gives guidance on worship and church practices for the early Christian church. The Bible teaches important issues in the church, such as head coverings, the Lord’s Supper, and the display of proper respect and order within the church. This chapter encourages believers to reflect on their actions and to maintain reverence for God and consideration for one another during worship, teachings we should consider closely today in year 2024.

I. Head Coverings in Worship (1 Corinthians 11:1-16)
The Apostle Paul, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, talks about the significance of head coverings for men and women during worship, emphasizing the importance of adhering to what is normal in their culture, to honor God and avoid distracting others. Paul explains the hierarchy of authority with Christ as the head of every man, and the man as the head of a woman, which is also what Ephesians 5:23 tells us. We read in Genesis 2:18, 22, the order events in the creation, man was created first, then the woman,  which supports Paul’s teaching of the roles of men and women. Regardless of what our society believes today, God’s Word stands true and firm. And in 1 Timothy 2:9-10, the Bible talks about modesty in worship settings, this cross references with this teaching on head coverings.

II. Proper Conduct at the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:17-22)
The Bible condemns the division and selfish behavior of the Corinthians during the Lord’s Supper, telling them to eat at home if they can’t wait for one another. In 1 Corinthians 10:17: Paul points to the need of unity in the body of Christ during the Lords Supper. Some had and some didn’t, some were drunken, and some hungry, there were divisions everywhere in the church. There could be no consolation in Christ for this church until there is unity, the unity we read about in Philippians 2:1-8. The church should be united in whatever they do, especially at the Lords supper like the first church in Acts 2:46, they practiced of breaking bread together with gladness and singleness of heart, in one accord.

III. The Meaning and Practice of the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:23-26)
Paul reminds the Corinthians of the tradition he passed on regarding the Lord’s Supper, pointing out its significance as remembering the Lord’s death until He comes again. In Luke 22:19-20,we read about the Last Supper, where Jesus instituted this very important practice for the church, and lines up with these verses. We also read in 1 Corinthians 10:16, the communion cup and bread represents the body and blood of Christ and this is why the Lord’s Supper’s should such deep meaning to the church. Also in John 6:53-56, Jesus’ teaching on eating His flesh and drinking His blood stresses the importance of partaking in the Lord’s Supper for the believers spiritual life.

IV. Self-Examination and Waiting for One Another (1 Corinthians 11:27-34)
Paul advises the believers to examine themselves before partaking in the Lord’s Supper and to wait for one another, creating unity in the church and avoiding judgment for partaking unworthily. We read in 2 Corinthians 13:5, the Bible tells us to examine ourselves, which lines up with Paul’s other teachings on testing oneself in the faith. The Lord’s Supper should be performed in the atmosphere of unity, as well as forgiveness, in Galatians 6:1, the Bible tells us to bear one another’s burdens and restore each other gently is somewhat like the call for waiting for one another here in these verses. Differences should be resolved as we read in Matthew 5:23-24, Jesus taught on reconciling with others before offering a gift at the altar echoes the call for self examination before the Lord’s Supper.

Conclusion: 1 Corinthians 11 challenges Christians to live out their faith with honor and respect in both church worship and church interactions. Paul’s teachings on head coverings call for reverence in worship, while his teaching on the Lord’s Supper remind us of this sacred rite in church, and the need for unity and self reflection within the body of Christ. The chapter should inspire us toward harmony among believers, ensuring that our practices reflect our devotion to God and our love for one another.