February 10, 1999

FAMILY BIBLE SERIES:
Introspection, remembrance
key to Lord's Supper
___ 1 Corinthians 11:20-34
___By Doug Riggs
___Woodland Heights Baptist Church, Bedford
___My most memorable Lord's Supper from childhood occurred when my dad felt he could not participate in its observance. I do not remember his explanation, but I remember his honest self-examination. The Bible calls us to reflect on the sacrificial death of Jesus in such a way that it becomes fresh in our hearts and minds. Such reflection requires personal scrutiny. Otherwise, the solemn event becomes a mere ritual.
___ Evaluation (1 Corinthians 11:20-22). The early church at Corinth participated in a full-blown meal prior to the Lord's Supper. This "love feast" unfortunately highlighted differences between the rich and poor and caused a division in the body of Christ. Some arrived early and helped themselves freely to the food and drink. Others who came late (probably because of work responsibilities) went hungry (v. 21). Rather than emphasizing unity within the body, the Lord's Supper created sharp distinctions.
___Paul condemned the self-centered behavior that brought disdain to the church and humiliation to the poor (v. 22). The responsible believer never allows selfishness of lifestyle to detract from the gospel.
___ Recollection (1 Corinth-ians 11:23-26). These words were the first written account of what Jesus did and said in the upper room the night before his death. The Gospels were written later. Paul was not present that night, but he emphasized that he received his knowledge directly from Jesus rather than from one of the disciples (v. 23, Gal. 1:12).
___The key teaching of remembrance (vv. 24, 25) permeates the meaning of the Lord's Supper. Some celebrate the event as a sacrament as if some real change takes place in the elements. Others emphasize the aspect of thanksgiving by calling it the Eucharist. But Paul taught "remembrance" as the key aspect. In other words, the believer should reflect so fully on Jesus' death that the historical event becomes personally real all over again.
___ Examination (1 Corinth-ians 11:27-32). To honor God through the Lord's Supper, Paul calls for self-examination (v. 28). Participating in an "unworthy manner" (v. 27) may be defined several ways in context. Disdain for the church, lack of respect for fellow believers, insensitivity to the presence of Christ or lack of appreciation for Jesus' death may qualify. Of course, one's conscience before God is the ultimate test (v. 31). Under no circumstance should one dishonor the meaning and purpose of the Lord's Supper.
___Paul taught that a flippant attitude caused sickness and death among the Corinthians (v. 30). God can certainly discipline in this way if he chooses. However, we should be careful not to attribute every physical illness to sin. Nevertheless, constant personal evaluation is always appropriate.
___ Correction (1 Corinthians 11:33-34). The correction of the problem in Corinth was relatively simple. Paul taught them to exercise courtesy and consideration toward one another so that fellowship and worship would remain unhindered.

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