1 Corinthians 11:17-34 - 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. 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.

In 1 Corinthians 11:17-34, the apostle Paul addresses the Corinthian church regarding their practice of the Lord's Supper, also known as communion. He expresses his disappointment in their conduct, as their gatherings were marred by divisions and selfishness. Instead of coming together in unity to remember Christ's sacrifice, they were focused on their own interests. Some members would eat and drink excessively, while others were left hungry. Paul reminds them that this behavior is unacceptable and goes against the very purpose of the Lord's Supper. Paul then provides instructions on how to properly observe communion. He emphasizes the solemnity and significance of the bread and cup, which represent Christ's body and blood. Partaking in communion is a sacred act that requires self-examination and discernment. Those who participate in an unworthy manner, without recognizing the body of Christ, bring judgment upon themselves. Paul points out that this is why some members of the Corinthian church were weak, sick, or had even died. To avoid such consequences, Paul urges the Corinthians to judge themselves honestly and approach communion with reverence. If they are hungry, they should eat at home before coming together, so that their gatherings do not result in judgment. Paul stresses the importance of waiting for one another and partaking in communion as a unified body. He concludes by promising to provide further instructions when he visits them in person. This passage highlights the significance of the Lord's Supper and the need for believers to approach it with a proper understanding and attitude. Communion is not just a mere ritual, but a sacred act that symbolizes our unity in Christ and our remembrance of His sacrifice. It is a time for self-reflection, repentance, and gratitude. As we partake in communion, we should examine our hearts, confess our sins, and seek to be reconciled with God and with one another. By doing so, we honor Christ's body and blood, and we strengthen our fellowship as believers.

The passage in 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 serves as a powerful reminder of the significance and sacredness of communion. It challenges us to approach the Lord's Supper with reverence, self-examination, and a deep understanding of its meaning. Too often, we can fall into the trap of treating communion as a mere ritual or formality, forgetting the profound symbolism it holds. Paul's admonition to the Corinthian church reveals the dangers of partaking in communion with a divided and selfish heart. When we come to the Lord's table, we are called to set aside our personal agendas and unite as one body in Christ. We should examine ourselves, confessing our sins and seeking reconciliation with God and others. This requires humility, honesty, and a willingness to repent. The bread and cup represent Christ's body and blood, which were given for our salvation. As we partake in communion, we remember the incredible sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross. We reflect on the depth of His love and the magnitude of His grace. It is a time to express our gratitude and renew our commitment to follow Him. Moreover, communion is a powerful symbol of our unity as believers. When we gather around the Lord's table, we recognize that we are all part of the same body, regardless of our differences. We are reminded that we are called to love and serve one another, just as Christ loved and served us. Communion breaks down barriers and brings us together in fellowship and worship. However, Paul's warning about partaking in an unworthy manner should not be taken lightly. It is not about being perfect or deserving, but rather about approaching communion with a repentant and reverent heart. We must recognize the holiness of the act and the presence of Christ in our midst. If we partake without discernment, we risk bringing judgment upon ourselves. This passage also highlights the importance of self-examination and personal responsibility. We cannot simply go through the motions of communion without truly reflecting on our lives and our relationship with God. We must be willing to confront our sin, seek forgiveness, and make necessary changes. Communion is an opportunity for spiritual growth and transformation. As we apply these truths to our lives, let us approach communion with a renewed sense of awe and gratitude. May we come to the Lord's table with humble hearts, ready to receive His grace and strength. Let us examine ourselves honestly, confess our sins, and seek to be reconciled with God and others. And may we remember that communion is not just a personal act, but a corporate one, where we unite as the body of Christ to celebrate His love and sacrifice. In a world that often promotes individualism and self-centeredness, communion stands as a powerful witness to the unity and selflessness that Christ calls us to. As we partake together, we proclaim the Lord's death until He comes again, and we look forward to the day when we will feast with Him in His eternal kingdom. May our observance of communion always be a sacred and transformative experience, drawing us closer to Christ and to one another.

Heavenly Father, We come before You with humble hearts, recognizing the sacredness and significance of communion. As we approach the Lord's table, we ask for Your grace and mercy to examine ourselves honestly and repent of any sin that hinders our fellowship with You and with others. Thank You for the incredible sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus Christ, whose body was broken and whose blood was shed for our salvation. May we never take this gift for granted, but always approach communion with reverence and gratitude. Help us to discern the body of Christ and to partake in a worthy manner, honoring the unity and love that we share as believers. Lord, forgive us for the times when we have treated communion as a mere ritual or have come with divided and selfish hearts. Cleanse us from all unrighteousness and renew our commitment to follow You wholeheartedly. May our observance of communion be a time of spiritual growth, transformation, and deeper intimacy with You. As we gather around the Lord's table, we pray for unity and love among Your people. Break down any barriers that divide us and help us to serve one another with humility and compassion. May our fellowship be a witness to the world of the power of Your love and grace. We thank You for the hope and promise that communion represents - the assurance of Your forgiveness, the joy of our salvation, and the anticipation of the heavenly banquet that awaits us. May we always cherish this sacred act and allow it to draw us closer to You and to one another. We ask all these things in the precious name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.