Why a simple meal could cause so much trouble, & reveal profound truths about your faith and community? Join us for a powerful deep dive into 1 Corinthians 11, where we uncover Apostle Paul's urgent message about the Lord's Supper and its surprising relevance to our lives today.

The ancient Corinthian church faced deep divisions during their gatherings, with some humiliating those who had nothing, turning the Lord's Supper into private suppers where some were hungry and others drunk. Paul states directly that their meetings did "more harm than good" and that he had "no praise" for them in this matter. The sermon suggests that this "individualistic mindset" and worship led to severe consequences, including weakness, sickness, and even death among congregants.

This episode explores Paul's directives for unity, emphasizing that when gathering to eat, everyone should "eat together," recognizing the shared family of God. We delve into the "cosmic reality" and high significance of communion, noting specific practices that highlight its sacred nature. Discover three crucial modern applications of this ancient text: navigating individualism versus community, understanding divisions (not as theological disagreements, but as differences in approach), and the vital need for discernment guided by wisdom and humility. We also offer three practical actions for listeners: be inclusive (avoiding "clicks"), be slow to judge (giving others the benefit of the doubt), and be self-reflective (examining one's own standing with the Lord). This message is vital for new believers seeking to understand foundational practices and for seasoned individuals desiring a deeper, more unified walk of faith.

Glossary of Terms:

• Lord's Supper / Communion: A practice instituted by Jesus on the night he was betrayed, where followers eat bread and drink from a cup in remembrance of him, proclaiming his death until his return. It holds "high status" and "significance".

• Apostle Paul: The author of the biblical letter to the Corinthians, who wrote to address problems and give directives to the ancient church.

• Corinthian Church: An early Christian community in Corinth, Greece, to whom Paul wrote about their divisions and improper practices concerning the Lord's Supper about 2000 years ago.

• Discernment: The act of perceiving or recognizing something clearly, often requiring "wisdom and humility". Paul suggests it's the "solution" to issues like those faced by the Corinthians.

• Individualism: A focus on "my rights, my freedom, me me me," which the sermon contrasts with the importance of community, especially in the context of corporate worship and communion.

• New Covenant: A new agreement established through Jesus's blood, symbolized by the cup in communion, replacing the old covenant.

• Sacrarium: A small, specific type of sink used for disposing of leftover consecrated wine by draining it directly into the ground, demonstrating reverence for the elements of communion.

Bible Study Questions:

1. How did the Corinthian church's practice of the Lord's Supper "do more harm than good," and what were the stated consequences of their individualistic worship?

2. Paul's "bottom line" for the Corinthians was to "eat together". How does this directive counter their specific issues, and what does it symbolize for the church today?

3. The sermon suggests that "spiritual worship affects the body" and health, emphasizing discernment as a solution. How might a lack of discernment in our spiritual practices impact our well-being today?

4. Discernment requires "wisdom and humility". How can cultivating these qualities help us navigate "differences of approach" within our communities, rather than leading to judgment or "witch hunts"?

5. Of the three practical actions—being inclusive, slow to judge, and self-reflective—which do you find most challenging in your own life or community, and why is it essential for fostering unity?