📅 February 27: 1 Corinthians 11: Distinction, decorum and The Lord's Supper

Daily Bible Readings February
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:date: February 27: 1 Corinthians 11: Distinction, decorum and The Lord’s Supper

Unity in Christ and the Reverence of Communion

:earth_africa: Introduction

Today, we delve into the wisdom-wealth of 1 Corinthians 11, a chapter replete with pivotal social and spiritual insights. Through it, Apostle Paul prompts us on the importance of acknowledging distinctions, demonstrating respect in worship, and revering the Holy communion.

:balance_scale: Head Coverings and Distinction in Worship

A key aspect Paul addresses is the decorum in worship, specifically concerning head coverings. He establishes the pertinent hierarchy God → Christ → Man → Woman.
:scroll: Key Verse: 1 Corinthians 11:11-12 “Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. For as woman came from man, so also man is born of woman. But everything comes from God.”

:wine_glass: The Lord’s Supper

The latter half of this chapter sees Paul elaborating on the significance and sanctity of ‘The Lord’s Supper’. It is a humbling reminder of the sacrifice of Jesus, a call for self-examination before partaking of this solemn feast.
:scroll: Key Verse: 1 Corinthians 11:26 “For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”

:sparkles: Key Themes and Reflections

  1. The necessity of understanding God-ordained distinction and order, and respect for these in our worshipping practices.
  2. Respecting the sacredness of The Lord’s Supper, and self-examination as a vital precursor to participating in it.

:bulb: Today’s Application

Within our modern churches, the emphasis on decorum might seem relatively diminished. However, this scripture serves as a reminder that in our worship and actions, acknowledging God’s divine order is essential. The way we observe The Lord’s Supper is likewise significant; it should not simply be a routine, but a solemn re-visitation of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice for us.

:mag: Hidden Gem

Interestingly, Apostle Paul’s discourse on the Lord’s Supper in this chapter is the earliest recorded instructions about it, predating even the Gospels!

:thought_balloon: Reflective Q&A:

:question: Why does decorum in worship practices matter?
A: To uphold respect for God amidst His followers and to reflect understanding of God’s ordained order in creation.

:question: What is the deeper significance of The Lord’s Supper?
A: It is not just a meal, but a sacred time of reflection and remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice for humanity.

:speech_balloon: Join the Discussion:

How do we uphold the sanctity and significance of The Lord’s Supper in our modern lives? Do share your thoughts and experiences.

:date: See You Tomorrow in 1 Corinthians 12 - The Unity amid Variety in Spiritual Gifts!

Reflect and ponder as we embrace these teachings in our hearts, and may we continue growing in the Light and Wisdom of God’s word. Let’s strive to make every worshipful act befitting of God’s glory.

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1Corinthians 11

Paul’s exposition of the memorials established by the Master was evidently the first inspired record of that dramatic moment before the Gospels were written (v. 23). 1Cor. 11:1 should appear at the end of the exposition in ch. 10. Then Paul sets out • [1] Regarding sisters in the ecclesia: vv. 2-16. [2] The Lord’s Memorial: vv. 17-34. • Instructions are given regarding the role of sisters in the assemblies of the saints, as they are a standing reminder of the Bride of Christ, and thus provide an exhortation to all the meeting as to the responsibilities and attitudes required of the Bride. The memorials recall the Lord’s sinless obedience and how it was maintained by the influence of the Spirit-mind. He is considered as God manifested in flesh, “Immanuel,” strengthened by the divine mind to overcome (Psa. 80:17). Through this ritual of bread and wine we consider our own weaknesses and failings, and realise the need to seek divine help in the conquering of the flesh as did our Master. So our minds are “awakened” (v. 25) to our need, and the provision given in him. • Paul sets before his readers important principles relating to the memorials. Verse 1 should properly be placed at the end of ch. 10, so that v. 2 commences his explanation of the memorials. He first points to the duty and responsibility of sisters to uphold the principles of the Bride of Christ: vv. 2-16. The position of sisters is elevated when they demonstrate by hair coverings the elements of worship and subjection to the greater principle of spiritual honour. The hair covered, as the product of the head, represents the mind dedicated to Yahweh’s principles. In contrast to Eve’s action of repeating the serpent mind, the Bride of Christ is to be covered by her Husband, and this is demonstrated in the most profound visual exhortations by sisters in the meeting. When faithfully continued, it is the longest exhortation of any memorial meeting, and is a visual demonstration of the loyalty and obedience required of the complete Bride of Christ, both brethren and sisters. Those who today reject these matters, refusing to conform to the instructions of the apostle, demonstrate a refusal to submit to the divine requirements, and demonstrate a stubborn attitude of mind. • Then Paul outlines the first written inspired account of the Lord’s Memorial: vv. 17-34. All partake of bread and wine and in that figure identify with the Lord’s sacrifice and resurrection: the bread pointing to a body in which sin was challenged and defeated; the wine to the sacrificial blood of the new covenant; both principles to be revealed in the lives of worshippers. In all the depth of meaning, and the spiritual significance of every item of the meeting, there is revealed the example for individual character. This experience should never be considered a mere ritual, a meaningless observance. The word “unworthily” (v. 27) does not refer to a condition of need, but to an attitude of disinterest. It signifies “to treat as common,” not bearing in mind the solemn, symbolic importance of the ritual, permitting the action to be merely mechanical. For this reason, Paul declares: “remember me in all things and keep the ordinances as I delivered to you” (v. 2). In recalling the sacrifice and redemption of the Lord in the past, the memorials depict his glory in the future. We identify with both in bread and wine, making it part of ourselves in identification with our Master. — Logos