What practical steps can prevent division during communion, as warned in 1 Corinthians 11:21? Setting the Scene: 1 Corinthians 11:21’s Warning “For as you eat, each of you goes ahead without sharing his meal. While one remains hungry, another gets drunk.” Division at the very table meant to proclaim Christ’s unity cancels the sermon communion is meant to preach. Below are practical safeguards to keep that from happening. Remember the Supper Is a Family Meal - Christ “has made us one body” (Romans 12:5); no part is optional. - The bread we break is “a participation in the body of Christ” (1 Corinthians 10:16). - Act as family: shared food, shared care, shared honor (Acts 2:46-47). Practical Steps Before the Service - Self-Examination (1 Corinthians 11:28) • Ask the Spirit to expose pride, bitterness, favoritism (Psalm 139:23-24). - Reconciliation • If you recall a brother has something against you, “go first and be reconciled” (Matthew 5:23-24). - Intentional Seating & Greeting • Sit with those outside your usual circle—widows, newcomers, different backgrounds (James 2:1-4). - Unified Preparation • Encourage families and small groups to arrive early, pray together, and center hearts on Christ, not the clock. Practical Steps During the Service - Shared Elements • Use common bread and cup (symbolically or literally) rather than private portions that highlight differences. - Clear, Gospel-Focused Teaching • Remind all that the table points to Christ’s finished work, not personal worthiness (1 Corinthians 11:26). - Wait for One Another • Distribute elements so the church partakes together; no one left waiting, no one rushing (v. 33). - Visible Service • Elders or deacons serve first those least likely to be noticed—disabled, elderly, children—modeling Philippians 2:3-4. Practical Steps After the Service - Fellowship Meals • Share real food so the poor eat well and the wealthy share generously (Acts 2:44-45). - Follow-Up Conversations • Ask, “How can I pray for you this week?” then actually do it (James 5:16). - Ongoing Accountability • Small groups discuss Sunday’s text, confess divisions early, and apply Ephesians 4:2-3—“with all humility and gentleness… eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit.” Scriptural Reinforcements for Unity - John 13:35—love proves discipleship. - Colossians 3:13—bear and forgive. - 1 John 1:7—walking in the light produces fellowship. - Psalm 133:1—“How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!” The Blessing of a United Table When we guard communion from division, we preach a loud, living sermon: Christ’s body is whole; His blood reconciles. The watching world sees a foretaste of heaven, and the church enjoys “righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17). |
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