The Apostle Paul had already confronted the Corinthian church about divisions in the body due to following different personalities. The solution? — Regain perspective about Jesus’ preeminence and who they were in Christ. In 1 Corinthians 11 we see Paul’s strong disapproval of certain practices that were causing divisions in the church. This time He began with the solution: “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” (1 Cor. 11:1)
A Practice Dividing the Church
In 1 Corinthians 1 Paul addressed the issue of them following certain leader personalities which led to quarrels among them. Here Paul confronts a practice that led to “haves” and “have nots” within the church.
In the following directives I have no praise for you, for your meetings do more harm than good. In the first place, I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you, and to some extent I believe it. No doubt there have to be differences among you to show which of you have God’s approval. When you come together, it is not the Lord’s Supper you eat, for as you eat, each of you goes ahead without waiting for anybody else. One remains hungry, another gets drunk. Don’t you have homes 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 praise you for this? Certainly not! (1 Cor. 11:17-22)
In both situations, they were causing disunity in the Body and hurting the cause of Christ.
A Solution So Practices Don’t Bring Division
As already mentioned, Paul’s solution for both causes of division was to point them to Christ. In regard to following different personalities, they needed to adjust their thinking. In regard to faulty practices, they needed to adjust their heart attitudes.
1) Get to the root issue.
The real issue behind the Corinthians not waiting for one another at the Lord’s supper was a lack of consideration that grew out of selfish heart. They were looking out for their own interests, or perceived needs, rather than the interests or needs of others.
How ironic that the very situation in which this attitude surfaced was the Lord’s Supper which represented the selfless, sacrificial practice of Christ who humbled Himself and was willing to forego His own comfort and convenience for others. Is it any wonder Paul uses such strong language in dealing with their contradictory practice? To humiliate one another in this way and in this setting was like doing it to Christ Himself and could bring on possible discipline from the Lord.
2) Take time for self-examination.
Paul said, “A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup” (1 Cor. 11:28). Based on how Paul began the chapter, the question to ask oneself undoubtedly is, “Am I following the example of Christ?”
The time to ask this question is “before” you do something because following the example of Christ has more to do with your heart attitudes than with your actions or practices. Selfishness leads to division among the Body.
Take a look at your church: Are there divisions in your Body due to inconsiderate practices? (Keep in mind that the situation in the Corinthian church is just one way selfishness can surface in a church.) If so, how can you help each other become more Christ-like?
Excellent information. Thank you!