The Lord’s Supper

1 CorinthiansLord's Suppper
Written By Chris Wall

The Lord's Supper is one of the most meaningful acts of worship in the church, but Scripture warns that it is entirely possible to participate in it the wrong way. In 1 Corinthians 11, Paul confronts a church whose divisions, selfishness, and disregard for the poor had corrupted the very meal meant to display the gospel.

How We Get It Wrong

The Corinthian church turned a sacred meal into a display of hierarchy. The wealthy feasted while the poor went hungry. When division, unforgiveness, and selfishness dictate our relationships, Paul gives a staggering warning: "It is not the Lord's supper that you eat." We miss the entire point of the table when we break the unity of the body.

How We Get It Right

To approach the table correctly, we must look in four distinct directions:

  • Look Back with Gratitude (Remembrance & Covenant): We remember the moment His broken body and shed blood secured the new covenant, shifting our eternal destiny.

  • Look Within with Humility (Accountability): We examine our hearts, willingly repenting of sin and preparing our lives to respond to Him.

  • Look Around with Love (Togetherness): We discern the body of Christ by waiting for one another, tearing down social barriers, and walking in radical unity.

  • Look Ahead with Hope (Proclamation): Every time we take the elements, we publicly proclaim the victory of His death until He returns.

The Lord's Supper is more than a tradition—it is a sacred invitation to gather around the table as one family, transformed by grace.

Reflection Questions

  1. The Internal Check: Is there any unconfessed sin or resentment in your heart that you need to bring to the Lord in repentance before taking the elements?

  2. The Community Check: Are your current relationships in the church marked by unity, or are there unresolved conflicts or hidden divisions you need to address?

  3. The Practical Check: How can you actively "wait for" and serve those in your church family who are marginalized, lonely, or have less than you do?

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Chris Wall

Dr. Chris Wall is a lifelong Oklahoma Baptist. He has served as Senior Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Owasso since 2012. Recently, he completed his term as a Trustee and Vice President for the International Mission Board. He is the author of “A Life Worth Following,” the inspirational story of Justin Sullivan and a devotional guide for growing a deep relationship with God.

He is a husband, father, and grandfather (they call him Padre.) He’s also an avid tennis player.

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