November 1, 2015
COMMUNION - WHAT DOES IT MEAN AND WHY DO IT
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR THE WEEK
“Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup." I Corinthians 11:28 (p. 959)
If you had a chance to explain Communion (or Lord's Supper) as to what it means and why you do in church on Sundays each month, how would you do that? What does Communion mean to you? Why do you think its important we do it as a church practice each month?
Paul's Letter to the Corinthians - Three Principles Interwoven in Book 1. Those who follow Jesus are New People Living in an Old Culture 2. Those who follow Jesus have a New Identity in a Larger Group 3. The Spirit is working in them both Individually and as a Group Paul's Instructions about Communion (verse 17)
(verses 18-19)
(verses 20-22)
(verses 23-26)
(verses 27-32)
What does it mean for Christians to take Communion "in an unworthy manner” and to “examine” oneself before Communion?
Reviewing Paul's Letter to the Corinthians overall, the message talked of there being Three Principles Interwoven in the Book. What does it mean to say "three principles are interwoven in a book"? What are those Three Principles? Can you explain each of them in your own words? Can you explain why each of them is important or affects your life personally? What does Paul mean in verse 19 about truth and error being made clear by their divisions? From what you know of the Corinthian Letter overall, can you identify any examples of these divisions over truth and error happening that Paul has noted to them? Can you identify any other issues in the Corinthian church that was division for other reasons? Do you think people are more apt to divide in church life over truth and error issues or about personal differences or perceptions of one another? Which have you seen more often? Why can Christians get the two reasons confused? Paul could see the Corinthians were dividing themselves over various issues. Why was that such a problem when it came to the their taking Communion together? What is harder for you personally...to go and point out a hurt someone has done to you or go and ask forgiveness for a wrong you have caused them? Why do you think that is so for you?
This is not a call for deep personal introspection to determine whether one is worthy of the Table....It is in this sense that the Corinthians are urged to examine themselves. Their behavior has belied the Gospel they claim to embrace. Before they participate in the Meal, they should examine themselves in terms of their attitudes toward the body, how they are treating others, since the Meal itself is a place of proclaiming the Gospel. -- Gordon Fee
What positive, helpful wisdom have you gained over time about either confronting in love or confessing in humility? Are there any relationships right now where you really ought to pray, prepare and approach that person or persons to talk about your differences? Are there reasons why you can or cannot? Or why you will or won't? What do you choose to do next?
