Devotional 1 Corinthians 11: Decorum and the Lord's Supper Reflection on 1 Corinthians 11: divine order in worship, respecting biblical headship, and the importance of reverently partaking in the Lord's Supper. Topics: Devotional, New Testament.

Devotional 1 Corinthians 11: Decorum and the Lord’s Supper

Today’s devotional is found in the book of 1 Corinthians, chapter 11, and this was what happened.

Synopsis: In this chapter, Paul explains to the church of Corinth how decorum should be maintained in the church and what they must avoid doing so as not to dishonor the Lord’s Supper.

Observations

These were my observations.

1. Decorum in the church. In this letter to the Christians in Corinth, Paul clarified the matter of decorum in worship. Paul recommended that a man should not pray or prophesy in church with his head covered so as not to dishonor his head (i.e., Jesus Christ) (1 Corinthians 11:4). And that a woman ought to have her head covered when praying and prophesying in church so as not to dishonor her head (i.e., her husband) (1 Corinthians 11:5). Paul said this because in God’s divine order the head of the woman is the man, the head of the man is Jesus Christ, and the head of Jesus Christ is God the Father (1 Corinthians 11:3). That is, each should honor and submit to the guidance and leadership of their head. For this is the ideal structure for everything to function best in our lives (including the church). This observation also applies to us today. Not necessarily in the literal and specific practice of covering or not covering the head, but rather the principle that we must seek to honor our head in the church. This means we cannot simply appear in the presence of other members without decorum (e.g., indecent clothing, speaking loudly, ignoring the preaching, distracting others, etc.). For this is not conduct worthy of a Christian. Furthermore, this kind of behavior influences others who do not know the gospel of Jesus and the Word to sin and profane the church (i.e., Jesus and, consequently, God) (Romans 2:24). And this must definitely be avoided at all costs, because the consequences are very severe (Luke 17:1–2).
2. We must honor the Lord’s Supper. Paul warned the brothers and sisters in Corinth because he received very sad, selfish, and grievous news. There were leaders and individuals in the church who had the means to eat at home if they were hungry. Yet they consumed all the food and drink of the Lord’s Supper, leaving nothing for the needy who were truly hungry and thirsty and had no other recourse (1 Corinthians 11:20–22). This is the kind of behavior that profanes the sacrifice Jesus made for us and the true meaning of the Lord’s Supper. For when Jesus broke the bread (representing His body) and poured the wine (representing His blood), it was to share with everyone so that all would remember the symbolism and the sacrifice made to save us. For it was thanks to Him giving His body to be crucified and His blood to be shed for all our sins that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). Yet these brothers in the church were profaning all of this and causing division among members. We must avoid this, because trivializing and profaning the sacrifice of Jesus Christ is equivalent to spitting in His face (1 Corinthians 11:27–29). We must respect and honor the Lord’s Supper and observe it in the right manner, sharing with our brothers and sisters and giving thanks for what Christ did for us (1 Corinthians 11:33–34).