We continue our study of First and Second Corinthians. In chapter 11, the important subject of submission to headship is introduced and explained by the Apostle. The woman is to publicly display by her conduct that she is subject to her head, the man, while the man is to publicly display by his conduct that he is subject to his Head, Christ. This very important subject is covered before the Apostle takes up the issue of remembering the Lord in His death by partaking of His supper.
Before Paul could teach the Corinthians about the Lord’s supper, he had to rebuke and correct them concerning the divisions that were separating them. He also spoke to them concerning the manner in which they were eating meals together. They were allowing such excesses that some even became intoxicated, while others, too poor to bring food to this so-called “fellowship” feast, were allowed to go hungry.
After these rebukes to their conduct, Paul presents to the Corinthians the Lord’s supper. He makes four distinct points concerning the remembrance of the Lord. (1) What he was teaching them he had received by divine revelation from the Lord Jesus. (2) The Lord instituted this remembrance feast shortly before He suffered on the cross. (3) The Lord Jesus Himself has given the meaning of the bread (His body) and the cup (His blood). (4) Those who partake of the Lord’s supper without judging their conduct bring God’s solemn judgment upon themselves.
Those who partake of the Lord’s supper are to do so in a spirit of humility and reverence for the holiness of the Lord Jesus Christ. Each one who eats the Lord’s supper is responsible before God for his or her conduct.
1. The woman is instructed to cover her glory (her hair) when praying or prophesying. What did Rebecca do when she heard that the one coming to meet her was her bridegroom? Genesis 24:___
2. Paul said there should be no contention; the woman should have her head covered for prayer and prophesying. What instructions did Paul give Timothy concerning debating and arguing about the Word of God? 2 Timothy 2:___
3. What are wealthy believers instructed to do with their worldly goods? 1 Timothy 6:___
4. How are believers to look upon intoxication (drunkenness)?
Ephesians 5:___
5. The Corinthians were to judge themselves so that they would not be judged. What will be the result for a believer who lives according to the Spirit and says “no” to the flesh? Romans 8:___