TEXT: 1 Corinthians 11:17-34

I. The Causes of Disorder at the Lord’s Supper

1. Hidden sin – V. 17-19

Galatians 6:7
“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”

2. Selfish motives – V. 20-22

II. The Consequences of this Disorder

1. They were judged instead of blessed – V. 23-29

2. They were chastened – V. 30

*We may not be worthy, but we can partake in a worthy manner:

1) Having a heart free from sin
2) Filled with love for Christ
3) Willing to obey His Word

Proverbs 5:21
“For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, And he pondereth all his goings.”

III. The Correction of this Disorder

1. Self-judgement – V. 31-32

We MUST:
1) Look WITHIN and confess our sins
2) Look BACK and remember Calvary
3) Look AHEAD and watch for His return
4) Look AROUND and discern the Lord’s body (His Church)

2. Mutual Love – V. 33

3. Spiritual Discernment – V. 34

The benefits [the Lord’s Supper] confers, are spiritual, not physical. Its effects must be looked for in our inward man. It was intended to remind us, by the visible, tangible emblems of bread and wine, that the offering of Christ’s body and blood for us on the cross, is the only atonement for sin, and the life of a believer’s soul. It was meant to help our poor weak faith to closer fellowship with our crucified Savior, and to assist us in spiritually feeding on Christ’s body and blood. It is an ordinance for redeemed sinners, and not for unfallen angels. By receiving it we publicly declare our sense of guilt, and need of a Savior – our trust in Jesus, and our love to Him – our desire to live upon Him, and our hope to live with Him. Using it in this spirit, we shall find our repentance deepened, our faith increased, our hope brightened, and our love enlarged – our besetting sins weakened, and our graces strengthened. It will draw us nearer to Christ. - J. C. Ryle

I. Recognize your Need for Jesus

* He who has Christ and nothing else, has everything

* The best thing in existence in God, therefore, the most loving thing God can do is give us Himself.

II. Repent from your Sin and Return to Christ

* True repentance involves giving up something, with the result receiving something else of infinite value, Jesus Christ.

III. Reveal Christ to Others

* If you love Jesus, you will talk about Him.