Resolving Cultural and Biblical Tension Around the Lord's Table

by Dennis Michelson
(Novelty, Ohio)

I Corinthians 11

Introduction: The Lord's Table is an ordinance passed down to us to constantly remind us of our union with Christ; communion with other believers; and the reunion we anticipate with those who have gone on to glory. Sometimes this particular passage is misinterpreted due to overemphasis on the cultural aspect to the detriment of the abiding biblical principles.

1. The Causes of Disorder at the Lord's Table (1-22)

(a) The issue of subjection (1-16)

(b) The issue of splitting (7-19)

(c) The issue of selfishness (20-28)

The subjection issue always rubs people the wrong way in our current cultural climate. The following will help sort out the cultural chaff from the biblical wheat.

The role of the husband (man) is to:

Love like Christ
Lead like Christ
Listen to his mate as an equal (11:11-12)

The role of the woman (wife) is to:

Subordinate like Christ
Support like Christ
Selective silence as an equal (see I Peter 3)

2. The Consequences of Disorder at the Lord's Table (23-30)

3. The Corrections of Disorders at the Lord's Table (31-34)