LIFE TOGETHER | OCTOBER 19, 2025

Chip Henderson

Sermon Highlights

Key Passage: 1 Corinthians 11:17-34

In 1 Corinthians 11:17-34, Paul confronts the Corinthian church for turning something sacred into something selfish. What was meant to be a celebration of unity had become a divided and careless meal. Some ate and drank a lot while others were left out. What should have reflected God’s grace instead revealed pride and disunity.

Paul reminded them that Communion (also called the Lord’s Supper) was designed to refocus their hearts on Christ and one another. It is a time to unite and share, breaking down walls and extending generosity and forgiveness toward one another. It is also a time to remember and proclaim, a time to look back in gratitude for Christ’s sacrifice and look forward in hope to His return. And it is a time to examine yourself, to test your heart and actions before coming to the table.

At the Communion table, we come as one family, with no one higher and no one forgotten. Paul’s warning was to approach with humility and sincerity, letting this act of worship unite rather than divide. It’s a moment to remember grace and live it out together.

INTRO

Icebreaker

If we had an old-school church potluck today, what dish would you bring, or hope someone else would bring?

Transition to Discussion

The church in Corinth had its own version of a potluck, but it wasn’t going well. What was meant to bring people together had turned into division and selfishness. In this passage, Paul reminds believers that Communion is a time to unite, remember, and examine their hearts before God.

GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Read 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 as a group.

  • What do you think caused something as meaningful as Communion (the Lord’s Supper) to become a source of division in Corinth?

  • When you share a meal or worship with others, what helps people feel included and what can unintentionally make others feel left out?

  • Paul told believers to look back and remember Jesus’ sacrifice. What does remembering the cross stir in you and why?

  • He also told them to proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes. How does looking forward to Christ’s return shape the way you live right now?

  • Paul said to “examine yourself” before taking the bread and cup. What kinds of things should you honestly check in your heart before you come to worship?

  • Paul warned that taking Communion carelessly can bring God’s discipline. What might that look like today in our spiritual lives, relationships, or unity as a church?

  • What helps you keep a humble and grateful heart when you come to worship or take Communion?

  • How can our group or church make sure our gatherings reflect the unity that Communion represents?

NEXT STEP AND PRAYER

Paul reminded the church that Communion is more than a ritual. It’s a time to unite as one body, remember what Christ has done, and examine our hearts before God. When we come with humility and gratitude, Communion becomes a powerful moment of grace and renewal.

Take a few quiet moments now. Ask God:

  • Is there anything in my heart that stands in the way of unity or gratitude?

  • How can I honor Christ more fully as I come to His table?

  • Is there someone I need to forgive or reconcile with before I worship again?

Write down what comes to mind. Keep it as a reminder that Communion is not just about remembering the cross but about living in the unity and love it represents each day. I’ll give you a few moments to pray and reflect, and then I’ll close our time in prayer.