Compare 1 Corinthians 11:2 and 11:17. Why are the Corinthians commended in v2? How does Paul change his tone in the second half of the chapter?

Read v18-22. What behavior caused Paul’s change in tone? How were people ‘despising the church of God’?

Read vv23-26. Count the number of references to Jesus (proper nouns and pronouns). How is this emphasis an antidote to the problems expressed in vv18-22?

Communion is about looking BACK. In the sermon today, Robb said, “it’s easy to get preoccupied with trivialities and miss the main event.” What trivial issues distract us from Christ as the object of our worship when we gather? What distractions do you personally struggle with? Are there distractions we could eliminate from our worship gatherings?

Communion is about looking FORWARD. In the sermon today, Robb said, “Jesus is from the future, and so are you.” Rehearse what that means (or explain it to those who didn’t hear the sermon) in light of v26. How ought Christ’s imminent return affect our community today?

Communion is about looking IN. Review the three key verbs below. What is the particular value of each one? Is there one that feels more foreign than the others to your own experience of communion?

•v28 – Examine: ‘prove genuine’

•v29 – Discern: ‘recognize & honor’

•v31 – Judge: ‘lead in righteousness’