1 Corinthians 11:17-34: Beware: The Sin Of The Social Gospel. / Jeff Struecker

Big Idea: Beware: the sin of the social gospel.

1 Corinthians 11:17-34

I. A Gospel that doesn’t change lives is no gospel.

1 Corinthians 11:17-19

Now in giving this instruction I do not praise you, since you come together not for the better but for the worse. For to begin with, I hear that when you come together as a church there are divisions among you, and in part I believe it. Indeed, it is necessary that there be factions among you, so that those who are approved may be recognized among you.

II. Jesus’s Gospel shatters all social barriers.

1 Corinthians 11:20-22

When you come together, then, it is not to eat the Lord’s Supper. For at the meal, each one eats his own supper. So one person is hungry while another gets drunk! Don’t you have homes in which to eat and drink? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What should I say to you? Should I praise you? I do not praise you in this matter!

III. A church that promotes anything other than Christ Crucified isn’t a church.

1 Corinthians 11:23-26

For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, and said, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

IV. The seed of the Gospel takes root only in the heart.

1 Corinthians 11:27-34

So, then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sin against the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself; in this way let him eat the bread and drink from the cup. For whoever eats and drinks without recognizing the body, eats and drinks judgment on himself. This is why many are sick and ill among you, and many have fallen asleep. If we were properly judging ourselves, we would not be judged, but when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined, so that we may not be condemned with the world. Therefore, my brothers and sisters, when you come together to eat, welcome one another. If anyone is hungry, he should eat at home, so that when you gather together you will not come under judgment. I will give instructions about the other matters whenever I come.

Next Steps: 

• Believe: I accept Jesus’s Gospel for the first time today.
• Become: I will live my faith before unbelievers this week. 
• Be Sent: I will explain the need for the cross to someone this week.

Discussion Questions: 

1. Is it easier to talk to someone about their problems in society or their sin problems? Explain your answer. 
2. How has the Gospel changed your views on society?
3. What is an area that churches must be careful not to get distracted by?
4. What difference will it make in Heaven if we change society but don’t change people’s souls?
5. Do you know anyone who believes that God will accept them into Heaven because of the good deeds they do for others? 
6. If so, what does this view say about Jesus’s death on the cross?
7. Pray for the Holy Spirit to help you push back darkness this week.