May 6, 2016  1 Corinthians 11:17-24

Paul moves from general instructions about church gatherings and the participation of male and female members of the congregation to a very specific part of Christian meetings:  the Lord’s Supper.  He is concerned about how that part of worship relates to the general atmosphere in the Corinthian church.  A significant part of this passage is probably very familiar, often read at Communion services in churches.  As you read the text, remember the most recent time you received Communion (last Sunday for many of us).  Read the familiar parts with fresh eyes.  What might you see that may have been blurred by frequent repetition?  What can we learn about Paul’s vision for the church from this passage?

Hopefully the handouts we have been using in our study and discussion group have been helpful.  Having a convenient way to read and mark up a passage, all using the same translation, is helpful in the process of learning the skills of inductive Bible study.  However, some situations (an impromptu conversation over coffee, for example) may not have a readily available prepared handout.  Also, looking at different translations together can add another layer to a discussion – sometimes helpful, sometimes confusing, usually profitable.  This week use your own Bible translation (or several) to read and study the passage.  The suggestions in the article on Methodical Bible Study provide good reminders of the kinds of questions that will stir your thinking in the Observation, Interpretation, and Application phases of study.  Read the passage and come to the group ready to ask questions to help all of us learn from this text.