DISCERN THE BODY OF CHRIST – Pastor Chris
Thursday, November 21, 2019
For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body (1 Corinthians 11:29).
When people don’t understand the reality of the Word of God, they go into errors and as a result, their lives are in jeopardy. In Matthew 22:29, Jesus said, “You err, because you don’t know the Scriptures and the power of God.”
Take our opening verse for example; it reveals something striking about the Holy Communion: the wine isn’t just a drink; it’s the communion of the blood of Christ, just as the bread represents His body. To drive this point home, the Apostle Paul said, “…the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils (demons)” (1 Corinthians 10:20).
When the Gentiles offer sacrifices to idols, they’re actually offering them to demons. This means that those sacrifices are connected to demons. Anyone who partakes of those sacrifices in any way, comes into fellowship with demons, and some have attracted demons to themselves that way. Some people have become sick as a result, and even mentally troubled, unable to do anything for themselves.
In the same way, the Bible says when we take the cup and eat the bread, we’re in fellowship with God. Blessed be God! 1 Corinthians 11:26 tells us categorically that taking the Communion is participating in the blood, and body of Christ. It’s the reason we’re admonished to discern the Lord’s body; be mindful of its power and significance. Many have trouble today in their physical body, while some have even died, for not discerning the Lord’s body.
1 Corinthians 11:30 says, “For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.” What cause is the Spirit referring to? It’s the failure to discern the body of Christ. Therefore, examine yourself and relate properly to the Church of God. Don’t treat the local church carelessly or with disdain. Walk in love always, and honour God’s people.
PRAYER
Dear Father, thank you for the blessing to participate in the communion of the blood and the body of Christ. Thank you for the guidance of your Spirit who helps me discern the body of Christ. I have eternal victory and dominion over sin, sickness, disease, death, and the devil, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY: 1 Corinthians 11:18-34
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: James 4:13-5:1-20 Ezekiel 24-26
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 13:21-30 1 Chronicles 21
