January 16, 2005

THE LORD'S TABLE

1 Corinthians 10:15-33

   "I speak to wise men, judge ye what I say," follows Paul's ad-monition to "flee from idolatry." He continued, "The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion (fellowship) of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?" (! Cor. 10:14-16). We might ponder the connection.

   Consider Paul's positive goal, "Whether...we eat or drink or what-soever ye do, do all to the glory of God," and his negative goal, "Give none offence, neither to...Jews, nor to...Gentiles, nor to the church of God," with his gospel goal, "that they may be saved" (10:31-33).

   Whatever is meant by THE LORD'S TABLE, we must consider its setting. Evidently it is the place of worship and nourishment for "the church of God," just as Israel's altar was for the Jews and the "table of demons" served the Gentiles. Rather than connecting it with "the Lord's Supper," let us consider Paul's application. Participation at all three of tables expressed identification and fellowship therewith!

   "I would not that ye should have fellowship with demons. Ye can-not drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. Ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and the table of demons" (10:20-21).To do so would provoke the Lord to jealousy because He will not share our love and worship with demons!

They apparently felt, "All things are lawful for me," to which Paul replied, "All things are not expedient." They retort,    "All things are lawful for me," but he responded, "all things do not edify" (10:23). Thus the edification of others is Paul's goal. Once again we are called to apply our liberty in love, and not for our own pleasure!

   Liberty allows believers to buy food from markets and eat at the table of unbelievers without asking if anything had been sacrificed to idols. But, liberty must be overruled by love once informed that food items had been so dedicated. If we know not, we are free to eat. Our conscience is not the one Paul considered, for we are free. The conscience of weaker brethren has been considered already (8:12). Here we abstain to awaken the conscience of "them that believe not," and for the "profit of many, that they might be saved" (10:33).

Ivan L. Burgener