La celebración de la cena del Señor, 1ª Parte - John MacArthur-09/05/1976

La Importancia de la Mesa del Señor en 1 Corintios 11

Contexto y Significado

• El pastor John MacArthur discute la relevancia de 1 Corintios 11:17-34, enfocándose en la celebración de la mesa del Señor.

• Se enfatiza que el bautismo y la comunión son ordenanzas esenciales para los cristianos, mandadas por Jesucristo.

• La obediencia a estas ordenanzas es crucial; un cristiano debe reflexionar sobre su compromiso con ellas.

Abusos en la Iglesia de Corinto

• Pablo aborda los abusos en la iglesia de Corinto, donde se había distorsionado el significado de la mesa del Señor.

• La mesa se había convertido en una ocasión para glotonería y embriaguez, lo que llevó a consecuencias graves, incluyendo enfermedades y muertes entre los miembros.

Orígenes Históricos

• Se remonta a la última cena de Jesús con sus discípulos, transformando la Pascua judía en una nueva ceremonia significativa para los cristianos.

• Jesús instituyó esta nueva cena como un memorial de su sacrificio, cambiando el enfoque hacia su muerte redentora.

La Institución de la Comunión

Transformación del Ritual

• En Marcos 14:22, Jesús toma pan y vino durante la cena pascual y les da nuevo significado como símbolos de su cuerpo y sangre.

• Este acto establece un nuevo pacto entre Dios y su pueblo, marcando un cambio significativo desde las tradiciones anteriores.

Práctica Temprana en la Iglesia

• Hechos 2:41-42 muestra cómo los primeros cristianos continuaron celebrando esta práctica junto con otras enseñanzas apostólicas.

• La comunión era parte integral de su vida comunitaria; partían el pan juntos como símbolo de unidad.

Problemas Sociales Durante las Celebraciones

Desigualdad entre Miembros

• En Corinto, ricos y pobres estaban divididos; algunos comían antes que otros llegaran, creando tensiones sociales durante las comidas comunitarias.

• Esta falta de consideración resultó en desunión dentro del cuerpo eclesiástico al momento de celebrar la mesa del Señor.

Consecuencias Espirituales

• Pablo advierte que este comportamiento egoísta profanaba el sacramento; Dios estaba muy molesto por estas actitudes irreverentes hacia Su mesa.

Corrección Apostólica

Reprensión a los Corintios

• Pablo confronta a los corintios por convertir sus reuniones en ocasiones destructivas más que edificantes; les aconseja reconsiderar sus acciones al reunirse.

Llamado a Reflexionar

• Les recuerda que deben esperar unos por otros al compartir alimentos; si solo buscan satisfacer su hambre personal deberían quedarse en casa.

Divisions in the Church: A Call for Unity

Theological Groups and Personalities

• The church is divided into various theological groups, each following different personalities rather than a unified doctrine.

• This division leads to constant disagreements and conflicts within the church community, highlighting a sociological divide between the rich and poor.

Paul's Plea for Unity

• Paul urges the Corinthians to speak the same thing and avoid divisions, emphasizing the need for a unified mindset among believers.

• He identifies carnality as the root cause of these divisions, indicating that living according to fleshly desires leads to conflict instead of spiritual unity.

Manifestation of True Believers

• Paul suggests that divisions serve a purpose; they reveal who among them are truly approved by God during times of trial.

• The term "heresy" is discussed, indicating it refers not only to false beliefs but also to factions formed around differing opinions.

Necessity of Trials

• Paul asserts that divisions are necessary for revealing those who are genuine in their faith; adversity tests and proves true believers.

• He emphasizes that trials help identify leaders within the church who can effectively minister during difficult times.

Adversity Reveals Spiritual Maturity

• True spiritual maturity is demonstrated through how individuals respond to challenges and disagreements within the church body.

• Those who endure trials with grace are seen as approved by God, capable of leading others in ministry.

The Role of Division in Purification

Testing Through Conflict

• Adversity serves as a means for God to purify His church by distinguishing between true believers (the wheat) and those who do not genuinely follow Christ (the tares).

• James 1:12 highlights that enduring temptation results in receiving a crown of life, further illustrating God's approval through trials.

Importance of Church Integrity

• Paul warns against divisive behavior within the church, stressing that maintaining purity is essential for healthy fellowship among members.

• Leaders must address divisive individuals firmly while ensuring they protect the integrity and unity of the congregation.

Misunderstanding Communion Practices

Issues During Communion

• Paul criticizes how some members partake in communion selfishly, creating an environment where social disparities become evident during shared meals.

• He states it’s impossible to celebrate communion meaningfully when there’s division and self-centeredness among participants.

Call for Genuine Fellowship

• The essence of communion should be unity; however, discord undermines this sacred practice.

• Paul questions whether attendees truly value communal worship or if they disdain it by prioritizing personal gain over collective fellowship.

A Warning Against Division

Consequences of Disunity

-Paul expresses disappointment at how some treat fellow believers poorly due to socioeconomic status or personal biases.

-He emphasizes that churches should be places where barriers dissolve rather than re-emerge after being broken down by Christ's teachings.

Final Exhortation

-The call is made for congregants to approach communion without prejudice or selfish motives so as not to distort its intended purpose.

-Paul encourages believers towards obedience and love while avoiding divisive attitudes prevalent in Corinthian society.