Long Looks for the Long Obedience Ahead
1 Corinthians 11:17-34
Senior Pastor David Rose calls us to live a life of long obedience, one that’s rooted in a daily commitment to Christ and His people. Unity and spiritual maturity come as we invest in time with the Lord and serve those around us.
Key Takeaways
- A look around—community
- A look within—identity
- A look behind—history
- A look ahead—destiny
Further Study
- How does Paul’s rebuke in 1 Corinthians 11:17-22 challenge our understanding of unity in the church? How does this relate to Christ’s power to reconcile people from all backgrounds (Ephesians 2:14-16)?
- In 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, Paul recounts the final Passover meal/first Lord’s Supper. How does this act of remembrance point us to the Gospel?
- Take a minute to meditate on Paul’s warning 1 Corinthians 11:27-29. How can we practice this self-examination in a way that leads to growth rather than condemnation (2 Corinthians 13:5)?
The Gospel
If you have questions about what it means to be a Christian, we would love to talk with you about it.
Reach outThe Gospel is the good news that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came to earth, lived a perfect life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again from the dead (1 Cor. 15:3–4). We are all sinners, separated from God and unable to save ourselves. But God, in His great love and mercy, sent His Son Jesus to bridge that gap. This message is at the heart of everything we do as Christians, including our observance of the Lord’s Supper.
Jesus’ death on the cross paid the penalty for our sins. As we pass the Communion elements, we’re reminded that His body was broken and His blood was shed for us. This wasn’t just a historical event, but a personal sacrifice for each of us. Like Pastor David said, “Jesus died because our sins killed Him. But He rose again because He was innocent.”
Through faith in Jesus Christ, we can receive forgiveness of sins and eternal life. This is entirely by God’s grace, not by our own works or merit.
When we trust in Jesus, we’re not only forgiven but also given a new identity as children of God. We become part of His body, the church, which is why Pastor David stressed the importance of valuing our community and serving one another.
It’s this Gospel that gives us hope for the future. Christ is “the hope of glory.” As we look forward to His return, this hope should motivate us to share this good news with others.
The Gospel calls us to respond with repentance and faith, turning from our sins and trusting in Jesus alone for salvation. It’s an invitation to a new life, a new purpose, and a new destiny in Christ. As we live out this Gospel, we’re called to “make much of Jesus” in all we do, reflecting His love and grace to the world around us.