The Lord's Table

1 Corinthians 10:14-22

Introduction

• Matthew 26:26-28

• Idolatry is…. “An idol is anything that seizes the adoration/worship that belongs to God. It can be a parent, a child, a spouse, a friend, a reputation, a goal...anything that takes God's seat on the throne of our hearts!” (Chuck Swindoll,) 

• Exodus 20:2-5

What happens at the Lord's Table?

1. Fellowship is taking place.

• 1 Corinthians 10:14-16

• 1 Corinthians 10:20

2. Unity is taking place.

• 1 Corinthians 10:17-18

• 1 Corinthians 10:18

• Psalm 1:1-2

3. Conviction is taking place.

• 1 Corinthians 10:21-22

Application:

• Remember - 1 Cor 11:24-26

• Examine - 1 Cor 11:27-31

• Plan - 1 Cor 11:32-34

The Lord’s Table: Worship, Unity, and Heart Check

1 Corinthians 10:14–22

Warm-Up Question

What’s something in your life that can easily take too much of your attention or affection—even if it’s not a bad thing?

Read Matthew 26:26-28 and 1 Corinthians 10:14-22

1. Fellowship Is Taking Place

Key Verses: 1 Corinthians 10:14–16, 20

What do you think it means that we are “participating” in Christ at the Lord’s Table?

Why does Paul connect the Lord’s Table with idolatry? What’s the danger?

How might someone today try to “have both”—Jesus and idols?

Key Insight: The Lord’s Table is not just about remembering Jesus. It’s also about relating to Him. And real relationship requires loyalty. Paul says the cup and bread are a “participation” (koinōnia)—not just a symbol we observe, but a shared fellowship. At the Table, we are communing with Christ Himself.  At the same time, Paul warns his readers. You can’t share in the Lord’s Table and also participate in idolatry. Fellowship is exclusive. Who you commune with shapes you.

2. Unity Is Taking Place

Key Verses: 1 Corinthians 10:17–18

Why do you think Paul emphasizes “one body” here?

How does participating in the Lord’s Supper shape how we treat other believers?

Read Psalm 1:1–2: How does who we “walk with” affect our unity and spiritual life?

Key Insight: You can’t be united with Christ and disconnected from His people. The Table binds us together. Communion is not just vertical (me and Jesus), but horizontal (us together). We are declaring: We belong to one another because we belong to Christ.

3. Conviction Is Taking Place

Key Verses: 1 Corinthians 10:21–22

Why is God jealous for our worship? (see Exodus 20:2–5)

What are some “modern idols” that compete with God for our hearts?

What might it look like to provoke the Lord to jealousy today?

Key Insight: The Lord’s Table is a moment of truth—God lovingly confronts divided loyalty. Paul pressed hard here. One cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. The Table exposes divided hearts. It forces a decision. Who truly has your worship?

Application

Remember (1 Corinthians 11:24–26)

What specifically do you need to remember about Jesus today?

Examine (1 Corinthians 11:27–31)

Is there any sin, divided loyalty, or idol you need to confess?

Plan (1 Corinthians 11:32–34)

What is one practical step you can take this week to put God back at the center?