Getting Identity Correct
The Sign that Seals
March 14, 2021
Rev. Gabe Sylvia
Paul's teaching on the Lord's Supper calls the church to live out a Christian identity that makes slaves and masters equal in Christ, prioritizes shared fellowship and participation, and resists cultural divisions that fracture the body.
Summary
Using 1 Corinthians 11 as the basis, the sermon warns that a wrong understanding of identity—when cultural or social distinctions are allowed to shape church practice—causes the Lord's Supper and fellowship to become divisive rather than unifying. Paul insists that in Christ traditional social categories (slave/master) are made equal and that the church must practice that reality in worship and table fellowship. When Christians elevate race, sexuality, politics, or status over their common identity in Christ, they form microfactions that destroy unity. The remedy is to prioritize participating together in the Supper and mutual fellowship so God's grace can work through the church, gathering everyone under the banner of Christ alone.
Key Points
- Announcement: children's church for ages 3–5 led by a deacon (Keith).
- Context: continuing a study of the Lord's Supper, focusing on 1 Corinthians 11.
- Core claim: in Christ social distinctions like slave and master are objectively equal; Christian identity should override social divisions.
- Problem identified: the Corinthian gatherings were being shaped by status and cultural criteria, turning the Supper into a divisive event.
- Consequence: allowing cultural identities (race, sexuality, politics, wealth) to determine fellowship produces microfactions and weakens the church.
- Solution: practice a right Christian identity in worship—prioritize shared participation in the Lord's Supper and fellowship so differences are not magnified.
- Practical note: Paul met in wealthier members' homes; Christians must intentionally center Christ to prevent status-based exclusion.
- Closing: a prayer asking God to unite the church under Christ alone and to make our fellowship a means of grace and unity.
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