What is Paul's argument about the Lord's table in 1 Corinthians?
Paul argues that the Corinthians must be careful how they practice the Lord's communion and the Lord's table. He contrasts the Lord's table with fellowship with demons, showing it concerns fellowship with the Lord and His work of the cross. Although all things are lawful, not all are expedient, and grace does not free them to violate law.
Les explains that Paul is building an argument that the Corinthians have to be careful how they practice the Lord's communion, the fellowship, the Lord's table, or however a particular denomination may refer to it. Paul seemingly shifts gears, but his point still comes home to the effect of the Lord's table compared to fellowship with demons and fellowship with the Lord and His work of the cross. Les notes that Paul says all things are lawful but not all expedient, because although no set law rested on Paul and the cross finished law, being set free from law did not mean freedom to do things contrary to law. Earlier, Les also points out that you cannot serve God and mammon or have one foot in the world and one foot in the church.
The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?
More Questions
Where does Paul abruptly change the subject in 1 Corinthians 10?
An example of Paul shifting gears is that right after speaking about resisting temptations and fleeing idolatry, in verse 16 he suddenly takes the reader to the Lord's communion table.