I am trying to figure out 1 Corinthians 11:17-19, where Paul talks about how there will be differences among brothers to show which have God's approval. Does this mean the ones who don't have God's approval are not right with God, or does it mean that they need to repent and get in line with God's will? How do we know when we have God's approval? -- Tasha
1 Corinthians 11:19 is an interesting verse. It can be taken literally or ironically (and I have done both in the past). There is a pretty good case for each view. I honestly am not sure which is correct. I do know that if people stuff feelings and don't say what they really think, the divisions will be harder to spot, but they will still be there. It's best to be upfront.
I wouldn't go so far as to say those who don't "have God's 'approval' " (depending on the subject or doctrine, of course!) are alienated from Christ. Of course that is a possibility, but grace and Christian freedom mean, among other things, that we can be wrong in some of our views and practices and still be right with God. 1 Corinthians details many surprising goings-on in the church at Corinth. Paul seems to have been comfortable with Christians struggling, without labeling them as "lost."
As for your question on the exact meaning of the verse, you will need to read and read carefully, and then decide. It seems to me the best way to know we have the Lord's approval is to stay close to him, saturate our minds in his word, and act on what has been revealed to us (Philippians 3:16).
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