Getting More Out of the Lord's Supper CONDENSED
Getting More Out of the Lord’s Supper
(CONDENSED DUE TO CANTATA)
I Corinthians 11:17-33 I. THE LORD'S SUPPER IN the 1015 Service A. A MEMORIAL... 1. Note Paul's account as given by the Lord Himself - 1 Corinthians 11: 23-25 a. We eat the bread in memory of His body b. We drink the cup (fruit of the vine) in memory of His blood 2. We therefore commemorate the death of Jesus on the cross – Mt 26:28 a. Whose death makes the new covenant possible - Heb 9:16 b. Whose blood was shed for the remission of sins - Eph 1:7
B. A PROCLAMATION... 1. We proclaim our faith in the cross-work of Christ - 1 Corinthians 11:26a a. That His death was indeed for our sins b. If we did not believe He died for our sins, then why keep the Supper? 2. We also proclaim our faith in the Lord's return - 1 Corinthians 11:26b a. For it is to be done "till He comes" b. If we did not believe He is coming, then why keep the Supper? ***Thus, the Lord's Supper looks backward as well as forward, and should be observed by His children who trust in His redemption and anticipate His return! II. GETTING MORE OUT OF THE LORD'S SUPPER A. MAKE IT A TIME OF REVERENCE 1. It should be observed "in a worthy manner" (NKJV) - 1 Corinthians 11: 27, 29a. It describes how we take it, not whether we are worthy (none are truly “worthy” apart from Christ)b. Confessed sin is impeative 2. It should be observed with respect for the supreme price Jesus paid for our sins a. I.e. - the cruel torture and humiliation of His physical body b. I.e. - the anguish suffered as Jesus hung on the cross 3. Failure to observe with proper reverence brings condemnation- 1 Corinthians 11:27, 29 a. One will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord b. One will eat and drink judgment to himself -- To make light of this memorial puts one in the same category as those who mocked Him as He hung on the cross and diminishes the sacrifice of our Lord! B. MAKE IT A TIME OF REFLECTION 1. To reflect on the suffering Christ endured - 1 Corinthians 11:24-25 a. By reading passages like Psalm 22 and Isaiah 53 and the gospel accounts of Christ's suffering b. By reading songs and hymns written to prepare us for partaking of the Supper 2. To reflect on one's spiritual condition - 1 Corinthians 11:28 a. Are we living in a manner that shows appreciation for His sacrifice? b. Is Christ YOUR Savior? - cf. 2 Corinthians 5:18-6:1 c. Are we living for Jesus who died for us? - cf. 2 Corinthians 5:14-15; Galatians 2:20 d. Do we, by refusing to repent of our sins, crucify Him over and over again? - cf. Hebrews 6:4-6 -- The Supper is a very private time between a Christian and his Lord; a time to reflect on Christ's death and its meaning for our life! C. MAKE IT A TIME OF REUNION 1. There is ample indication the Supper was designed to be a communal meal a. The disciples "came together" to break bread - Acts 20:7 b. When they came together, they were to "wait for one another" - 1 Corinthians 11:33 c. Partaking together of "one bread", they demonstrate they are "one bread and one body" - 1 Cor 10:17 2. We commune not just with the Lord, but with one another as brethren a. Make a special effort to assemble with others for the Lord' Supper each month and in church regularly b. Give thanks for the unity Christ's death makes possible for us to share - Ephesians 2:13-16 -- The Supper is a time for believers to reinforce our oneness in the Body of Christ!
CONCLUSION As we will soon share in the Lord’s Supper- when the elements are passed out- take time to think on what you have heard today. Is your perspective correct? · DO you have a relationship w/ the Lord we remember? IF not- why not today? · As we have a few moments for quiet personal reflection- focus your attention on the Lord and clear your heart of anything that would break down the barrier to fellowship w/ your God! · I John 1:9- “IF we confess our sins- HE IS faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness!”