Communion

The Sacred Table: Embracing Communion's Call

Summary: Communion, also known as the Lord's Supper, represents a profound act of worship and remembrance among believers. It invites us to participate in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Application: This sermon on Communion can help Christians understand the importance of reflecting on their relationship with Christ and the church. It encourages self-examination, reconciliation, and unity among believers, providing a pathway to healing and community.

Teaching: This sermon communicates that Communion is not just a ritual but a dynamic encounter with Christ that nourishes our spiritual journey. It teaches that in partaking, we acknowledge our need for grace and community.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the context of the Bible, Communion points to Jesus as the Lamb of God, whose body was broken and blood shed for our sins. It invites us into a relationship with Him that is sustained and deepened through remembrance and fellowship.

Big Idea: Through Communion, believers are called to remember, reflect, and renew their commitment to Christ and each other, fostering deeper faith and community.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider exploring the significance of the elements used in Communion and their roots in Old Testament practices. Using Logos, delve into the theological implications of participation in the body and blood of Christ, and examine any exegetical insights related to 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, focusing on Paul's instructions to the early church. This can illuminate potential applications for contemporary congregations.

1. Remembering Christ's Sacrifice

1 Corinthians 11:23-24

You could begin by focusing on how Paul directs believers to remember Jesus' sacrifice as central to Christian faith. Discuss how this act of remembrance is essential for spiritual growth and unity within the church. Maybe, listeners can be encouraged to reflect on their personal experiences of grace and how these moments shape their community interactions. Highlight that Communion is a call to deeper introspection, acknowledging Christ’s presence in our lives as we partake in the bread symbolizing His body broken for us.

The first thing you should notice as we work our way through the text this morning is the fact that we are called to remember Jesus’ sacrifice.

Paul declares that the practice of Communion is something that he received from the Lord. This is in essence the practice of discipleship in action. We pass along what we have learned to the next generation who will pass along what they have learned to the following generation. This practice is an ordinance because it has been ordained to be practiced until Christ returns!

2. Renewing the Covenant

1 Corinthians 11:25

Perhaps, emphasize the significance of the cup, representing the new covenant in His blood. Discuss the transformative power of this covenant, which calls us to forgive and seek reconciliation within the community. You could illustrate how Communion opens avenues for peace and restoration of relationships, aligning with Christ’s redemptive work. Encourage believers to approach the table with an open heart, ready to embrace the grace that sweeps through all aspects of life, reinforcing the spiritual bond among fellow believers.

3. Reflecting on His Return

1 Corinthians 11:26

Maybe, highlight the eschatological aspect of proclaiming the Lord’s death until He comes. Drawing from this, discuss the hope and anticipation that believers should carry, knowing that the act of Communion is not only remembrance but also prophetic. You could motivate your audience to see how their faith and actions today are a testimony to the world, preparing themselves and others for Christ’s return. Conclude with how this transforms mundane rituals into dynamic expressions of faith and community.