The Lord’s Supper - A Sacred Reminder

ADRIAN S TAYLOR

Sermon • Submitted 9 months ago • Presented 9 months ago

1 Corinthians 11:17–33

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1 Corinthians 11:17–33 KJV 1900

17 Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse. 18 For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it. 19 For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you. 20 When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord’s supper. 21 For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken. 22 What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not. 23 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: 24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. 25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. 26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come. 27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. 29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. 30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. 31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. 32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. 33 Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another.

1 Corintjians 11:17-33

Sermon Title: The Lord’s Supper: A Sacred Reminder

Text: 1 Corinthians 11:17–33 (KJV)

Preacher: Rev. [Your Name]

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Sermon Abstract

This study of 1 Corinthians 11:20–33 reminds believers that the Lord’s Supper is not a mere ceremony, but a sacred reminder of our unity with Christ, the significance of His sacrifice, and our proclamation of the gospel. Paul calls the Corinthian church—and every church since—to approach the Lord’s Table with spiritual reverence, holy self-examination, and gospel proclamation. As we gather to partake, we remember His body broken, His blood shed, and His return promised.

Sermon Introduction

Years ago, a small-town pastor told the story of his grandmother’s final Sunday dinner. She had been the Spiritual matriarch of their family for over 70 years. That Sunday, she cooked her famous pot roast, gathered the family, and prayed with tears in her eyes. Before the meal ended, she stood, walked around the table, kissed each grandchild on the forehead, and whispered, “Remember Jesus.” The next morning, she passed peacefully in her sleep. That final meal beame a sacred moment burned into the memory of her family; a reminder not of her death, but of her faith.

There are some things in life that we must never forget. Birthdays, anniversaries, and life-changing moments are often marked with photos, gifts, or special dinners. Why? Because remembrance cements significance. But spiritual forgetfulness is a real problem. We forget how far God has brought us, how much grace He has given, and how faithful He’s been. And so, God in His wisdom gave us a sacred meal, not just for nourishment, but for remembrance.

Dr. Adrian Rogers once said, “The Lord’s Supper is not a funeral; it’s a feast. It looks back at Calvary, it looks within our hearts, and it looks forward to the Second Coming.” This sacred ordinance deserves our careful attention.

Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 11 remind us that The Lord’s Supper is not a casual ritual, but a sacred reminder of our Savior’s love, sacrifice, and soon return. Let us examine the passage under three headings: Togetherness, Type, and Testimony.

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I. Togetherness (1 Corinthians 11:20–22)

A. Division Reproved (1 Corinthians 11:17-21)

1 Corinthians 11:17–21 KJV 1900

“When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord’s supper.”

Paul confronts the Corinthians not for failing to gather, but for gathering wrongly. Though physically present, their spiritual posture was fragmented. Selfishness, classism, and disregard for others tainted the gathering. The Lord’s Supper was meant to be a moment of holy unity, but had become an opportunity for disunity.

Theological Insight:

The Greek word for “come together” (synerchomai) implies not just location, but unity of purpose. The church is not a place for personal agendas but for communal reverence. Disregarding others during the Lord’s Supper is a contradiction of the gospel itself, which unites rich and poor, Jew and Gentile, male and female under the blood of Jesus.

Practical Application:

We must prioritize unity over personal preference, honor fellowship over formality, and pursue humility over hierarchy.

KJV Cross-References:

• John 13:35 – “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples…”

• Acts 2:44 – “And all that believed were together…”

• Psalm 133:1 – “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”

• Romans 12:16 – “Be of the same mind one toward another…”

B. Disrespect Rebuked (1 Corinthians 11:22)

1 Corinthians 11:22 KJV 1900

22 What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not.

“What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in?”

Paul rebukes them for treating the holy as common. They disrespected the house of God and dishonored the poor among them.

Theological Insight:

The Lord’s Supper is not about indulgence, but reverence. It is not for satisfying the stomach, but for satisfying the soul with remembrance.

The Lord’s supper table is a place for reflection, repentance and reverence. We do not sit at communion to play, but to prayerfully consider the cost of our salvation.

Practical Application:

Let us show reverence in worship, respect for others, and remembrance of Christ.

KJV Cross-References:

• Ecclesiastes 5:1 – “Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God…”

• 1 Peter 2:17 – “Honour all men. Love the brotherhood…”

• Hebrews 12:28 – “…serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.”

• Malachi 1:6 – “A son honoureth his father… where is mine honour?”

Illustration:

Imagine being invited to a funeral and instead of mourning, people are laughing, eating wings, and watching sports. That would be offensive. That’s what Paul saw in Corinth — a holy remembrance turned into a fleshly feast.

II. Type (1 Corinthians 11:23–25)

A. Bread – Symbol of Sacrifice (1 Corinthians 11:23-24)

1 Corinthians 11:23–24 KJV 1900

23 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: 24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.

“Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you…”

Jesus used bread to represent His broken body. Though His bones were not broken, His body was bruised, pierced, and crushed for our redemption.

Theological Insight:

The bread is not mystical. It is symbolic. It reminds us of Isaiah 53:5 — “He was wounded for our transgressions…” His body bore the pain we deserved.

Practical Application:

Let us respond with adoration for Christ, appreciation for Calvary, and application of the Cross in daily living.

KJV Cross-References:

• Isaiah 53:5 – “But he was wounded for our transgressions…”

• John 6:51 – “I am the living bread which came down from heaven…”

• Hebrews 10:10 – “…through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”

• 1 Peter 2:24 – “…who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree…”

B. Cup – Symbol of the Covenant (1 Corinthians 11: 25)

1 Corinthians 11:25 KJV 1900

25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.

“This cup is the new testament in my blood…”

The cup represents the new covenant, ratified by Jesus’ blood. It reminds us that salvation is no longer by law but by grace through faith in Christ.

Theological Insight:

In the Old Testament, covenants were sealed with blood. Christ, our Passover, poured out His blood to seal the covenant of forgiveness and eternal life.

Dr. A.T. Robertson stated, “The cup was the visible, drinkable sign of the invisible, eternal promise of God.”

Practical Application:

Let us drink with faith in Christ, fidelity to His promises, and fervor for holy living.

KJV Cross-References:

• Exodus 24:8 – “Behold the blood of the covenant…”

• Matthew 26:28 – “…my blood of the new testament…”

• Hebrews 9:14 – “How much more shall the blood of Christ…”

• Revelation 1:5 – “…Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood.”

Illustration:

When you wear a wedding ring, you are reminded of a covenant made. The bread and the cup are symbols of a heavenly covenant, binding us to the Savior forever.

III. Testimony (1 Corinthians 11:26–33)

A. Proclamation of the Gospel (1 Corinthians 11: 26)

1 Corinthians 11:26 KJV 1900

26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.

“For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.”

The Lord’s Supper is a sermon without words. Every time we partake, we preach Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection — and His return.

Theological Insight:

The Greek word for “shew” means to proclaim publicly. It is an act of witness, not private devotion. It’s a visible declaration of the invisible gospel.

Practical Application:

Let us partake with clarity of message, conviction of faith, and commitment to Christ’s mission.

KJV Cross-References:

• Romans 1:16 – “For I am not ashamed of the gospel…”

• Matthew 28:19-20 – “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations…”

• Acts 1:8 – “…ye shall be witnesses unto me…”

• 2 Corinthians 5:20 – “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ…”

B. Preparation of the Heart (v. 27–33)

1 Corinthians 11:27–33 KJV 1900

27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. 29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. 30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. 31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. 32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. 33 Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another.

“But let a man examine himself…”

This is not just a meal — it is a moment for examination. We must come to the table with repentant hearts, renewed faith, and reverent posture.

Theological Insight:

Unworthy partaking is not about being unworthy of Christ (for none of us are), but about approaching with careless hearts. We must confess sin and honor Christ’s sacrifice properly.

Practical Application:

Let us approach with sober reflection, spiritual repentance, and sincere resolve to walk uprightly before God.

KJV Cross-References:

• Psalm 139:23-24 – “Search me, O God, and know my heart…”

• James 4:8 – “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you…”

• 1 John 1:9 – “If we confess our sins…”

• Romans 12:1 – “Present your bodies a living sacrifice…”

Illustration:

Before you eat at a fine restaurant, you often wash your hands, adjust your attire, and prepare for the experience. Should we not prepare our hearts even more when coming to the Lord’s Table?

Conclusion

The Lord’s Supper is not a snack, it is a sacred reminder.

It reminds us of our Togetherness as one body,

It reveals the Type of Christ’s sacrifice — body and blood,

And it bears Testimony to the world and to our own hearts of the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ.