Shepherds College: Systematic Theology, Sesson 22

The Lord’s Supper Established by Christ  Luke 22:14–20 (ESV) 14 And when the hour came, he reclined at table, and the apostles with him. 15 And he said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 For I tell you I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” 17 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, “Take this, and divide it among yourselves. 18 For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” 19 And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 20 And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. See also: Mt 26:20–30; Mk 14:25 To Be Repeated 1 Corinthians 11:23–26 (ESV) 23 For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. A Memorial Old Testament Memorials:  The rainbow—Genesis 9:8-17  The Passover—Exodus 12 New Testament Memorials: (see 1 Corinthians 15:1-4)  The Lord’s Supper: Commemorates the Death of Christ  Baptism: Commemorates the death, burial, & resurrection of Christ  The Lord’s Day: Commemorates the Resurrection  The Christian Life: Commemorates the Appearance of Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:5-8, Acts 1:3 A Form of Proclamation 1 Corinthians 11:26 (ESV) For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. 26  A graphic display of the Gospel  A symbol of the present fellowship of believers with one another and with the Lord(see the problems at Corinth, 1 Corinthians 11:18-21)  A proclamation of the future return of Christ A Sacrament  Spiritual Growth (by seen in the warnings) 1 Corinthians 10:14–22 14 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. 15 I speak as to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say. 16 The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? 17 Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread. 18 Consider the people of Israel: are not those who eat the sacrifices participants in the altar? 19 What do I imply then? That food offered to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything? 20 No, I imply that what pagans sacrifice they offer to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be participants with demons. 21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons. 22 Shall we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than he? On Fellowship κοινός, ή, όν: mutual; defiled (Hebrews 10:29); worthless; in common κοινός: unit ἒχω κοινός: share mutually Κοινόω: defile; regard as defiled Κοινωνέω: share; do together with κοινωνέω: unit κοινωνέω αἵματος καὶ σαρκός: be a person κοινωνία, ας f: fellowship; share; willing contribution κοινωνικός, ή, όν: ready sharing κοινωνός, οῦ m: partner Johannes P. Louw and Eugene Albert Nida, vol. 2, Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament: Based on Semantic Domains, electronic ed. of the 2nd edition. (New York: United Bible Societies, 1996), 144. It is a Communion with both Christ and His Church  It is an ordinance of the church, the body.  The Church, meeting together to participate, demonstrate that there is one body. 1 Corinthians 10:15–17 15 I speak as to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say. 16 The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? 17 Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread.  Divisions and strife contradict the essential meaning of the Lord’s Supper: 1 Corinthians 11:17–22 17 But in the following instructions I do not commend you, because when you come together it is not for the better but for the worse. 18 For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you. And I believe it in part, 19 for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized. 20 When you come together, it is not the Lord’s supper that you eat. 21 For in eating, each one goes ahead with his own meal. One goes hungry, another gets drunk. 22 What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I commend you in this? No, I will not. Summary The Lord’s Supper  Is established by Christ  Is to be repeated  Is a Memorial  Is a Proclamation  Is a Sacrament  Is a communion both with Christ and His Church