Worthy of the Table
Notes
Transcript
Sermon Tone Analysis
A
D
F
J
S
Emotion
A
C
T
Language
O
C
E
A
E
Social
Many times when we come to the Lord’s Table - the emphasis is on our personal worthiness to take part in it. We spend a-lot of time talking about sin in our lives, and giving an opportunity to spend time in prayer as we confess and repent. I will have to admit that this has been my approach to communion for the majority of my ministry.
We spend much time speaking on verse 27
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.
as we think on the importance of not coming to the Lord’s table Unworthily. Is there unconfessed sin in your life? Is there a brother or sister in Christ that a relationship needs to be repaired because of an offence. This is the way I have heard it explained many times, and the way I have approached it as well....
Here is the question that has been burning in my heart.....What makes me worthy to sit at His Table?
The only honest answer that I could come to is — Nothing.
No matter How much I desire to be righteous enough - I am reminded of
6 But we are all as an unclean thing, And all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; And we all do fade as a leaf; And our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
No matter how much I desire to be sinless - I am reminded of
23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
No matter how much i desire to be good enough - I am reminded of
3 They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: There is none that doeth good, no, not one.
18 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.
I am faced with the truth, that I am not worthy, and can never be.
How Can We Come to the Lord’s Table in a Worthy Manner
That is why I am amazed at His mercy and grace that invites me to come....
After the resurrection of Christ, When the disciples were on the boat fishing and they saw Jesus on the shore - Peter diving in to meet him, the rest following on the boat - Jesus said
12 Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord.
When we read the gospels we find that It is usually with the publican and the sinners that he sits at the table with - not the pharisees and the sadducees.
Here is the truth - there is no act of righteousness, no goodness we can exhibit, no amount of sinlessness that we strive for that will make us worthy of one drop of His Grace.
So then - Paul warns bunch of unworthy sinners to not come to this time unworthily. What is he talking about?
I think if we take this verse and look at it in relations to its context - I think that we can identify some truths about how we are to approach the Lord’s Table.
The Church in Corinth was not known as a model church - as a matter of fact, Paul had some pretty serious issues that he addressed in this book. The abuse and misunderstanding of the doctrine of spiritual gifts, using Christian liberty in such a way that they were being a stumblingblock for younger, less spiritually mature Christians.
It is a Feast of Worship
So this is the backdrop of the instructions that He gives in . There are three things that we are going to look at this morning as we prepare our hearts and minds for coming to the Lord’s table this morning.
It is a Feast of
If we are Not careful we can allow the symbology of this time to become meaningless by coming to the Lord’s Table with an improper heart.
A Spirit of Unity
A Spirit of Unity
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.
The Church in Corinth was a very divided church. So much so that when they came together to celebrate the Lord’s Supper that they would break up into their own groups or cliques.
Divisions Amongst the People
Divisions Amongst the People
Spiritual Division
Spiritual Division
1 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.
2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.
3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?
4 For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?
1 Cor 3:
“One day a guy was walking across a bridge and he saw another fellow who looked like he was ready to jump off the bridge. So, he thought he’d try to stall him until the authorities showed up.
So he yelled to the guy, ‘Don’t jump!’ To which the guy replied, ‘Why not? Nobody loves me.’
‘Well, God loves you. You believe in God, don’t you? ‘Yes, I believe in God,’ he said.
‘Good. Are you Christian or Jewish? ‘Christian,’ he said. ‘Me, too! What kind of Christian?’ ‘Baptist,’ he said.
‘Me, too! Independent Baptist or Southern Baptist?’ ‘Independent Baptist,’ he said.
‘Me, too! New Evangelical/Moderate Independent Baptist or Conservative Independent Baptist?’ ‘Conservative Independent Baptist,’ he said.
‘Me, too! Once Saved Always Saved Conservative Independent Baptist or Lose-Your-Salvation Armenian Conservative Independent Baptist?’ ‘Once Saved Always Saved Conservative Independent Baptist,’ he said.
‘Me, too! King James Only Once Saved Always Saved Conservative Independent Baptist OR Modern Versions Once Saved Always Saved Conservative Independent Baptist?’
And the guy said, ‘Modern Versions Once Saved Always Saved Conservative Independent Baptist,’ he said.
And the other guy said, ‘What??!! You heretic!’ And he pushed him over the bridge.”
Paul says there will be Heresies in the Church - sects - like the Pharisee’s () Sadducees () and even Christians ( and )
Paul says there will be Heresies in the Church - sects - like the Pharisee’s () Sadducees () and even Christians ( and )
When so many different people from so many different backgrounds come together under one roof there will be differences!
Which is why it is imperative that we come to the word of God with a humble and teachable Spirit.
Notice Paul says it is Necessary that there are heresies among you, Which is why we must be careful in choosing our leadership, choosing teachers of the Word of God that will stand on its truth and boldly declare it.
He says that in the light of these divisions, those who stand on the Word of God and strive to Model Christ in their life stand out as Approved (tested and found faithful) and are made manifest (clearly seen)
Christian - Do you desire the truth more than you desire to be right? When you find your thinking at Odds with the clear teaching of God’s Word are you willing to allow His truth to transform your minds
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
There Were Social Divisions
There Were Social Divisions
There were Doctrinal Divisions
There were Doctrinal Divisions
The way that you and I come to the Lord’s supper is different than what was done in the NT Church. Notice i said different, not wrong.
They would bring in food - almost like one of our potlucks - and eat together making communion a part of this “Love Feast” as some commentators like to call it.
But what was commonly happening is that there were wealthy christians who would bring in their “casseroles” and share that amongst their groups rather than sharing with all that were present.
Look at what
The results of this if found in verse 21 - the poor were leaving hungry while the others were leaving stuffed.
Paul rebukes this in verse 22 telling them - don’t you have your on house were you can invite your friends over.
Is there anything wrong with having close friends in the church that you enjoy fellowshipping with? Absolutely not! Each of us have people that we are closer too, and naturally gravitate towards forming close friendships.
However when a church becomes Cliquesh it generates a divisive spirit that dishonors the Lord.
16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?
17 For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.
1 Cor 10:
Paul says in our text
20 When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord’s supper.
The Spirit of Disunity and Divisiveness was so carnal and out of sync with the heart of Christ that Paul tells them, when you come together like this - you cannot claim that this is the Lord’s Supper.
21 Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils.
We are called to be one body - finding our commonalty with each others in the person of Jesus Christ.
It is related of the Duke of Wellington, that once when he remained to take the sacrament at his parish church, a very poor old man went up the opposite aisle, and reaching the communion table, knelt down close by the side of the duke. Someone came and touched the poor man on the shoulder, and whispered to him to move further away, or to rise and wait until the duke had received the bread and wine. But the eagle eye and the quick ear of the great commander caught the meaning of that touch and that whisper. He clasped the old man's hand and held him, to prevent his rising, and in a reverent undertone, but most distinctly, said—"Do not move, we are all equal here."
In a Peanuts cartoon Lucy demanded that Linus change TV channels, threatening him with her fist if he didn't. "What makes you think you can walk right in here and take over?" asks Linus.
4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
"These five fingers," says Lucy. "Individually they're nothing but when I curl them together like this into a single unit, they form a weapon that is terrible to behold."
"Which channel do you want?" asks Linus. Turning away, he looks at his fingers and says, "Why can't you guys get organized like that?"
To be Worthy of the table - Paul says first we must put on the mind of Christ and express a Unity born out of a desire to model Christ in our life that is lived out in our care for one another.
1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,
2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
During World War II, Hitler commanded all religious groups to unite so that he could control them. Among the Brethren assemblies, half complied and half refused. Those who went along with the order had a much easier time. Those who did not, faced harsh persecution. In almost every family of those who resisted, someone died in a concentration camp.
When the war was over, feelings of bitterness ran deep between the groups and there was much tension. Finally they decided that the situation had to be healed. Leaders from each group met at a quiet retreat. For several days, each person spent time in prayer, examining his own heart in the light of Christ's commands. Then they came together. Francis Schaeffer, who told of the incident, asked a friend who was there, "What did you do then?" "We were just one," he replied. As they confessed their hostility and bitterness to God and yielded to His control, the Holy Spirit created a spirit of unity among them. Love filled their hearts and dissolved their hatred.
When love prevails among believers, especially in times of strong disagreement, it presents to the world an indisputable mark of a true follower of Jesus Christ.
A Spirit of Worship
A Spirit of Worship
After dealing with the divisiveness in the Church - Paul turns his attention to act of the Lord’s Supper inself
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:
He draws our attention back to the upper room. Jesus is there with his disciples - a group of men that had made the practiced the passover year after year, because that’s what the jews did. Jesus knew their heart - He knew the thoughts of pride that would cause them to begin to discuss who would be greater in the kingdom. He knew that Judas would soon betray Him.
Jesus knew their heart - He knew the thoughts of pride that would cause them to begin to discuss who would be greater in the kingdom. He knew that Judas would soon betray Him.
Paul points us to the truth that the institution of this time by Christ that was to point us to the sacrifice of the Lord was made at the time when the that hatred of mankind for him was at work to betray him to his enemies.
To be worthy of the table - we must come to it with an attitude of worship and awe.
His Sacrifice For Us
His Sacrifice For Us
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.
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.
Dear Lord! while we adoring pay
Our humble thanks to Thee;
May every heart with rapture say,—
"The Savior died for me!"—Anne Steele
This time was to draw our attention back to the cost of our redemption.
The Passion where is Body was Broken for us
The Cross where His blood poured down onto the hillside of Calvary.
As Humans we have a tendency to become accustomed to things that have happened.
A good example is 9-11. In the days that followed this fateful day churches were full - there was a nationwide call to prayer. Our guard was up and we were finding a national unity. Soon - it started to fade into the background and then into history. The tremendous effect that this attack had on our country did make a lasting scar - but we soon became used to the scar and no longer notice it .
Paul says that we should take this time to serve to refresh our hearts and our minds on the price of our redemption -
The danger is to come to the Lord’s Table with no more regard than sitting down for dinner with the family.
Our Proclamation of Him
Our Proclamation of Him
26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.
The word “Shew” means to proclaim and speak to what should be our heart cry when we come to the table.
The Lord’s Table is to be a sermon in action! When coupled with a life that has been devoted to the Lord - it becomes a powerful illustration of the Grace of Christ.
Just like most of the sermons that we hear preached, There are three main points to this living Sermon -
Our Redemption
Our Redemption
18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;
19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
Our Devotion
Our Devotion
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Our Hope
Our Hope
13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
A Spirit of Introspection
A Spirit of Introspection
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.
1 cor 11
When we come to the table we need to take some time and examine our hearts.
We emphasize taking care of any unconfessed sin - and we should.
Sin causes division - It separates us from the fellowship of the Lord and separates us from our fellow believers.
Many times by
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: Try me, and know my thoughts:
24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.
But don’t stop there -
Are we Coming in Unity as the Body of Christ
Are we Coming to Him in worship and Awe as we remember his sacrifice, and proclaim his grace
They we will never be worthy of the table spiritually apart from the atoning work of Christ - Do we intensely desire to?
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: Try me, and know my thoughts:
24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.
Psalm 139:
There are two extreme’s when it comes to self-examination
Yes, there is a call
That which is Flippant
That which is Destructive
one leads to an uncaring attitude that says “does it really matter”
and one binds our hearts and minds with chains of guilt and discouragment
I was once in a prayer meeting with a group of pastors, and I spent the entire meeting thinking about myself and assessing my contributions. And because that apparently wasn’t enough self-absorption for one day, I left the meeting and spent the rest of the afternoon continuing the self-reflection: considering whether I shared too much or too little, wondering what others thought of me, examining my motives, and especially hoping I didn’t pray anything dumb or heretical.
Healthy Introspection - the examination that we are called to here in is Christ centered, not me centered.
It says - I am unworthy to be at this table - apart from God’s Grace.
Christ Centered Examination kneels at the foot of the Cross - reveling in the forgiveness that is found there.
I am unworthy to be at this table - apart from God’s Grace.
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Christ Centered Examination opens the windows of our lives to the light of the Gospel - Shining in His Light and Life - Revealing us for who we are
4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
John 1:
12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
Friends - when we come to the Lord’s table we come equal -
Ruth Bell Graham, wife of Billy Graham, It’s My Turn. In one of her chapters she quotes from her journal … from a day when she was burdened with many cares … from a day when she felt totally inadequate as a mother and wife. These are her words:
I am a weak, lazy, indifferent character; casual when I should be concerned, concerned when I should be carefree; self-indulgent, hypocritical, begging God to help me when I am hardly willing to lift a finger for myself; quarrelsome where I should be silent, silent where I should be outspoken; vacillating, easily distracted and sidetracked.
Thou knowest how soon my mind
from Heavenly things to earthly
is drawn aside.
How oft I fail and fall.
from Heavenly things to earthly
His Sacrifice to Us
is drawn aside.
I have found tremendous comfort in this old hymn:Come ye sinners, poor and needy,
How oft I fail and fall.
I have found tremendous comfort in this old hymn:Come ye sinners, poor and needy,
Weak and wounded,
Sick and sore;
Jesus, waiting, stands to help you,
Full of mercy, love and power …
Let not conscience bid you linger,
Nor of fitness fondly dream;
All the fitness he requireth
Is to feel your need of Him.
Joseph Hart
Our Devotion to Him
Sick and sore;
Jesus, waiting, stands to help you,
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Full of mercy, love and power …
Let not conscience bid you linger,
Joseph Hart
“What would I do,” wrote Chalmers, “if God did not justify the ungodly?”
And “What would I do,” said Thomas Boston of Scotland, “but for the imputed righteousness?”
There it is. All that I am not, He is; all that I am and should not be, He forgives and covers.
“What would I do,” wrote Chalmers, “if God did not justify the ungodly?”
And “What would I do,” said Thomas Boston of Scotland, “but for the imputed righteousness?”
There it is. All that I am not, He is; all that I am and should not be, He forgives and covers.
Nor of fitness fondly dream;
20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
All the fitness he requireth
31 I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.
Is to feel your need of Him.
Joseph Hart
“What would I do,” wrote Chalmers, “if God did not justify the ungodly?”
And “What would I do,” said Thomas Boston of Scotland, “but for the imputed righteousness?”
There it is. All that I am not, He is; all that I am and should not be, He forgives and covers.
