Biblical Authority Illustrated

BIBLICAL AUTHORITY ILLUSTRATED

1 Corinthians 11:23-26

Introduction:  In our study of Biblical Authority, we have learned (1) the need for it; (2) the imperative of it; (3) the ways in which it is established: through direct statements, generically and specifically, through implication, and through examples.  In our lesson today, we shall examine a single subject, the Lord's Supper, and apply these principles of Biblical Authority to that one subject.

I.        What Is The Purpose Of The Lord's Supper?

A. 1 Cor. 11:23, 24 - "This do in remembrance of Me."

B. 1 Cor. 11:25 - ". . .you proclaim the Lord's death till He comes."

C. These direct statements show us how Jesus viewed the Supper.

II.       What Are The Elements Of The Lord's Supper?

A. Luke 22:15 - "With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer."

B. Luke 22:19 - "And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them. . ."  What kind of bread was this?  (See Exodus 12:15,18-20).  Implication teaches us that Jesus used unleavened bread.

C. Matthew 26:27 - "Then He took the cup, and gave thanks and gave it to them. . ."  Mt. 26:29 - "I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father's kingdom."

III.      Who Is To Partake Of The Lord's Supper?

A. Matthew 26:20ff. - Jesus instituted the Supper in company with the twelve, and all of them partook of the bread and fruit of the vine.

B. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 - Paul is instructing the church of God at Corinth concerning the proper observance of the Supper. (cf. 1 Cor. 1:2).

C. Mark 14:25 - Jesus looked forward to drinking it with His disciples in His Father's kingdom.

IV.      When And How Often Should We Observe The Lord's Supper?

A. Mark 14:25 - Jesus looked to a specific day in which He would drink it with them in the Father's kingdom.

B. Acts 2:42 - those who were baptized on Pentecost "continued in . . .the breaking of the bread" (the Lord's Supper).  When did they start what they continued?  On what day of the week did Pentecost come? (cf. Lev. 23:15,16).

C. 1 Cor. 11:20ff.; 16:1,2 - On what day did the Corinthians come together?  On how many of these days did they assemble?

D. 1 Cor. 16:1 - Who else assembled on the first day of the week?  (Answer: the churches of Galatia.)

E. Acts 20:7 - When did the church at Troas come together, and for what purpose did they assemble?  (Answer: first day of the week, to break the bread).

F. The same passages that any religious group would use to justify assembling for worship on the first day of every week also authorizes observing the Lord's Supper every first day of the week!

Conclusion: In this lesson we have used direct statements from Scripture, implication from Scripture, and examples from Scripture to present the Biblical Authority for observing the Lord's Supper - using unleavened bread and fruit of the vine - every first day of the week!