April 26th, 2026 - Unity: Part 8 (9:00 AM)

The transcript explains the meaning, practice, and proper heart behind communion as taught in 1 Corinthians 11. It opens with examples of generosity and mission partnership, showing how the church gives beyond its walls to support gospel work. The teaching emphasizes that communion functions first as a family meal: believers are adopted into God’s family and therefore gather to celebrate together, not as isolated consumers. The New Testament pattern portrayed a shared meal, even though modern practice uses small bread and cups for practical reasons.

The exposition traces three names for the ordinance. Lord’s Supper highlights the communal, family aspect. Eucharist, from the Greek for thanksgiving, centers gratitude for Jesus’ work. Holy Communion emphasizes fellowship with God and with one another, so private celebration misses the communal intent. The text reads 1 Corinthians 11:20–26 and contrasts the ideal with Corinth’s misuse, where some came with plenty while others went hungry, and some overindulged in wine. That behavior betrayed the meal’s purpose and brought serious spiritual consequences.

Paul’s instructions clarify symbols and aims. The bread symbolizes Christ’s body and spiritual nourishment in him; the cup recalls his blood, the crushing he endured, and the new covenant he establishes. Communion calls participants to remembrance, repentance, and reorientation toward Christ. It also functions as a declaration: each observance proclaims the Lord’s death until his return, keeping the community watchful and hopeful.

The passage demands self-examination. Eating and drinking “unworthily” carries moral and relational dimensions. Individuals must check their repentance, reconcile with fellow believers, and adopt a humble posture before God. Failure in these areas risks judgment, as the Corinthian example shows. Practical guidance follows: those exploring faith, persisting in unrepentant rebellion, or locked in unresolved conflict should delay participation until they truly repent or seek reconciliation. Yet the teaching also invites the broken and seeking to come to the table when their hearts turn to Christ, for communion serves as spiritual nourishment and a means of grace.

The teaching closes with prayer, a call to prepare, and an invitation to receive Christ, underscoring that communion both remembers past redemption and anticipates final restoration in Christ’s return.

---

Key Takeaways

• 1. Communion is a family meal Communion gathers adopted children of God to share symbolic food and drink together, not as isolated consumers. The ordinance roots identity in belonging, calling participants to remember shared adoption and to live as a reconciled household. Approaching the table alone or privately misses the communal shape God intends for covenant fellowship. [28:33]
• 2. Remembrance shapes the elements The bread and cup function as deliberate signs that focus memory on Jesus’ sacrifice and ongoing provision. Bread points to Christ as the nourishing presence; the cup invokes the blood that establishes a new covenant and recalls the crushing he endured for sinners. These symbols reorient worshipers from self-sufficiency to dependence on Christ’s work. [35:04]
• 3. Examine repentance and unity Self-examination before the table requires honest assessment of personal sin and relational standing with the church. Repentance that turns from patterns of rebellion and active steps toward reconciliation with offended brothers or sisters prepare one to honor Christ corporately. Without such inward and communal integrity, participation risks hypocrisy and spiritual consequence. [43:35]
• 4. Communion anticipates Christ’s return Each observance proclaims the Lord’s death “until he comes,” keeping the community awake to eschatological hope. Communion simultaneously recalls past redemption and frames present life as preparation for encounter with the returning King. This forward-looking posture cultivates readiness, repentance, and holy expectation. [41:15]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [25:27] - Praise report and mission giving
• [26:20] - District conference and church partnership
• [27:13] - Transition to 1 Corinthians 11
• [27:52] - Communion as a family meal
• [30:52] - Eucharist and thanksgiving
• [32:00] - Corinth’s misuse of communion
• [35:04] - Meaning of bread and cup
• [41:15] - Communion and Christ’s return
• [42:16] - Examine yourself before communion
• [53:53] - Invitation, prayer, and preparation
• [63:46] - Benediction and closing

Bible Reading
1 Corinthians 11:20–26 (ESV)
When you come together, it is not the Lord’s supper that you eat. For in eating, each one goes ahead with his own meal. One goes hungry, another gets drunk. 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. 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, 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.” 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.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

---

Observation Questions

1. What specific behaviors in the Corinthian church dishonored the purpose of communion? (1 Corinthians 11:20–22)
2. According to Paul, what do the bread and cup symbolize, and what action are believers called to take when partaking? (1 Corinthians 11:24–25)
3. What two-fold purpose does communion serve—looking backward and forward—based on verse 26?

---

Interpretation Questions

1. Why does Paul emphasize self-examination before taking communion, and how does the Corinthian church’s behavior illustrate the dangers of neglecting this?
2. What does it mean to partake in communion “unworthily” (v. 27), and how might this apply to both personal sin and relational brokenness?
3. How does the communal nature of communion reflect God’s design for the church as a family, and why is isolation or division incompatible with this ordinance?

---

Application Questions

1. Before taking communion, how can you intentionally “check your unity” with others in your church family? What practical step could you take this week to address unresolved conflict or tension? [45:52]
2. Reflect on a time when you approached communion while clinging to unrepentant sin. How can you cultivate a habit of honest self-examination before participating in the Lord’s Supper?
3. The sermon described communion as both a remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice and a declaration of hope for His return. How might this dual focus shape your attitude during communion? What distractions do you need to set aside to engage fully?
4. In what ways can you actively foster a sense of “family” during communion gatherings—especially with those who might feel isolated or unwelcome?
5. The Corinthians’ selfishness during communion harmed the community. How can you guard against individualism in your faith journey and prioritize serving others, even in small acts?
6. If communion anticipates Christ’s return, what areas of your life need reorienting to reflect readiness for His coming? How might this hope change your priorities today?