Cherishing Communion: Unity, Sacrifice, and Self-Examination

Devotional

Day 1: Unity Beyond Barriers

Cherishing communion calls us to embrace genuine unity with all believers, transcending barriers and divisions. This unity is a reflection of our shared faith and equality at the foot of the cross, reminding us to cherish our connections with one another. In the early church, particularly in Corinth, divisions arose due to pride and social status, which corrupted the sacred practice of communion. Paul admonished the Corinthians, emphasizing that communion is a time for unity, not division. As believers, we are called to examine our hearts, confess our sins, and approach the table with humility and reverence. This self-examination is crucial, as it allows us to align our hearts with God's will and avoid His judgment. [09:29]

Ephesians 4:2-3 (ESV): "With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."

Reflection: Think of a fellow believer with whom you have experienced tension or division. How can you take a step today to restore unity and reflect the love of Christ in that relationship?

Day 2: The Cost of Grace

The Lord's Supper is a sacred meal that commemorates Jesus' sacrifice, the most expensive meal paid for by His blood. This act serves as a reminder of the new covenant and the grace extended to us. As we partake in communion, we are reminded of the profound cost of our salvation and the depth of God's love for us. This sacredness calls us to approach the table with reverence, acknowledging the immense sacrifice made on our behalf. It is a time to remember the grace that has been freely given to us and to live in a manner that reflects our gratitude for this gift. [15:55]

1 Peter 1:18-19 (ESV): "Knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot."

Reflection: Reflect on the sacrifice Jesus made for you. How can you live today in a way that honors the grace and love He has shown you?

Day 3: The Mirror of Self-Examination

Before partaking in communion, we are called to examine ourselves, confess our sins, and approach the table with humility. This self-examination helps us align our hearts with God's will and avoid His judgment. It is a time to look inward, to assess our motives, and to ensure that our actions reflect our faith. By examining ourselves, we open our hearts to God's transformative work, allowing Him to shape us into His likeness. This process of self-reflection is not just a ritual but a vital practice that deepens our relationship with God and strengthens our walk with Him. [21:52]

2 Corinthians 13:5 (ESV): "Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!"

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to invite God's transformation? How can you begin to address this area today through prayer and action?

Day 4: A Fourfold Perspective

Communion encourages us to look back at Jesus' sacrifice, forward to His return, within to confess our sins, and around to ensure unity with fellow believers. This holistic approach helps us cherish the sacredness of the meal. By looking in these four directions, we gain a comprehensive understanding of the significance of communion and its impact on our lives. It is a time to remember the past, anticipate the future, and engage with the present, all while maintaining a focus on our relationship with God and others. This perspective enriches our spiritual journey and deepens our connection with the divine. [27:35]

Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV): "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."

Reflection: As you partake in communion, which of the four perspectives (past, future, inward, outward) do you find most challenging to embrace? How can you intentionally focus on this perspective today?

Day 5: Guarding Against Division

Pride and social status can corrupt the sacred practice of communion. We must be vigilant in examining our hearts and ensuring that our motives align with God's will, fostering unity rather than division. The early church in Corinth struggled with this issue, and Paul's admonition serves as a reminder for us today. By guarding against pride and division, we uphold the sanctity of communion and reflect the unity that Jesus' sacrifice has made possible. It is a call to humility, to prioritize our shared faith over personal differences, and to live in a manner that honors the body of Christ. [31:55]

James 4:6 (ESV): "But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.'"

Reflection: In what ways might pride or social status be affecting your relationships within the church? How can you actively work to foster unity and humility in your interactions with others today?

Sermon Summary

Cherishing communion is a profound act of worship that calls us to reflect on our unity with fellow believers and our relationship with God. Communion is not just a ritual; it is a sacred meal that symbolizes the most expensive sacrifice ever made—Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. As we gather to partake in the Lord's Supper, we are reminded of the unity we share as believers, equal at the foot of the cross, and the sacredness of Jesus' sacrifice. This unity is not just a concept but a lived experience that requires us to overcome barriers and divisions within the church.

The early church in Corinth struggled with this, as some members allowed pride and social status to corrupt the sacred practice of communion. Paul admonished them, reminding them that communion is not a time for division but for unity. We are called to examine our hearts, confess our sins, and approach the table with humility and reverence. This self-examination is crucial, as it allows us to align our hearts with God's will and avoid His judgment.

Communion also serves as a reminder of the new covenant established through Jesus' blood, a covenant that offers us grace and salvation. As we partake in the bread and the cup, we proclaim the Lord's death and anticipate His return. This act of remembrance is not just about looking back at Jesus' sacrifice but also looking forward to His second coming, looking within to confess our sins, and looking around to ensure we are in unity with our fellow believers.

In essence, cherishing communion involves enjoying genuine unity with all believers, remembering Jesus' sacred sacrifice, and examining ourselves to ensure we are living in accordance with God's will. It is a time to connect deeply with God and each other, to cherish the sacredness of the meal, and to live out the unity that Jesus' sacrifice has made possible.

Key Takeaways

1. Genuine Unity with Believers: Communion calls us to enjoy genuine unity with all believers, overcoming barriers and divisions. This unity is a reflection of our shared faith and equality at the foot of the cross, reminding us to cherish our connections with one another. [09:29]
2. Sacredness of Jesus' Sacrifice: The Lord's Supper is a sacred meal that commemorates Jesus' sacrifice. It is the most expensive meal, paid for by Jesus' blood, and serves as a reminder of the new covenant and the grace extended to us. [15:55]
3. Self-Examination: Before partaking in communion, we are called to examine ourselves, confess our sins, and approach the table with humility. This self-examination helps us align our hearts with God's will and avoid His judgment. [21:52]
4. Looking in Four Directions: Communion encourages us to look back at Jesus' sacrifice, forward to His return, within to confess our sins, and around to ensure unity with fellow believers. This holistic approach helps us cherish the sacredness of the meal. [27:35]
5. Avoiding Pride and Division: Pride and social status can corrupt the sacred practice of communion. We must be vigilant in examining our hearts and ensuring that our motives align with God's will, fostering unity rather than division. [31:55]
** [31:55]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:30] - Introduction and Prayer
[02:00] - The Importance of Cherishing Communion
[04:15] - Unity at the Foot of the Cross
[06:45] - The Corinthian Church's Struggle
[09:29] - Genuine Unity with Believers
[12:00] - Sacredness of Jesus' Sacrifice
[15:55] - The Most Expensive Meal
[18:30] - The New Covenant
[21:52] - Self-Examination
[24:00] - Looking in Four Directions
[27:35] - Avoiding Pride and Division
[30:00] - Encouragement to Confess
[31:55] - Conclusion and Call to Cherish Communion

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What specific issues did Paul address in the Corinthian church regarding their practice of communion? [09:29]
How does Paul describe the significance of the bread and the cup during communion? [15:55]
What are the four directions we are encouraged to look during communion, according to the sermon? [27:35]
What consequences did Paul mention for those who partake in communion in an unworthy manner? [21:52]

Interpretation Questions

Why does Paul emphasize the need for unity among believers during communion, and how does this reflect the broader message of the gospel? [09:29]
How does the concept of the "most expensive meal" deepen our understanding of Jesus' sacrifice? [15:55]
What role does self-examination play in preparing for communion, and why is it crucial for believers? [21:52]
How can the practice of looking in four directions during communion enhance a believer's spiritual life and community relationships? [27:35]

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you felt disconnected from your church community. What steps can you take to foster genuine unity with fellow believers? [09:29]
Consider the significance of Jesus' sacrifice as the "most expensive meal." How does this perspective influence your approach to communion and your daily life? [15:55]
Before participating in communion, what specific areas of your life do you need to examine and confess to align with God's will? [21:52]
How can you actively look around and address the needs of those in your church community to promote unity and support? [27:35]
Identify any pride or status-seeking behaviors in your life that may hinder your relationship with God and others. How can you address these issues? [31:55]
How can you incorporate the practice of looking back, forward, within, and around into your regular spiritual routine to deepen your faith? [27:35]
What practical steps can you take this week to ensure that your participation in communion is a meaningful and sacred experience? [31:55]

Sermon Clips

"The first way to cherish communion is to enjoy genuine unity with all other believers. You can write that down in your outlines. Enjoy genuine unity with all other believers. Paul's writing to the other people to help them see that they are abusing the communion practice. And we see this absolute tragedy." [00:04:55] (30 seconds)

"Communion is meant to be a time of remembering Jesus together, but some of the more prideful Christians, what we've been calling the elite Christians, were not waiting for everyone. They were bringing their worldly pride and status into the sacred places where pride doesn't belong. They had distorted it so far beyond recognition that Paul says this, When you come together, it is not the Lord's Supper that you eat." [00:08:14] (32 seconds)

"My friends, at the table of communion, we enjoy the most expensive meal of all time. Communion is the meal that costs the most because it was Jesus' blood that was shed to provide this moment of unity with God and unity with each other. Jesus' sacrifice for us is an absolutely precious thing." [00:15:03] (32 seconds)

"Examine yourself before you are judged by God. Examine yourself before God judges you for what you've done. Does anyone here like to watch crime shows? Trying to figure out what's going on with the crime. Anybody like that? Okay, what about like murder mysteries? Anybody like murder mysteries? I know we don't like murder, okay?" [00:21:43] (29 seconds)

"And so we are encouraged not only in the area of pride and status -seeking, but we're encouraged in every area. The principle extends for us to be examining ourselves to see that we are walking in obedience with God. It's not our obedience that earns our salvation, but now that we are Christians, we want to walk in obedience to enjoy the full benefit of the new identity we have in Christ." [00:24:24] (31 seconds)

"Do the investigation yourself into your own heart so that when you come before God, you've already admitted to him, God, I'm struggling in this area and that area. And we see that in some of those crime shows. Sometimes it's called a plea deal where they say, hey, if you go and you admit what you did, it's going to be a lot better for you than if a full investigation and full prosecution has to happen to you." [00:27:38] (29 seconds)

"So let's continue to enjoy communion as a body of Christ with genuine unity with one another, eating and drinking this sacred meal and examining ourselves that we may come before the Lord in a worthy manner. Let's not desecrate that meal. Instead, let's cherish it." [00:32:12] (25 seconds)

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