Communion: A Sacred Act of Remembrance and Unity
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to reflect on the profound significance of communion, a practice that Jesus instituted to help us remember His sacrifice for our salvation. Communion is not just a ritual; it is a deeply spiritual act that calls us to remember with reverence what Jesus did for us on the cross. The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 11, addresses the Corinthian church's misuse of communion, emphasizing the need for unity, reverence, and proper understanding of this sacred act.
Paul reprimands the Corinthians for their divisions and lack of reverence during communion, highlighting that their gatherings were doing more harm than good. He reminds them that communion is about remembering Jesus' body and blood, symbolized by the bread and the cup. This remembrance is not just a mental exercise but a heartfelt acknowledgment of Jesus' sacrifice, which should lead to a life of gratitude and reverence.
We also explored the historical context of communion, tracing its roots back to the Passover meal in the Old Testament. Jesus transformed this meal into a new covenant, symbolizing His impending sacrifice as the ultimate Passover Lamb. This new covenant signifies that we no longer need to follow the old sacrificial system because Jesus' sacrifice was once and for all.
Taking communion in a worthy manner involves three key actions: remembering Jesus' sacrifice, examining ourselves, and proclaiming His death until He comes. Remembering helps us stay grateful and grounded in our faith. Examining ourselves ensures that we approach communion with a pure heart, free from unconfessed sin or unresolved conflicts. Proclaiming Jesus' death is an act of evangelism, sharing the hope and salvation we have in Christ with others.
As we partake in communion, let it be a moment of deep reflection and gratitude. Let us remember the immense love and sacrifice of Jesus, examine our hearts, and proclaim His goodness to the world. This practice should produce a life-altering thankfulness within us, transforming how we live and interact with others.
### Key Takeaways
1. Communion as a Sacred Act of Remembrance: Communion is a profound act of remembering Jesus' sacrifice for our salvation. It is not just a ritual but a deeply spiritual practice that calls us to reflect on the immense love and sacrifice of Jesus. This remembrance should lead to a life of gratitude and reverence, constantly reminding us of the price Jesus paid for our redemption. [43:24]
2. Unity and Reverence in Communion: Paul emphasizes the need for unity and reverence during communion. The Corinthians' misuse of communion, marked by divisions and lack of respect, serves as a warning for us. Communion should be a time of coming together as the body of Christ, honoring Jesus' sacrifice with a pure heart and a unified spirit. [39:29]
3. Historical Context and Transformation of Passover: The roots of communion trace back to the Passover meal in the Old Testament. Jesus transformed this meal into a new covenant, symbolizing His impending sacrifice as the ultimate Passover Lamb. This new covenant signifies that we no longer need to follow the old sacrificial system because Jesus' sacrifice was once and for all. [47:58]
4. Taking Communion in a Worthy Manner: To take communion in a worthy manner, we must remember Jesus' sacrifice, examine ourselves, and proclaim His death until He comes. This involves a heartfelt acknowledgment of Jesus' sacrifice, self-examination to ensure a pure heart, and sharing the hope and salvation we have in Christ with others. [01:00:01]
5. Life-Altering Thankfulness: Communion should produce a life-altering thankfulness within us. As we remember Jesus' sacrifice, examine our hearts, and proclaim His goodness, we should be filled with gratitude that transforms how we live and interact with others. This thankfulness should be evident in our actions, relationships, and our willingness to share the gospel. [01:11:20]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[19:21] - Introduction to Communion
[19:52] - The Importance of Reverence
[20:18] - Historical Context of Communion
[20:31] - Paul's Reprimand to the Corinthians
[20:52] - Unity and Reverence in Communion
[21:15] - Remembering Jesus' Sacrifice
[21:44] - Examining Ourselves
[22:00] - Proclaiming Jesus' Death
[23:22] - Life-Altering Thankfulness
[24:28] - Practical Application
[33:19] - Conclusion and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. 1 Corinthians 11:17-34
2. Hebrews 9:11-15
3. Hebrews 10:1-10
### Observation Questions
1. What specific issues does Paul address regarding the Corinthians' behavior during communion? ([39:29])
2. How does Paul describe the proper way to take communion in 1 Corinthians 11:23-26?
3. What historical event does Jesus transform into the new covenant during the Last Supper? ([47:58])
4. According to Hebrews 9:11-15, what is the significance of Jesus' sacrifice compared to the old sacrificial system?
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize the need for unity and reverence during communion? How does this relate to the divisions he observed in the Corinthian church? ([39:29])
2. What does it mean to take communion in a "worthy manner," and why is self-examination important before partaking in communion? ([40:48])
3. How does the transformation of the Passover meal into the new covenant by Jesus change the way we understand and practice communion today? ([47:58])
4. In what ways does the new covenant, as described in Hebrews 9 and 10, provide a deeper understanding of Jesus' sacrifice and its implications for our faith?
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you took communion without fully understanding its significance. How can you approach it differently in the future to ensure it is a moment of deep reflection and gratitude? ([49:19])
2. Paul reprimands the Corinthians for their lack of unity and reverence during communion. How can you foster a spirit of unity and reverence in your small group or church community during communion? ([39:29])
3. The sermon emphasized the importance of self-examination before taking communion. What specific steps can you take to examine your heart and resolve any unconfessed sin or unresolved conflicts before participating in communion? ([40:48])
4. How can you incorporate the practice of remembering Jesus' sacrifice into your daily life, not just during communion? What are some practical ways to keep this remembrance alive? ([49:19])
5. The new covenant signifies that Jesus' sacrifice was once and for all. How does this understanding impact your view of salvation and your relationship with God? ([47:58])
6. Communion should produce a life-altering thankfulness within us. Identify one area of your life where you can express this thankfulness more tangibly, whether in your actions, relationships, or willingness to share the gospel. ([01:11:20])
7. How can you proclaim Jesus' death and the hope of salvation to others in your daily interactions? Think of one person you can share this message with this week and plan how you will approach the conversation. ([01:08:54])
Devotional
### Day 1: Communion as a Sacred Act of Remembrance
Communion is a profound act of remembering Jesus' sacrifice for our salvation. It is not just a ritual but a deeply spiritual practice that calls us to reflect on the immense love and sacrifice of Jesus. This remembrance should lead to a life of gratitude and reverence, constantly reminding us of the price Jesus paid for our redemption. [43:24]
In 1 Corinthians 11, Paul emphasizes the importance of remembering Jesus' body and blood, symbolized by the bread and the cup. This act of remembrance is not merely a mental exercise but a heartfelt acknowledgment of Jesus' sacrifice. It calls us to live a life of gratitude and reverence, constantly aware of the immense love and sacrifice that Jesus demonstrated on the cross. As we partake in communion, we are reminded of the price Jesus paid for our redemption, which should transform our hearts and lives.
Communion is a time to pause and reflect on the depth of Jesus' love for us. It is an opportunity to remember the sacrifice that brought us salvation and to let that remembrance shape our daily lives. As we remember Jesus' sacrifice, we are called to live in a way that honors Him, filled with gratitude and reverence for what He has done.
Bible Passage:
"For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes." (1 Corinthians 11:26, ESV)
Reflection:
How can you let the remembrance of Jesus' sacrifice shape your actions and attitudes today?
### Day 2: Unity and Reverence in Communion
Paul emphasizes the need for unity and reverence during communion. The Corinthians' misuse of communion, marked by divisions and lack of respect, serves as a warning for us. Communion should be a time of coming together as the body of Christ, honoring Jesus' sacrifice with a pure heart and a unified spirit. [39:29]
In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul reprimands the church for their divisions and lack of reverence during communion. He highlights that their gatherings were doing more harm than good because they were not honoring the true purpose of communion. Instead of coming together in unity, they were divided, and their lack of respect for the sacred act was evident. Paul calls them to approach communion with a pure heart and a unified spirit, recognizing the significance of Jesus' sacrifice.
Communion is a time for the body of Christ to come together in unity, setting aside differences and focusing on the common bond we share in Jesus. It is a moment to honor His sacrifice with reverence, acknowledging the immense love and grace that brought us together. As we partake in communion, let us strive for unity and approach the table with a heart full of respect and gratitude.
Bible Passage:
"So then, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for one another—if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home—so that when you come together it will not be for judgment." (1 Corinthians 11:33-34a, ESV)
Reflection:
Is there someone in your church community with whom you need to reconcile? How can you take a step towards unity today?
### Day 3: Historical Context and Transformation of Passover
The roots of communion trace back to the Passover meal in the Old Testament. Jesus transformed this meal into a new covenant, symbolizing His impending sacrifice as the ultimate Passover Lamb. This new covenant signifies that we no longer need to follow the old sacrificial system because Jesus' sacrifice was once and for all. [47:58]
The practice of communion has its roots in the Passover meal, a significant event in the Old Testament where the Israelites commemorated their deliverance from Egypt. Jesus, during the Last Supper, transformed this meal into a new covenant, symbolizing His impending sacrifice as the ultimate Passover Lamb. By doing so, He established a new way for His followers to remember His sacrifice and the salvation it brings.
This new covenant signifies that the old sacrificial system is no longer necessary because Jesus' sacrifice was once and for all. His death on the cross fulfilled the requirements of the law, providing a way for us to be reconciled with God. As we partake in communion, we are reminded of this new covenant and the freedom it brings. We no longer need to rely on our efforts to be right with God; Jesus' sacrifice has made a way for us.
Bible Passage:
"And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, 'Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.'" (Matthew 26:27-28, ESV)
Reflection:
How does understanding the historical context of communion deepen your appreciation for Jesus' sacrifice?
### Day 4: Taking Communion in a Worthy Manner
To take communion in a worthy manner, we must remember Jesus' sacrifice, examine ourselves, and proclaim His death until He comes. This involves a heartfelt acknowledgment of Jesus' sacrifice, self-examination to ensure a pure heart, and sharing the hope and salvation we have in Christ with others. [01:00:01]
Paul instructs the Corinthians to take communion in a worthy manner, which involves three key actions: remembering Jesus' sacrifice, examining ourselves, and proclaiming His death until He comes. Remembering Jesus' sacrifice helps us stay grounded in our faith and grateful for what He has done. Examining ourselves ensures that we approach communion with a pure heart, free from unconfessed sin or unresolved conflicts. Proclaiming Jesus' death is an act of evangelism, sharing the hope and salvation we have in Christ with others.
Taking communion in a worthy manner is not about being perfect but about approaching the table with the right heart and attitude. It is a time to reflect on Jesus' sacrifice, examine our lives, and share the good news of His salvation. As we do this, we honor Jesus and the significance of His sacrifice, allowing it to transform our hearts and lives.
Bible Passage:
"Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself." (1 Corinthians 11:28-29, ESV)
Reflection:
What steps can you take to ensure you are approaching communion with a pure heart and a right attitude?
### Day 5: Life-Altering Thankfulness
Communion should produce a life-altering thankfulness within us. As we remember Jesus' sacrifice, examine our hearts, and proclaim His goodness, we should be filled with gratitude that transforms how we live and interact with others. This thankfulness should be evident in our actions, relationships, and our willingness to share the gospel. [01:11:20]
The act of communion is meant to produce a deep sense of thankfulness within us. As we remember Jesus' sacrifice, examine our hearts, and proclaim His goodness, we are reminded of the immense love and grace that has been extended to us. This thankfulness should not be a fleeting emotion but a life-altering force that transforms how we live and interact with others.
A heart filled with gratitude for Jesus' sacrifice will naturally overflow into our actions, relationships, and our willingness to share the gospel. This thankfulness should be evident in the way we treat others, the way we serve, and the way we live out our faith. As we partake in communion, let us allow this thankfulness to shape our lives, making us more like Jesus in every way.
Bible Passage:
"Therefore, let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe." (Hebrews 12:28, ESV)
Reflection:
How can you let the thankfulness for Jesus' sacrifice transform your interactions and relationships today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "If you don't know much about our church, our church's mission is to help people find relationship with Jesus and to reach their full potential in Christ. That's why we're here. If you don't know Jesus, we pray you don't leave this place without knowing Jesus. We're not going to force it on you but we want to give you the opportunity. I believe Jesus who he is his love is irresistible once you actually learn who he actually was not some facade or made-up version of him who he actually is." [23:22] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Do you remember how lost you used to be without Jesus? I don't know everyone in this room. And I can tell you, I guarantee it was bad. Because I know my own life. Can I ask you this? Will you remember the sacrifice that Jesus made for you? Will you? I pray you will. Will you remember that sacrifice? Will you remember what he went through? Will you remember it every single day? Remember it? Especially when we take communion? I pray you will." [59:37] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We need to take communion to remember with reverence Jesus' sacrifice for our salvation. We are remembering with reverence. Jesus' sacrifice for our salvation. We're remembering it. We need to remember this. We can't ever forget this." [43:24] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We proclaim it to others. 1 Corinthians 11.26 says, for whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup. So whenever, here it is, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. Proclaim it in the church scenario. Proclaim it when you're at work. Proclaim it in your neighborhood. Proclaim it when you're talking. When you're talking with your neighbors. Tell people about the goodness of God. That's why we're here, friends. To proclaim this." [01:08:54] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Are you thankful for Jesus' sacrifice for you? Are you thankful for your salvation through faith in Jesus Christ that puts you in right standing with God? Are you thankful? I pray you are. Many times we are, but our faith may have just been dwindling a little bit. Maybe we haven't been consistent in the body of Christ. Maybe we haven't been reading our Bibles much. We know that faith comes by hearing the word of God. Today, maybe your faith is a little low. And oftentimes where your faith is, your thankfulness is also very close by." [01:17:39] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "When we take communion, we need to do it in a worthy manner. Here's the crux of this message. Do it in a worthy manner. Now, worthy manner is, well, everything seems to be subjective in 2024, all right? But let me give you a little more on what a worthy manner isn't and a worthy manner is. Okay? Um, because what we're told here is to take it in a worthy manner." [01:00:01] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We need to take communion to remember with reverence Jesus' sacrifice for our salvation. We are remembering with reverence. Jesus' sacrifice for our salvation. We're remembering it. We need to remember this. We can't ever forget this. Now, let me just go down and tell you kind of what's happening here because there's a lot happening here contextually. So what Paul's doing here is he's correcting the abuse that was happening here in communion." [43:24] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "So what are they doing to mess things up? Well, here he continues. He says this. In the first place, I hear, first place, so he's getting ready to light them up. I like this, all right? In the first place, I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you, and to some extent, I believe it. No doubt there have to be differences among you to show which of you have God's approval. It's very interesting." [39:29] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We need to take communion to remember with reverence Jesus' sacrifice for our salvation. We are remembering with reverence. Jesus' sacrifice for our salvation. We're remembering it. We need to remember this. We can't ever forget this. Now, let me just go down and tell you kind of what's happening here because there's a lot happening here contextually. So what Paul's doing here is he's correcting the abuse that was happening here in communion." [43:24] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We need to take communion to remember with reverence Jesus' sacrifice for our salvation. We are remembering with reverence. Jesus' sacrifice for our salvation. We're remembering it. We need to remember this. We can't ever forget this. Now, let me just go down and tell you kind of what's happening here because there's a lot happening here contextually. So what Paul's doing here is he's correcting the abuse that was happening here in communion." [43:24] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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