Communion: A Sacred Reminder of Redemption and Hope
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into the profound significance of communion, also known as the Lord's Supper. Communion is a sacred act that serves multiple purposes in our spiritual lives. Firstly, it is about remembering redemption. Jesus instituted communion during the Passover, a meal that had been celebrated for 1,500 years to commemorate God's deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt. Each element of the Passover meal had deep symbolic meaning, reminding the Israelites of their bondage and God's salvation. Jesus used this meal to foreshadow the ultimate redemption He would bring through His sacrifice.
Secondly, communion exposes our hearts. During the Last Supper, Jesus revealed that one of His disciples would betray Him, leading to a moment of self-examination among the disciples. This act of communion is not a safe meal; it is a time for us to invite God's scrutiny into our lives, to reveal our true selves. It is a dangerous but necessary invitation to allow God to search our hearts and expose any hidden sins or pretenses.
Lastly, communion is a proclamation of our great hope. As Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 11, every time we partake in communion, we proclaim the Lord's death until He comes again. This act is a reminder that our hope in Jesus is not a mere wish but a confident assurance. Our hope in Christ will never disappoint us, as it is rooted in the promise of His return and our future resurrection.
### Key Takeaways
1. Communion as a Reminder of Redemption: Communion is deeply rooted in the history of the Passover, a meal that reminded the Israelites of their deliverance from Egypt. Each element of the Passover meal had symbolic meaning, pointing to God's salvation. Jesus used this meal to foreshadow His ultimate act of redemption, reminding us that our salvation is rooted in His sacrifice. [35:23]
2. Communion Exposes Our Hearts: The act of communion is not just a ritual but a moment of deep self-examination. During the Last Supper, Jesus revealed the betrayal of Judas, prompting the disciples to question their own loyalty. This teaches us that communion is a time to invite God's scrutiny into our lives, to reveal any hidden sins or pretenses. [40:58]
3. The Dangerous Invitation of Communion: Communion is not a safe meal; it is a dangerous invitation to allow God to search our hearts. Paul warns against taking communion in an unworthy manner, emphasizing the seriousness of this act. It is a time for us to examine ourselves and invite God's judgment, knowing that He sees beyond our outward appearances. [43:12]
4. Communion as a Proclamation of Hope: Every time we partake in communion, we proclaim the Lord's death until He comes again. This act is a powerful reminder of our hope in Jesus, which is not a mere wish but a confident assurance. Our hope in Christ is rooted in the promise of His return and our future resurrection. [47:15]
5. The Transformative Power of Communion: The story of Mary Poplin illustrates the transformative power of communion. Despite her spiritual wanderings, she found herself powerfully moved to give her life to Christ during a communion call. This act of partaking in communion can be a moment of profound spiritual transformation and renewal. [50:44]
### Youtube Chapters
1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [34:31] - Introduction to Communion
3. [35:23] - Remembering Redemption
4. [36:07] - The Passover Meal
5. [38:26] - God's Promises in Exodus
6. [39:58] - Learning Theology at the Table
7. [40:58] - Communion Exposes Hearts
8. [43:12] - The Dangerous Invitation
9. [45:17] - The Disciples' Self-Examination
10. [47:15] - Proclaiming Our Hope
11. [48:59] - Story of Mary Poplin
12. [50:44] - Transformative Power of Communion
13. [54:24] - Prayer and Partaking Together
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Exodus 6:6-7: "Therefore, say to the Israelites: 'I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment. I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God, who brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians.'"
2. 1 Corinthians 11:26: "For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes."
3. Psalm 139:23-24: "Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
### Observation Questions
1. What are the four promises God made to Israel in Exodus 6:6-7? How do these promises relate to the Passover meal? [38:26]
2. According to 1 Corinthians 11:26, what do we proclaim every time we partake in communion? [47:15]
3. In Psalm 139:23-24, what does the psalmist ask God to do? How does this relate to the act of communion? [43:12]
4. During the Last Supper, what did Jesus reveal about one of His disciples, and how did the disciples react? [40:58]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the Passover meal serve as a foreshadowing of Jesus' ultimate act of redemption? [36:07]
2. Why is communion described as a "dangerous invitation" in the sermon? What does this mean for believers today? [43:12]
3. How does the act of communion expose our hearts, and why is this exposure necessary for our spiritual growth? [40:58]
4. What is the significance of proclaiming the Lord's death until He comes again, and how does this shape our understanding of hope in Christ? [47:15]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the four promises in Exodus 6:6-7. Which of these promises resonates most with you in your current spiritual journey, and why? [38:26]
2. Communion is a time for self-examination. What steps can you take to invite God's scrutiny into your life and address any hidden sins or pretenses? [43:12]
3. The sermon mentioned that communion is not a safe meal but a dangerous invitation. How can you approach communion with the seriousness it deserves while still embracing the grace it offers? [43:12]
4. How does the proclamation of the Lord's death during communion strengthen your hope in Christ's return and your future resurrection? [47:15]
5. The story of Mary Poplin illustrates the transformative power of communion. Can you recall a moment when partaking in communion led to a significant spiritual transformation or renewal in your life? [50:44]
6. Jesus revealed the betrayal of Judas during the Last Supper, prompting self-examination among the disciples. How can you cultivate a habit of regular self-examination in your spiritual life? [40:58]
7. Psalm 139:23-24 is a prayer for God to search and know our hearts. How can you incorporate this prayer into your daily routine to ensure your heart remains aligned with God's will? [43:12]
Devotional
### Day 1: Communion as a Reminder of Redemption
Communion is deeply rooted in the history of the Passover, a meal that reminded the Israelites of their deliverance from Egypt. Each element of the Passover meal had symbolic meaning, pointing to God's salvation. Jesus used this meal to foreshadow His ultimate act of redemption, reminding us that our salvation is rooted in His sacrifice. [35:23]
In the Old Testament, the Passover was a significant event where the Israelites remembered their deliverance from slavery in Egypt. Each element of the meal had deep symbolic meaning, reminding them of their bondage and God's salvation. Jesus, during the Last Supper, redefined this meal to point to His own sacrifice, which would bring ultimate redemption. By partaking in communion, we are reminded of the great cost of our salvation and the love that Jesus demonstrated through His sacrifice.
Communion is not just a ritual but a profound act of remembrance. It calls us to reflect on the depth of God's love and the price of our redemption. As we partake in the bread and the cup, we are reminded that our salvation is not based on our works but on the finished work of Christ on the cross. This act of remembrance strengthens our faith and deepens our gratitude for the grace we have received.
Exodus 12:14 (ESV): "This day shall be for you a memorial day, and you shall keep it as a feast to the Lord; throughout your generations, as a statute forever, you shall keep it as a feast."
Reflection: Think about a time when you felt God's deliverance in your life. How can you use the act of communion to remember and give thanks for that moment today?
### Day 2: Communion Exposes Our Hearts
The act of communion is not just a ritual but a moment of deep self-examination. During the Last Supper, Jesus revealed the betrayal of Judas, prompting the disciples to question their own loyalty. This teaches us that communion is a time to invite God's scrutiny into our lives, to reveal any hidden sins or pretenses. [40:58]
Communion is a sacred time that calls for introspection and honesty before God. During the Last Supper, Jesus revealed that one of His disciples would betray Him, which led to a moment of self-examination among the disciples. This moment teaches us that communion is not just a ritual but a time to invite God's scrutiny into our lives. It is an opportunity to reflect on our actions, thoughts, and intentions, and to seek God's forgiveness for any hidden sins or pretenses.
This act of self-examination is crucial for our spiritual growth. It allows us to confront our shortcomings and seek God's grace to overcome them. By inviting God's scrutiny, we open ourselves to His transformative power, which can cleanse us and make us more like Christ. Communion, therefore, is a dangerous but necessary invitation to allow God to search our hearts and reveal our true selves.
Psalm 139:23-24 (ESV): "Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!"
Reflection: What hidden sins or pretenses might you be holding onto? Take a moment to invite God to search your heart and reveal anything that needs to be confessed and surrendered to Him.
### Day 3: The Dangerous Invitation of Communion
Communion is not a safe meal; it is a dangerous invitation to allow God to search our hearts. Paul warns against taking communion in an unworthy manner, emphasizing the seriousness of this act. It is a time for us to examine ourselves and invite God's judgment, knowing that He sees beyond our outward appearances. [43:12]
The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, warns against taking communion in an unworthy manner. This warning highlights the seriousness of the act of communion. It is not a casual meal but a sacred time that requires deep self-examination. By partaking in communion, we invite God's judgment and scrutiny into our lives. This is a dangerous invitation because it requires us to confront our true selves and acknowledge our sins and shortcomings.
However, this invitation is also necessary for our spiritual growth. By allowing God to search our hearts, we open ourselves to His transformative power. He sees beyond our outward appearances and knows the true state of our hearts. Communion, therefore, is a time to humble ourselves before God, seek His forgiveness, and commit to living a life that honors Him.
1 Corinthians 11:27-28 (ESV): "Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup."
Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you have been taking God's grace for granted? How can you approach communion with a heart of humility and reverence today?
### Day 4: Communion as a Proclamation of Hope
Every time we partake in communion, we proclaim the Lord's death until He comes again. This act is a powerful reminder of our hope in Jesus, which is not a mere wish but a confident assurance. Our hope in Christ is rooted in the promise of His return and our future resurrection. [47:15]
Communion is not only a time of remembrance and self-examination but also a proclamation of our hope in Jesus Christ. As Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 11, every time we partake in communion, we proclaim the Lord's death until He comes again. This act is a powerful reminder that our hope in Jesus is not a mere wish but a confident assurance. Our hope is rooted in the promise of His return and our future resurrection.
This proclamation of hope is essential for our faith journey. It reminds us that our current struggles and sufferings are temporary and that we have a glorious future awaiting us. By partaking in communion, we declare our faith in Jesus' sacrifice and our hope in His return. This hope gives us strength to endure trials and motivates us to live a life that honors God.
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (ESV): "For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord."
Reflection: How does the promise of Jesus' return and our future resurrection impact your daily life? What steps can you take to live with a greater sense of hope and assurance in Christ?
### Day 5: The Transformative Power of Communion
The story of Mary Poplin illustrates the transformative power of communion. Despite her spiritual wanderings, she found herself powerfully moved to give her life to Christ during a communion call. This act of partaking in communion can be a moment of profound spiritual transformation and renewal. [50:44]
Communion has the power to bring about profound spiritual transformation and renewal. The story of Mary Poplin is a powerful example of this. Despite her spiritual wanderings, she found herself powerfully moved to give her life to Christ during a communion call. This moment of partaking in communion became a turning point in her life, leading to a deep and lasting transformation.
This transformative power of communion is available to all who approach it with an open heart. By partaking in the bread and the cup, we are reminded of Jesus' sacrifice and the grace that is available to us. This act can be a moment of profound spiritual renewal, where we experience God's love and forgiveness in a powerful way. Communion invites us to surrender our lives to Christ and to be transformed by His grace.
2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you need spiritual renewal? How can you approach communion with an open heart, ready to experience God's transformative power today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Communion, communion's all about remembering redemption. It's about remembering redemption. Jesus, as he instituted communion with his disciples, he built it. Jesus built communion. Communion on the Passover. It says in Scripture, on the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?" [35:23] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We are a people of hope, church. And that's what this reminds us, that our hope, my hope, guys, it's not merely a wish. Like I hope that it might rain today, or I hope the Cubs win. That's a wish. But as a Christian and a believer, my hope, a confidence. As the writer of Hebrews says, my hope is an assurance. It's an assurance. Paul wrote in Romans 5.5, hope, it doesn't disappoint. No. Our hope in Jesus, it will never leave us disappointed." [47:15] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "There's great power in what we are doing. The guy said, you don't have to be a member of any church to partake of communion. You just have to believe that Jesus Christ lived, that he died for your sins, and you have to want him in your life. And when he said that, I was like, I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. But I was so powerfully moved, she said, that I actually thought, even if a tornado rips through this building, I'm going to get that communion today." [50:44] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "For 1,500 years, the Passover had been teaching God's people of man's great need and of God's great salvation. The sacred observance, it was designed by God to remember, to look back to God's deliverance of the Israelites. As Philip talked about, the Israelites, the Israelites from Egypt and that they did this, they celebrated the Passover together. And it reminded them of their freedom, their deliverance from slavery and from the plague of death on all the firstborn in the land." [36:54] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Communion is not a safe meal. It's not about safety. What happened on that night usually happens when this meal is taken. See, at this meal, the pretender cannot hide from the Lord's judgment. Jesus, he saw in Judas' heart what no one else could see. He saw the heart of a betrayer and a liar, right? Because we know about our God that while we are people who judge by outer appearance, the word says he judges the heart like only he can." [43:12] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "It makes me think that night. It's always been interesting to me that this examination, this conversation, it prompted them all to ask, surely not I? Lord, surely not me? Or as the NLT puts it, I'm not the one, am I, Lord? It was a question that they each expected Jesus to respond to. Say, oh no, not you. Not you. Of course not. But apparently he never replied. The fact was that while only one there was going to betray him, it said it, they're all going to forsake him." [45:17] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "It was grief enough to be forsaken by all those he loved most, but to be betrayed by a dear friend and to know that such a betrayal condemned that friend to fierce and eternal judgment, you know that hurt the heart of Christ. Jesus didn't have to eat that meal with the guests who will betray or forsake it. It exposes each heart at the table, but I think the most precious thing is while it's exposing our hearts, it's also exposing the heart of Christ who found fellowship with the likes of us." [45:17] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Communion also reminds us of our great hope. It's a reminder of our great hope. And in 1 Corinthians 11, Paul said, for as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. It's a proclamation of hope that we're making together as we partake. And if you have the elements, you might go ahead and get them out because we're going to do this together. We're going to make this proclamation." [47:15] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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