Embodying Christ: Unity and Reflection in Communion
Summary
### Summary
This morning, we gathered as a family for worship, embracing the spirit of honesty and unity. Today, we are reminded that being the church is more than just attending services; it is about embodying the essence of Christ in our daily lives and modeling this to the next generation. We celebrated the incredible work God is doing in our children, students, and mission groups, which will be active on five continents this year. As we prepared for communion, we reflected on the Apostle Paul's instructions in 1 Corinthians 11, emphasizing the importance of unity and self-examination within the body of Christ.
Communion is a profound act of remembering what Jesus has done for us and recognizing our unity as His body. It calls us to reflect on our relationship with God and with one another. We are reminded to approach communion with reverence, confessing any hidden sins and reconciling with others. This sacred act is reserved for those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ. Parents are encouraged to guide their children in understanding the significance of this moment.
As we partook in communion, we remembered Jesus' sacrifice—His body broken and His blood shed for our redemption. We prayed for healing and wholeness, acknowledging that through His stripes, we are healed. We also celebrated the cleansing power of His blood, which washes away our sins and renews us each day. This act of communion is a powerful reminder of God's grace and mercy, calling us to live in unity and love as the body of Christ.
### Key Takeaways
1. Being the Church Beyond Attendance: It's essential to understand that being the church is not just about attending services but embodying Christ's love and teachings in our daily lives. This involves modeling faith to the next generation and actively participating in the community of believers. [57:18]
2. Unity and Self-Examination in Communion: Communion is a time for deep reflection on our relationship with God and others. Paul’s instructions in 1 Corinthians 11 remind us to approach this sacred act with a heart of unity and self-examination, ensuring we are right with God and our fellow believers. [59:01]
3. The Significance of Jesus' Sacrifice: As we partake in communion, we remember Jesus' body broken and His blood shed for our redemption. This act is a powerful reminder of the immense sacrifice He made for our salvation, calling us to live in gratitude and reverence. [01:00:24]
4. Confession and Reconciliation: Before participating in communion, it is crucial to confess any hidden sins and reconcile with others. This act of humility and repentance ensures that we approach the Lord's table with a pure heart, honoring the significance of His sacrifice. [01:01:44]
5. Guiding the Next Generation: Parents are encouraged to guide their children in understanding the significance of communion. This moment is reserved for those who have made a profession of faith, emphasizing the importance of personal belief and commitment to Jesus Christ. [01:03:18]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[0:30] - Embracing Family Worship
[1:00] - Being the Church
[2:00] - Celebrating God's Work in Our Community
[3:00] - Preparing for Communion
[4:00] - Paul's Instructions on Communion
[5:00] - The Significance of Jesus' Sacrifice
[6:00] - Unity and Self-Examination
[7:00] - Confession and Reconciliation
[8:00] - Guiding the Next Generation
[9:00] - Partaking in Communion
[10:00] - Closing Prayer and Reflection
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1 Corinthians 11:17-34
#### Observation Questions
1. What specific issues does Paul address in 1 Corinthians 11:17-22 regarding the behavior of the church during communion? [59:01]
2. According to 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, what are the key elements of communion and their significance? [01:00:24]
3. What does Paul mean when he says, "whoever eats the bread and drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sin against the body and the blood of the Lord"? [01:00:24]
4. How does the sermon describe the importance of self-examination before taking communion? [01:01:44]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize the need for unity and self-examination before partaking in communion? How does this relate to the overall health of the church? [01:00:24]
2. What does the act of communion symbolize about our relationship with God and with each other, according to the sermon? [01:00:24]
3. How does the sermon explain the significance of Jesus' sacrifice and its impact on our daily lives? [01:00:24]
4. In what ways does the sermon suggest parents should guide their children in understanding the significance of communion? [01:03:18]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: How can you embody Christ's love and teachings in your daily interactions with others? What specific actions can you take this week to model faith to the next generation? [57:18]
2. Before taking communion, what steps can you take to ensure you are right with God and others? Is there someone you need to reconcile with or a hidden sin you need to confess? [01:01:44]
3. How can you cultivate a heart of gratitude and reverence for Jesus' sacrifice in your daily life? What practical ways can you remind yourself of His immense sacrifice for your salvation? [01:00:24]
4. As a parent or mentor, how can you effectively guide the younger generation in understanding and appreciating the significance of communion? What conversations or activities can you initiate to help them grasp its importance? [01:03:18]
5. Think about a recent conflict or division within your community or church. How can you apply Paul's teachings on unity and self-examination to help resolve it? What steps can you take to promote reconciliation and unity? [01:00:24]
6. How can you make communion a more meaningful and reflective experience in your personal spiritual practice? What changes can you implement to approach this sacred act with greater reverence and self-examination? [01:01:44]
7. Identify one area in your life where you need healing or wholeness. How can you seek God's grace and mercy in that area, remembering that through Jesus' stripes, we are healed? [01:04:38]
Devotional
Day 1: Embodying Christ's Love Daily
Being the church is not just about attending services but embodying Christ's love and teachings in our daily lives. This involves modeling faith to the next generation and actively participating in the community of believers. We are called to live out our faith in tangible ways, showing love, compassion, and kindness to those around us. This means being intentional in our actions and words, reflecting the character of Christ in all that we do.
As we go about our daily routines, we should be mindful of how we can serve others and be a light in our communities. This could be through simple acts of kindness, offering a listening ear, or sharing the hope we have in Christ. By living out our faith in practical ways, we not only grow in our relationship with God but also inspire and encourage others to do the same. [57:18]
Colossians 3:12-14 (ESV): "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony."
Reflection: How can you intentionally embody Christ's love in your daily interactions this week? Think of one specific way you can show kindness or compassion to someone today.
Day 2: Unity and Self-Examination in Communion
Communion is a time for deep reflection on our relationship with God and others. Paul’s instructions in 1 Corinthians 11 remind us to approach this sacred act with a heart of unity and self-examination, ensuring we are right with God and our fellow believers. This means taking the time to reflect on our actions, attitudes, and relationships, and seeking reconciliation where needed.
As we prepare for communion, we should examine our hearts and confess any hidden sins, asking God for forgiveness and strength to overcome them. This act of self-examination helps us to approach the Lord's table with a pure heart, honoring the significance of His sacrifice. It also reminds us of the importance of unity within the body of Christ, as we come together to remember and celebrate what Jesus has done for us. [59:01]
1 Corinthians 11:28-29 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: Before you partake in communion next, take a moment to examine your heart. Is there any sin you need to confess or any relationship that needs reconciliation? How can you seek unity within the body of Christ today?
Day 3: Remembering Jesus' Sacrifice
As we partake in communion, we remember Jesus' body broken and His blood shed for our redemption. This act is a powerful reminder of the immense sacrifice He made for our salvation, calling us to live in gratitude and reverence. Jesus' sacrifice on the cross was the ultimate act of love, and it is through His death and resurrection that we have the hope of eternal life.
When we take communion, we are reminded of the cost of our salvation and the depth of God's love for us. It is a time to reflect on the significance of Jesus' sacrifice and to renew our commitment to live for Him. This act of remembrance should inspire us to live lives that honor and glorify God, as we seek to follow His example of love and selflessness. [01:00:24]
Isaiah 53:5 (ESV): "But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed."
Reflection: As you remember Jesus' sacrifice, how does it impact your daily life? What are some ways you can live in gratitude and reverence for what He has done for you?
Day 4: Confession and Reconciliation
Before participating in communion, it is crucial to confess any hidden sins and reconcile with others. This act of humility and repentance ensures that we approach the Lord's table with a pure heart, honoring the significance of His sacrifice. Confession is an important part of our spiritual journey, as it allows us to acknowledge our shortcomings and seek God's forgiveness and grace.
Reconciliation with others is also essential, as it reflects the unity and love that should characterize the body of Christ. When we hold onto grudges or harbor unforgiveness, it hinders our relationship with God and others. By seeking reconciliation, we demonstrate the love and forgiveness that Christ has shown us, and we create an environment of unity and peace within the church. [01:01:44]
James 5:16 (ESV): "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."
Reflection: Is there any sin you need to confess or any relationship that needs reconciliation? How can you take a step towards healing and unity today?
Day 5: Guiding the Next Generation
Parents are encouraged to guide their children in understanding the significance of communion. This moment is reserved for those who have made a profession of faith, emphasizing the importance of personal belief and commitment to Jesus Christ. It is important for parents to teach their children about the meaning and significance of communion, helping them to understand the sacrifice that Jesus made for us and the importance of living a life that honors Him.
By guiding the next generation in their faith journey, we help to ensure that they grow up with a strong foundation in Christ. This involves not only teaching them about the significance of communion but also modeling a life of faith and commitment to Jesus. As parents, we have the privilege and responsibility to nurture our children's spiritual growth and to help them develop a personal relationship with God. [01:03:18]
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (ESV): "And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."
Reflection: How can you guide the next generation in understanding the significance of communion and living a life of faith? What are some practical ways you can model and teach your children about the importance of a personal relationship with Jesus?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Some days I leave here thinking to myself that it was good to be in church. But Tim, today, I feel like I'm going to leave here saying it was good to be the church. And that days like this are important because it's not just that I come to church, but God has called me as part of the church to be the church. And we be the church together. And we model the church to the next generation. And that Christ would be magnified above all else." [57:18] (40 seconds)
2. "When we're looking at communion, we recognize a couple of things. It's about recognizing what Jesus has done in us, that we are now in communion with God, the Father, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and that there is a community together around us. We are called to be the body of Jesus Christ. Brothers and sisters united together for his purpose." [01:01:44] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "It's not good enough just to be born. The Bible says we have to be born again, right? And so just help them understand that this moment is not for them yet, but that they can participate when they trust Jesus and just help them in that." [01:03:18] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We are so glad you're here today. Now you get to participate in the communion. You get to participate in what is happening, but we're going to ask that you don't participate in taking communion this morning. Just pass the tray on to the next person. If you haven't made a profession of faith, meaning you haven't had a moment in your life where you've trusted Jesus as your savior." [01:03:18] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "As we consider communion, it is an awesome time to reflect on what Jesus has done in us and what Jesus is desiring to do through us. The most significant passage perhaps related to communion is found from the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians chapter 11. And the Apostle Paul, begins to give instructions to the church on how they ought to rightly think about communion, the Lord's supper, as they begin to participate with one another in this recognition of what Jesus has done for the church and how he's called us to be together." [59:01] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "So then, whoever eats the bread and drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sin against the body and the blood of the Lord. So let a person examine himself in this way. Let him eat the bread and drink from the cup. And whoever eats and drinks without recognizing the body, eats and drinks judgment on himself. And this is why many are sick and ill among you. And many have fallen asleep. But if we properly are judging ourselves, we would not be judged. And when we are judged by the Lord, he will discipline so that we may not be condemned with the world." [01:00:24] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "First and foremost, we encourage you if you are a follower of Jesus. That means that you are a person who has trusted in the gospel, placed faith in the person and work of Jesus Christ, committed yourself to following Jesus. If you have done that, that this morning, this communion is for you to partake as a member, as a part of the body of Jesus Christ. And that as you do that, you're called to remember what Jesus has done for you." [01:01:44] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Secondly, we ought to remember that as we're taking communion, as the deacons are passing the plates this morning, that the goal is first and foremost, not to participate in an act, but to be right before God and right with one another. And so if there's anything holding you back, there's something holding you back. If there's anything holding you back, there's hidden sin in your life. There's anger towards a brother, a grudge that you're holding on to. Pass the plate. Get right with God. Get right with one another before taking communion." [01:03:18] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "As you pull the cups apart this morning, as Jesus sat with his disciples, he took the bread and said, this is my body, which has been broken for you. And he blessed it. Let's pray. Father God, we thank you for the body of Jesus. Your word tells us that it is by his stripes we are healed. And God, as he took the bread and broke it, we recognize that it was in the breaking of his body that our brokenness was healed, that we were made whole. Father, as we take the bread, may we be reminded that by your grace, we have been made whole. And that because of your grace, others can be made whole as well. In Jesus' name, amen. And they took and they ate." [01:04:38] (296 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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