Embracing Communion: A Journey of Faith and Humility
Summary
In today's gathering, we reflected on the profound significance of Communion and its role in our collective identity and memory as believers. We began by drawing parallels between the first Communion Jesus shared with His disciples and the Exodus event, where the Israelites anticipated liberation from slavery. This connection reminds us that, like the Israelites, we are on a journey toward freedom—a freedom guaranteed through Christ's sacrifice.
As we partook of the bread, we were reminded of Jesus' words, "This is my body broken for you." This act calls us to remember the haste with which the bread was made during the Exodus and the journey to freedom it symbolized. Similarly, the broken bread signifies healing and the victory we have in Christ.
When we took the cup, we were reminded of the new covenant it represents—a covenant of love, hope, and assurance that God is with us. The cup, reminiscent of the Israelites' deliverance and Jesus' shed blood, sets us free from sin and empowers us to live meaningful lives that uplift others.
We also discussed the importance of remaining steadfast in our faith, teaching our children God's ways, and celebrating the victories to come. Our identity as the living Church is rooted in the nearness of God, exemplified by the birth of Jesus—Emmanuel, God with us. This nearness calls us to a countercultural life of loving our neighbors, including our enemies, and praying for those who persecute us.
The message of humility from Philippians 2:5-8 was highlighted, emphasizing Jesus' example of putting others before Himself. Humility is not about self-importance but about valuing others and ensuring everyone feels they belong. This attitude fosters a sense of community and togetherness.
We were encouraged to remember the stories of our faith, both the victories and the challenges, and to pass these memories on to future generations. The story of Moses and the Israelites on the brink of entering the Promised Land served as a reminder to keep God's presence central in our lives.
Finally, we were called to live as witnesses for Christ, representing Him in all we do. Whether through our youth group's service projects or the missionaries' courageous witness in Papua New Guinea, we are to stand firm in our faith and rely on Jesus as our Lord and protector.
Key Takeaways:
- Communion is not merely a ritual; it is a profound act of remembrance that connects us to the freedom journey of the Israelites and the ultimate freedom won by Christ. As we partake of the bread and the cup, we are invited to embrace the healing and victory available to us through Jesus' sacrifice. [38:48]
- Teaching our children about God's ways is not just a duty but a privilege that ensures the stories of faith and God's nearness are carried forward. This generational legacy is vital for maintaining a vibrant, living Church that continues to witness God's presence and work in the world. [28:41]
- Humility, as demonstrated by Jesus, is essential for true community. When we adopt the attitude of Christ, we prioritize the well-being of others over our own, creating an environment where everyone feels valued and included. This humility is the foundation for a united and loving community. [12:58]
- Being a witness for Christ means living out our faith in both word and deed. Our actions and attitudes should consistently reflect the love and grace of Jesus, whether in moments of service or in the face of challenges. Our witness can inspire others and draw them closer to God. [19:24]
- Reliance on Jesus as our Lord is not a one-time decision but a daily commitment. As we surrender to Him, we find true blessedness and happiness. This surrender is the key to building up our lives, our communities, and ultimately the Church. [35:43]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Philippians 2:5-8: "Adopt the attitude that was in Jesus Christ: Though he was in the form of God, he did not consider being equal with God something to exploit, but he emptied himself by taking the form of a servant and by becoming like human beings. When he found himself in the form of a human, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross."
2. Deuteronomy 4:7-9: "For what great nation has a God as near to them as the Lord our God is near to us whenever we call on him? And what great nation has decrees and regulations as righteous and fair as this body of instructions that I am giving you today? But watch out! Be careful never to forget what you have seen. Do not let these memories escape from your mind as long as you live! And be sure to pass them on to your children and grandchildren."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Philippians 2:5-8 tell us about Jesus' attitude and actions? How did He demonstrate humility? [12:19]
2. According to Deuteronomy 4:7-9, what are the Israelites instructed to remember and pass on to future generations? [14:29]
3. How does the act of Communion connect to the Israelites' journey to freedom and Jesus' sacrifice? [37:10]
4. What examples from the sermon illustrate the importance of being a witness for Christ in both word and deed? [19:24]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Jesus' example of humility in Philippians 2:5-8 challenge our own attitudes and behaviors towards others? [12:19]
2. Why is it important for the Israelites to remember and pass on their experiences with God, as stated in Deuteronomy 4:7-9? How does this apply to us today? [14:29]
3. In what ways does the act of Communion serve as a reminder of our journey towards spiritual freedom and healing through Christ? [37:10]
4. How can the stories of the youth group's service projects and the missionaries in Papua New Guinea inspire us to live out our faith more boldly? [19:24]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you had to put others before yourself. How did it feel, and what did you learn from that experience? How can you apply Jesus' example of humility in your daily life? [12:19]
2. What are some practical ways you can teach your children or younger generations about God's faithfulness and nearness? How can you make these stories engaging and memorable? [14:29]
3. How does participating in Communion deepen your understanding of Jesus' sacrifice and your own spiritual journey? What steps can you take to make this act more meaningful in your life? [37:10]
4. Think of a specific situation where you can be a witness for Christ this week. How can you ensure that your actions and words reflect His love and grace? [19:24]
5. Identify an area in your life where you need to rely more on Jesus as your Lord. What practical steps can you take to surrender this area to Him daily? [35:43]
6. How can you create a sense of community and belonging in your small group or church by practicing humility and valuing others? Share specific actions you can take to foster this environment. [12:58]
7. Consider a challenge or victory in your faith journey. How can sharing this story with others encourage and strengthen their faith? [28:41]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Communion's Liberating Power
Communion is a sacred tradition that serves as a bridge connecting us to the pivotal moments of our faith history. It is not just a ritualistic act; it is a profound experience that ties us to the Israelites' journey toward freedom and the ultimate liberation won by Christ's sacrifice. As believers partake of the bread, they are invited to reflect on the broken body of Jesus, a symbol of healing and victory. The cup, filled with the fruit of the vine, represents the new covenant, a promise of love, hope, and the assurance of God's presence. This act of Communion is a call to embrace the freedom from sin and the empowerment to live lives that uplift others, just as Christ intended for His followers.
[38:48]
"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.'" - 1 Corinthians 11:23-24 ESV
Reflection: How does participating in Communion inspire you to live out the freedom Christ has won for you in your daily life?
Day 2: Legacy of Faith Through Generational Teaching
The privilege of teaching our children about God's ways is a sacred responsibility that ensures the stories of faith and God's nearness are preserved and passed on. This generational legacy is crucial for maintaining a vibrant, living Church that continues to witness God's presence and work in the world. By sharing the victories and challenges of our faith journey, we instill in the next generation the values and lessons that have shaped our identity as believers. This practice not only keeps the memory of God's faithfulness alive but also equips our children to carry the torch of faith forward, lighting the way for those who will come after them.
[28:41]
"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." - Deuteronomy 6:6-7 ESV
Reflection: What is one story of faith from your life that you can share with a younger person this week to encourage their spiritual journey?
Day 3: Cultivating Humility in Community
Humility, as exemplified by Jesus, is the cornerstone of a true community. It is not about self-importance but about valuing others and creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong. When believers adopt the attitude of Christ, they prioritize the well-being of others over their own desires, fostering a sense of unity and love. This humility is essential for building a community that reflects the heart of the gospel, where each member is valued and supported. It is through this humble service that the Church can truly embody the love of Christ to the world.
[12:58]
"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." - Philippians 2:3-4 ESV
Reflection: In what ways can you demonstrate humility this week to strengthen the sense of community in your church or home?
Day 4: Reflecting Christ in Our Witness
Being a witness for Christ means embodying His love and grace in every aspect of our lives. It is through our actions and attitudes that we can reflect the character of Jesus, whether in service to others or in facing life's challenges. Our witness is not limited to words but is powerfully expressed in how we live out our faith. By consistently demonstrating the love of Christ, believers can inspire others and draw them closer to God. This authentic representation of Jesus is what makes our witness compelling and transformative.
[19:24]
"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." - Matthew 5:16 ESV
Reflection: What is one specific way you can be a witness for Christ in your current circumstances?
Day 5: Daily Surrender to Christ's Lordship
Reliance on Jesus as our Lord is a daily commitment that brings true blessedness and happiness. Surrendering to Him is not a one-time decision but a continuous process that shapes our lives, our communities, and ultimately the Church. As believers learn to surrender every aspect of their lives to Jesus, they discover the peace and joy that come from trusting in His protection and guidance. This surrender is the key to a life that is built on a firm foundation, able to withstand the challenges of the world and to thrive in the grace of God.
[35:43]
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." - Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to deepen your trust in Jesus, and how can you take a step toward that today?
Quotes
1) "Being together is not a competition for who wins or who was the most successful, and being together is not about showing off. Instead, being together is about doing what is right for the good of others. It means we don't think we are more important than anyone else. That is humility. Humility helps us see that other people are more important." [12:58]
2) "Do you remember the time that we reached out and fed that family that was really struggling? Do you remember the time that we conquered our fears and climbed up on the roof and nailed those shingles down? Those are the times that we were also witnessing for Jesus Christ and letting others know that they could overcome fear and not have to feel so lonely." [19:24]
3) "Take care, stand firm, teach your children God's ways, and you'll be able to celebrate the victories that are to come. Our story as the church is the living Church even today. In our background, we have this sense that God is so near, we celebrate that with the birth of Jesus Christ, whom Matthew calls Emmanuel, God with us." [28:41]
4) "It's good to remember with a call of Christ, and I think that's an important aspect of what worship is. When we take communion together, we're reminded Jesus you paid it all, and you gave yourself for us, and you call us to do the same. That really when it comes down to it, we surrender to you." [31:25]
5) "It's in my bones, Sy says, because my daddy taught me to do it over and over and over and over again. And that's the call of being a Christian. It's not something that comes easy or natural to us. Our personal inclinations, even my inclinations, is to serve self, not serve Christ." [33:56]
6) "God is near and don't stray from God's presence. That's the only hope that we have. Will you pray with me? Dear God, we thank you for the hope that comes from your nearness to us. When we are near to you and when we walk beside you, we build this community. The church is built up, lives are built up." [35:43]
7) "Jesus would have picked up the bread and passed the bread around and in doing so he says this is my body broken for you, take and eat. Jesus would have hearkened back their memories to the fact that the bread was made in haste because they were on a journey to freedom." [38:48]
8) "Jesus said this cup represents a new covenant, a covenant of love, a covenant of hope, a covenant of assurance that God is on our side and God is near to us. So as we take this cup, be reminded of God's presence, of Jesus's blood shed for you to set you free from sin and set you free to journey forth in God's world." [39:45]
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