Embracing Communion: A Journey of Spirit-Led Fellowship

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the profound significance of communion, not just as a ritual, but as a deep fellowship with one another and with the Lord. Communion is a time to reflect on our unity as the body of Christ, emphasizing that church is not merely a Sunday morning event but a community where we truly get to know each other. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 11, we discussed how Paul admonished the early church for their behavior during communion, highlighting the importance of approaching the Lord's table with reverence and self-examination. This self-examination is crucial, as it allows us to repent and align ourselves with God's will, ensuring that we partake in communion worthily.

We also delved into the exciting journey of living a Spirit-led life. Being born of the Spirit means we are new creations, and as such, we are called to live by the Spirit, not by the flesh. This involves training our spiritual senses to hear God's voice, which is not always a loud, external command but often a gentle, internal witness. We must learn to distinguish between our own thoughts and the voice of the Holy Spirit, which always aligns with God's Word.

Furthermore, we discussed the importance of building a strong spirit through prayer, especially praying in tongues, which edifies and strengthens us from within. This spiritual strength is essential for living victoriously and fulfilling God's purpose for our lives. We are encouraged to meditate on God's Word, pray in the Spirit, and be obedient to His leading, which will help us grow in spiritual maturity and sensitivity.

Finally, we emphasized the need for continual filling of the Holy Spirit, which empowers us to be a blessing to others, both within the church and in the world. As we leave today, let us commit to being Spirit-led individuals who reflect Christ's love and grace in all we do.

Key Takeaways:

- Communion as Fellowship: Communion is more than a ritual; it's a time to deepen our fellowship with God and each other. It calls us to self-examination and repentance, ensuring we approach the Lord's table with reverence and unity. [40:45]

- Living by the Spirit: Being born of the Spirit means living a life led by the Spirit, not by the flesh. This involves training our spiritual senses to hear God's voice, which often comes as a gentle, internal witness rather than an external command. [46:09]

- Building a Strong Spirit: Praying in tongues is a powerful way to edify and strengthen our spirit, making us more sensitive to God's leading. A strong spirit is essential for living victoriously and fulfilling God's purpose. [01:33:35]

- Aligning with God's Word: God's voice will always align with His Word. We must meditate on Scripture and be obedient to His leading, which will help us grow in spiritual maturity and sensitivity. [01:41:09]

- Continual Filling of the Spirit: We need to be continually filled with the Holy Spirit, which empowers us to be a blessing to others. This filling is not a one-time event but a daily necessity for living a Spirit-led life. [01:51:18]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:01:00] - Introduction to Communion
- [00:05:00] - The Essence of Fellowship
- [00:10:00] - Paul's Admonition in 1 Corinthians 11
- [00:15:00] - Self-Examination and Repentance
- [00:20:00] - Living a Spirit-Led Life
- [00:25:00] - The New Creation in Christ
- [00:30:00] - Hearing God's Voice
- [00:35:00] - Building a Strong Spirit
- [00:40:00] - Praying in the Spirit
- [00:45:00] - Aligning with God's Word
- [00:50:00] - Continual Filling of the Spirit
- [00:55:00] - Being a Blessing to Others
- [01:00:00] - Closing Prayer and Blessing

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. 1 Corinthians 11:23-27
2. John 10:4-5, 27
3. Romans 8:5-8

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Observation Questions:

1. In 1 Corinthians 11, what specific behaviors does Paul criticize regarding the early church's approach to communion? How does he suggest they should approach it instead? [40:45]

2. According to John 10:4-5, 27, how do the sheep recognize their shepherd, and what does this imply about the relationship between believers and Jesus?

3. Romans 8:5-8 discusses living according to the flesh versus the Spirit. What are the characteristics of each, and how do they affect our ability to please God?

4. During the sermon, what examples were given to illustrate the difference between hearing God's voice and following our own thoughts? [01:01:26]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does Paul's instruction in 1 Corinthians 11 about self-examination before communion relate to the concept of unity within the church? Why is this important for the body of Christ? [42:35]

2. In John 10, Jesus describes His followers as sheep who know His voice. What does this metaphor suggest about the nature of our relationship with Jesus and our ability to discern His guidance?

3. Romans 8 contrasts living by the flesh with living by the Spirit. How might this passage inform a believer's daily decisions and priorities?

4. The sermon emphasized the importance of distinguishing between our thoughts and the Holy Spirit's voice. What practical steps can believers take to ensure they are following the Spirit's leading? [01:18:39]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your approach to communion. How can you incorporate self-examination and repentance into your practice to ensure you are partaking worthily? [46:09]

2. Jesus said His sheep know His voice. How can you cultivate a deeper familiarity with His voice in your daily life? What practices might help you become more attuned to His guidance?

3. Romans 8 speaks about setting our minds on the Spirit. Identify one area of your life where you tend to be led by the flesh. What specific changes can you make to align more closely with the Spirit?

4. The sermon mentioned the importance of building a strong spirit through prayer and meditation on God's Word. What is one specific way you can strengthen your spirit this week? [01:33:35]

5. Consider a recent decision you made. How did you discern whether it was led by the Spirit or by your own desires? What can you learn from this experience to improve your spiritual discernment?

6. The sermon highlighted the need for continual filling of the Holy Spirit. What steps can you take to ensure you are regularly filled with the Spirit, and how might this impact your interactions with others? [01:51:18]

7. Think of a time when you felt a gentle internal witness guiding you. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? How can you be more responsive to such guidance in the future? [01:24:43]

Devotional

Day 1: Communion as a Sacred Fellowship
Communion is a profound act of fellowship, not just a ritual. It is a time to reflect on our unity as the body of Christ, emphasizing that church is not merely a Sunday morning event but a community where we truly get to know each other. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 11, Paul admonished the early church for their behavior during communion, highlighting the importance of approaching the Lord's table with reverence and self-examination. This self-examination is crucial, as it allows us to repent and align ourselves with God's will, ensuring that we partake in communion worthily. [40:45]

"For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ." (1 Corinthians 12:12, ESV)

Reflection: How can you deepen your fellowship with others in your church community this week, especially during communion?


Day 2: Embracing a Spirit-Led Life
Being born of the Spirit means living a life led by the Spirit, not by the flesh. This involves training our spiritual senses to hear God's voice, which often comes as a gentle, internal witness rather than an external command. It requires discernment to distinguish between our own thoughts and the voice of the Holy Spirit, which always aligns with God's Word. As we grow in this discernment, we become more attuned to the Spirit's leading in our daily lives. [46:09]

"But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." (Galatians 5:16, ESV)

Reflection: What steps can you take today to better discern the gentle, internal witness of the Holy Spirit in your life?


Day 3: Strengthening Your Spirit Through Prayer
Praying in tongues is a powerful way to edify and strengthen our spirit, making us more sensitive to God's leading. A strong spirit is essential for living victoriously and fulfilling God's purpose. As we build a strong spirit through prayer, especially praying in tongues, we become more equipped to face life's challenges and to walk in the victory that God has for us. This spiritual strength is cultivated through consistent prayer and reliance on the Holy Spirit. [01:33:35]

"But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit." (Jude 1:20, ESV)

Reflection: How can you incorporate praying in the Spirit into your daily routine to strengthen your spiritual life?


Day 4: Aligning Your Life with God's Word
God's voice will always align with His Word. We must meditate on Scripture and be obedient to His leading, which will help us grow in spiritual maturity and sensitivity. As we immerse ourselves in God's Word, we gain clarity and direction for our lives, ensuring that our actions and decisions are in line with His will. This alignment is crucial for living a life that honors God and reflects His character. [01:41:09]

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." (Psalm 119:105, ESV)

Reflection: What specific Scripture can you meditate on today to help align your thoughts and actions with God's Word?


Day 5: The Necessity of Continual Filling of the Spirit
We need to be continually filled with the Holy Spirit, which empowers us to be a blessing to others. This filling is not a one-time event but a daily necessity for living a Spirit-led life. As we seek the continual filling of the Holy Spirit, we are equipped to serve and bless those around us, both within the church and in the world. This empowerment enables us to reflect Christ's love and grace in all we do. [01:51:18]

"And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit." (Ephesians 5:18, ESV)

Reflection: How can you seek a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit today to empower you to be a blessing to others?

Quotes

We thank You that the blood of Jesus speaks of better things than the blood of Abel. It doesn't cry out for revenge. But it cries out for forgiveness and grace. Lord, we thank You. Lord, we repent of our sin. And we believe that the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all unrighteousness. Let's take and drink. Let's take and drink. Let's take and drink. [00:49:34]

So the time of communion is not for you to feel condemned. No, it's the time to feel forgiven. It's the time to feel that the Lord did something for you. That you can always make it right with Him. So that we will not be condemned with the world. So today when you take communion, make sure that you evaluate. [00:47:01]

But the real communion was having a meal with each other. That's why I encourage people to have meals together. To stay after the service, to have fellowship with one another. Because the communion that we celebrate is more than just a symbol. It is having fellowship with each other. It is having fellowship with the Lord. It is having fellowship with the Lord. In a way that you get to know each other. [00:40:04]

You can't say that you are a Christian just by loving the Lord. No, you are part of the church. You are a moving part of the body. You are a moving part of the body. And it is our obligation to get to know one another. And it is our obligation to get to know one another. He even said, if you don't do that in the right way. He said, if you don't do that in the right way. You could get sick and die. [00:42:29]

When we are judged, we are chastened to the Lord that we should not be condemned with the world. So the time of communion is not for you to feel condemned. No, it's the time to feel forgiven. It's the time to feel that the Lord did something for you. That you can always make it right with Him. So that we will not be condemned with the world. [00:47:01]

Life with Jesus. The Christian life. The Christian life. Should be an exciting life. When I got saved. I actually said to the Lord, Lord I had a pretty exciting life. I expect that my life with you is going to be more exciting that I will never be bored. Ik had verwacht dat ik mijn leven met u veel meer enthousiaster zal zijn dat ik nooit me saai zal voelen. Oh boy. Yeah, it's true. [00:55:12]

It's not always been easy, but I've never been bored. It's not always been easy, but I've never been bored. Right? Life with the Lord is very exciting. But what makes it even more exciting than just being saved. Look, if I receive nothing else. I'm happy. Because I am so happy I am not going to hell today. That. [00:55:43]

So when you are born again, what we are saying is, now you are born of the spirit. What we are saying is, now you are born of the spirit. That's not a theory. That is geen theorie. That is a moment where it happens. That is a moment when it happens. There is a moment where you know, something has changed. Oh, something has changed. I have a peace in my heart that I cannot explain. [01:12:04]

And therefore you have to train and strengthen your spirit man. And therefore you have to train and strengthen your spirit man. Because that is the part that God communicates with. Because that is the part that God communicates with. We are trying to hear God's voice with our natural ears. We are trying to hear God's voice with our natural ears. And we ignore our spirit man. [01:12:24]

If we live by the spirit, we also have to walk by the spirit. That means that we are not guided by our emotions. That means that we are not guided by our emotions. By our natural desires. By our natural desires. But that we are led by God's spirit. So as I said, he can give signs. He can give visions and he can give dreams. He can give visions and dreams. [01:18:00]

The Bible says, when we pray in the Spirit, we edify ourselves. Wanneer we bid in de Geest, dan bouwen we onszelf op. We make ourselves strong on the inside. We make ourselves sterk on the inside. God wants you to be strong on your inside. God wants you to be strong on your inside. He wants you to be a spirit -led man. He wants you to be a spirit -led man. A spirit -led woman. [01:44:41]

Now the Bible talks about continually being filled. And the Bible speaks about continually being filled. But some people, they have never been filled. But some people, they have never been filled. It's good to be continually filled. So that's for everybody today. It's good to be filled with the Spirit again. But if you've never been filled with the Spirit. [01:51:11]

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Transcript
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