Embracing Communion: A Transformative Relationship with Christ
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound significance of communion and the teachings of Jesus in John chapter 6. We began by reflecting on the freedom and joy that come from moving away from legalism and embracing a genuine relationship with Christ. This series on communion has been a unique journey, as we have taken communion every week, focusing on different aspects of the Lord's Supper and its teachings.
We revisited the key principles from the past weeks: the necessity of blessing and brokenness before multiplication, the importance of spiritual application over mere possession, and the victory over sin through the blood of Jesus. Today, we delved into John 6, where Jesus speaks about being the bread of life and the necessity of believing in Him for eternal life. This passage, though challenging, underscores the importance of a deep, personal relationship with Jesus.
Jesus' discourse in John 6 highlights the spiritual sustenance He provides, contrasting it with the temporary physical sustenance the crowd sought. He emphasizes that true life comes from Him, the living bread, and that believing in Him leads to eternal life. This teaching is a call to move beyond superficial faith and to embrace a transformative relationship with Christ.
We also reflected on the importance of remembering Jesus' sacrifice and anticipating His return. The act of communion is not just a ritual but a profound reminder of Jesus' promise to return. This anticipation should shape our lives, reminding us to live with eternity in mind and to share this hope with others.
### Key Takeaways
1. Freedom from Legalism: Embracing the freedom that comes from a genuine relationship with Christ brings joy and fulfillment. Moving away from legalistic practices allows us to experience the true essence of faith, which is rooted in love and grace. This freedom enables us to serve Christ authentically in every aspect of our lives. [42:43]
2. Blessing and Brokenness: The principle that blessing and brokenness often precede multiplication is a powerful reminder that our trials and hardships can lead to greater growth and impact. When we surrender our brokenness to God, He can use it to bring about significant transformation in our lives and His kingdom. [45:34]
3. Spiritual Application: Knowing about Jesus is not enough; we must apply His teachings to our lives. Spiritual possession without application is meaningless. True faith is demonstrated through our actions and how we live out the teachings of Jesus daily. [46:22]
4. Victory Through the Blood of Jesus: Our victory over sin is solely through the blood of Jesus. We cannot achieve salvation through our efforts or righteousness. It is only by accepting Jesus' sacrifice and His cleansing blood that we can be made clean and receive eternal life. [46:22]
5. Anticipating Jesus' Return: Remembering that Jesus is coming back should shape our lives and priorities. This anticipation provides hope and comfort, especially during difficult times. It also compels us to live with eternity in mind, making decisions that reflect our faith and sharing the message of salvation with others. [01:06:28]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[42:43] - Freedom from Legalism
[43:19] - Using Social Media for Community
[43:58] - Recap of Communion Series
[44:50] - Week One: Blessed and Broken
[45:34] - Week Two: Take and Eat
[46:22] - Week Three: Take and Drink
[47:00] - Introduction to John 6
[47:53] - Jesus Feeds the 5,000
[49:03] - Jesus' Teaching on the Bread of Life
[51:06] - Jesus as the Bread of Life
[52:03] - The Father's Will
[53:35] - Believing in Jesus
[54:30] - Tradition vs. Relationship
[55:26] - Seeking God Daily
[56:18] - Eating the Flesh and Drinking the Blood
[57:52] - Peter's Revelation
[01:00:28] - Jesus as the Sacrificial Lamb
[01:06:28] - Remember and Return
[01:09:51] - Jesus' Return
[01:17:08] - Living with Eternity in Mind
[01:21:10] - Invitation to Salvation
[01:23:51] - Communion
[01:32:24] - Closing Remarks
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. John 6:26-40 (NIV)
> Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.” Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?” Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.” So they asked him, “What sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you? What will you do? Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written: ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’” Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” “Sir,” they said, “always give us this bread.” Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe. All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.”
2. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (NIV)
> For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night 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.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus mean when He says, "I am the bread of life"? (John 6:35)
2. According to Jesus in John 6:27, what should we work for instead of food that spoils?
3. What is the significance of Jesus breaking the bread and saying, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me"? (1 Corinthians 11:24)
4. How does Jesus describe the will of the Father in John 6:39-40?
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus emphasize believing in Him as the work of God in John 6:29? How does this belief impact our daily lives? [49:56]
2. In what ways does the act of communion serve as a reminder of Jesus' sacrifice and His promise to return? [01:05:32]
3. How does the concept of Jesus as the "bread of life" challenge the crowd's understanding of physical versus spiritual sustenance? [49:03]
4. What does it mean to live with eternity in mind, as discussed in the sermon? How does this perspective shape our actions and decisions? [01:06:28]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there any legalistic practices you need to let go of to embrace a more genuine relationship with Christ? How can you start this process? [42:43]
2. Think about a time when you experienced brokenness. How did God use that experience to bring about growth or multiplication in your life? How can you surrender your current struggles to Him? [45:34]
3. How can you move from merely knowing about Jesus to actively applying His teachings in your daily life? What specific steps can you take this week to live out your faith? [46:22]
4. In what ways can you remind yourself daily of the victory over sin through the blood of Jesus? How does this truth affect your approach to sin and temptation? [46:22]
5. How does the anticipation of Jesus' return influence your priorities and decisions? What changes can you make to live more with eternity in mind? [01:06:28]
6. Identify one person in your life who needs to hear about the hope of Jesus' return. How can you share this message with them in a loving and impactful way? [01:20:32]
7. During difficult times, how can the promise of Jesus' return provide you with hope and comfort? Share a specific situation where this promise has or could make a difference. [01:17:28]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Freedom in Christ
Description: Embracing the freedom that comes from a genuine relationship with Christ brings joy and fulfillment. Moving away from legalistic practices allows us to experience the true essence of faith, which is rooted in love and grace. This freedom enables us to serve Christ authentically in every aspect of our lives. Legalism often binds us to a set of rules and rituals that can overshadow the true purpose of our faith. However, when we focus on a personal relationship with Jesus, we find liberation and joy that transcends mere rule-following. This freedom is not a license to sin but an invitation to live a life of love, grace, and authentic service to God and others. [42:43]
Galatians 5:1 (ESV): "For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery."
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you still holding onto legalistic practices? How can you embrace the freedom that comes from a genuine relationship with Christ today?
Day 2: The Power of Blessing and Brokenness
Description: The principle that blessing and brokenness often precede multiplication is a powerful reminder that our trials and hardships can lead to greater growth and impact. When we surrender our brokenness to God, He can use it to bring about significant transformation in our lives and His kingdom. Our struggles and pain are not wasted; they are opportunities for God to work in and through us. By allowing God to bless and break us, we open ourselves to His divine multiplication, where our lives can have a far-reaching impact beyond our imagination. [45:34]
2 Corinthians 4:17 (ESV): "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison."
Reflection: Think of a recent trial or hardship you have faced. How can you surrender this brokenness to God and allow Him to use it for His greater purpose?
Day 3: Applying Spiritual Truths
Description: Knowing about Jesus is not enough; we must apply His teachings to our lives. Spiritual possession without application is meaningless. True faith is demonstrated through our actions and how we live out the teachings of Jesus daily. It is easy to accumulate knowledge about the Bible and Jesus, but the real challenge lies in living out these truths in our everyday lives. Application of spiritual truths transforms our character, decisions, and interactions with others, making our faith visible and impactful. [46:22]
James 1:22 (ESV): "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves."
Reflection: Identify one teaching of Jesus that you know well but struggle to apply. What practical steps can you take today to start living out this teaching?
Day 4: Victory Through Jesus' Sacrifice
Description: Our victory over sin is solely through the blood of Jesus. We cannot achieve salvation through our efforts or righteousness. It is only by accepting Jesus' sacrifice and His cleansing blood that we can be made clean and receive eternal life. This truth humbles us and reminds us of our dependence on Christ for salvation. It is a call to trust in His finished work on the cross and to live in the freedom and victory that His sacrifice provides. [46:22]
1 John 1:7 (ESV): "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin."
Reflection: Reflect on your understanding of Jesus' sacrifice. How does this understanding influence your daily life and your approach to sin and forgiveness?
Day 5: Living in Anticipation of Jesus' Return
Description: Remembering that Jesus is coming back should shape our lives and priorities. This anticipation provides hope and comfort, especially during difficult times. It also compels us to live with eternity in mind, making decisions that reflect our faith and sharing the message of salvation with others. The promise of Jesus' return is a source of great hope and motivation for believers. It encourages us to live purposefully, with a focus on eternal values rather than temporary gains. This perspective helps us navigate life's challenges with hope and a sense of mission. [01:06:28]
Titus 2:13 (ESV): "Waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ."
Reflection: How does the anticipation of Jesus' return influence your daily decisions and priorities? What changes can you make to live more intentionally with eternity in mind?
Quotes
1. "The further you get removed from legalism, the more joy you find in life. The first couple of years we did this, I felt a little bit guilty like I was, you know, maybe not being pastoral enough, you know, or Christian enough, saved enough. I don't know. But now that we've done it for many years, I just look forward to it. And I think it's phenomenal." [42:43] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Blessing and brokenness almost always come before multiplication. Basically meaning that you're going to go. You're going to go through some stuff. Jesus blessed it, then he broke it. And sometimes in life, we go through some broken times, and they're not fun. We don't enjoy them. But if we give those times to God, and if we hold on to him as we walk through them, on the other side, there's going to be some kind of multiplication in our life, personally, and most importantly for him and his kingdom." [45:34] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Victory over sin is only possible because of the blood of Jesus. You can't save yourself. You can't redeem yourself. There's nothing you can ever do on your own to be good enough to qualify for eternal life. You can't do any of it. It's only by the blood of Jesus that we can be made clean." [46:22] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Jesus is saying, this is what the father's plan is, is that everybody who believes in me, who follows after me, that they will live this life, that they'll receive it, and that on the last day, I'll raise them from the dead, and they'll live forever with me in eternity." [52:03] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Listen, if you ever do anything for God, they're going to say that about you. They're going to say, why is he talking like that? Why is he acting like that? Why does she think she has the authority to say, because they don't get it. They don't understand that you are being sent by the father, just as he was literally, but spiritually sent by the father." [53:11] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Stop eating spoiled manna and start seeking God for what he has for you today. Amen? So I get all that from there. So going on to verse 52, it says, the Jews therefore quarreled among themselves saying, how can this man give us his flesh to eat? Then Jesus said to them, most assuredly I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the son of man and drink his blood, you have no life in you." [55:53] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Jesus is coming back. And I capitalized it and I underlined it. Jesus is coming back. And as I said, the title earlier is Remember and Return. And I think, based on the do this in remembrance of me is where that kind of comes from. And the point that we're making that we need to remember that he will return. He is coming back." [01:06:28] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Are you living for the now or are you living for the next? Are you living for the present or are you living for eternity? Now, I believe we need to be enjoying the now. I believe God put us in this world and he designed everything in here for our benefit. We need to enjoy it. We need to have a good time while we're here. I truly believe that. But we got to recognize that the now isn't forever. This isn't permanent. The permanent is what's to come. Eternity is what we need to be living for." [01:20:00] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Jesus is coming back. Are you ready for his return? That's a personal question of salvation, but then there's a follow-up to that. Jesus is coming back. Are you ready for your return? Meaning the people that you have influence with, your friends, your family, your loved ones, do they know he's coming back? Have you shared your faith with them? Have you told them that no one gets to the Father except through the Son? Because he's coming back. And we need to make that truth known." [01:20:32] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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