Embracing Communion and the Essence of Goodness

Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the profound significance of communion and the essence of goodness as a fruit of the Spirit. Communion is not merely a ritual; it is a deep, relational act that symbolizes our connection with Jesus Christ. It is a reminder of His sacrifice and the new covenant established through His blood. The act of communion is not about the elements themselves, whether they are bread and wine or crackers and juice, but about the relationship and remembrance of Christ's sacrifice. Jesus, even knowing Judas would betray Him, allowed him to partake in the first communion, demonstrating mercy and offering another chance for redemption. This act underscores the heart of communion, which is about embracing God's love and grace, regardless of our perceived unworthiness.

We also delved into the concept of goodness, a vital aspect of the fruit of the Spirit. Goodness is not just about being morally upright; it is about reflecting God's love and kindness in our interactions with others. True goodness stems from love, and it is impossible to exhibit genuine goodness without it. Jesus exemplified this by showing honor and kindness to those who were marginalized and rejected by society. Our challenge is to extend this goodness to everyone, even those who are difficult to love. By doing so, we reflect God's love and draw others to Him.

Goodness is also about being fervent in spirit, serving the Lord with zeal, and contributing to the needs of others. It involves showing hospitality, honoring others, and living peaceably with all. The ultimate act of kindness was demonstrated by Jesus on the cross when He asked for forgiveness for those who crucified Him. As we go about our week, let us remember to be kind, to show the love of God through our actions, and to be a reflection of His goodness in the world.

Key Takeaways:

- Communion is a relational act that transcends ritual. It is about remembering Christ's sacrifice and embracing the relationship we have with Him. Jesus' inclusion of Judas in the first communion highlights His mercy and the opportunity for redemption, reminding us that no one is beyond God's love and grace. [40:46]

- Goodness, as a fruit of the Spirit, is deeply rooted in love. It is not merely about moral uprightness but about reflecting God's love and kindness in our interactions. True goodness cannot exist without love, as it is the foundation of all virtuous actions. [01:03:14]

- Showing honor and kindness to others, especially those who are marginalized or difficult to love, is a reflection of God's goodness. Jesus demonstrated this by honoring those whom society rejected, teaching us to extend the same grace to others. [01:12:26]

- Goodness involves being fervent in spirit, serving the Lord with zeal, and contributing to the needs of others. It is about showing hospitality and living peaceably with all, reflecting God's love in our daily actions. [01:17:16]

- The ultimate act of kindness was demonstrated by Jesus on the cross, asking for forgiveness for those who crucified Him. This act of love and mercy is a powerful reminder of the depth of God's goodness and the call for us to reflect that goodness in our lives. [01:27:10]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[35:22] - The Depth of Communion
[38:59] - The Significance of the Bread
[40:07] - Judas and the First Communion
[40:46] - Mercy and Redemption
[41:59] - Worthiness and God's Love
[43:02] - Hardened Hearts and Second Chances
[43:49] - Remembering Christ's Sacrifice
[46:30] - Community and Fellowship
[58:02] - Sending Off with Blessings
[01:01:31] - The Fruit of the Spirit: Goodness
[01:03:14] - Love as the Foundation of Goodness
[01:12:26] - Honoring the Marginalized
[01:17:16] - Serving with Zeal
[01:27:10] - The Ultimate Act of Kindness
[01:29:12] - Closing Prayer and Encouragement

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Luke 22:14-20
2. Galatians 5:22-23
3. Romans 12:9-18

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Observation Questions:

1. In Luke 22:14-20, what significant actions did Jesus take during the Last Supper, and what do these actions symbolize? [38:59]

2. According to Galatians 5:22-23, what are the components of the fruit of the Spirit, and how is goodness described among them? [01:01:31]

3. How does Romans 12:9-18 describe the practical ways to live out goodness and love in our daily interactions? [01:12:26]

4. In the sermon, how did Jesus demonstrate mercy and offer redemption to Judas during the first communion? [40:07]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. What does the inclusion of Judas in the first communion reveal about Jesus' approach to mercy and redemption? How does this challenge our understanding of worthiness? [40:46]

2. How does the sermon explain the relationship between love and goodness as a fruit of the Spirit? Why is love considered foundational to exhibiting true goodness? [01:03:14]

3. In Romans 12:9-18, what does it mean to "outdo one another in showing honor," and how does this relate to the concept of goodness discussed in the sermon? [01:12:26]

4. How does the ultimate act of kindness demonstrated by Jesus on the cross serve as a model for our own expressions of goodness and forgiveness? [01:27:10]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt unworthy of God's love or grace. How can the example of Judas at the first communion encourage you to embrace God's mercy and redemption? [41:59]

2. Identify a person in your life who is difficult to love. What specific actions can you take this week to show them honor and kindness, reflecting God's goodness? [01:13:24]

3. Consider the ways you serve others, whether in church or your community. How can you serve with more zeal and fervency, as described in Romans 12:11? [01:17:16]

4. Think about a recent situation where you were "squeezed" or under pressure. What came out of you in that moment, and how can you cultivate a response of kindness and goodness in similar situations in the future? [01:23:37]

5. How can you contribute to the needs of others and show hospitality in your daily life? Identify one specific way you can help someone in need this week. [01:24:34]

6. Reflect on the ultimate act of kindness by Jesus on the cross. How can this example inspire you to forgive someone who has wronged you? [01:27:10]

7. As you go about your week, what practical steps can you take to ensure that your actions reflect the love and goodness of God in all your interactions? [01:29:12]

Devotional

Day 1: Communion as a Relational Act
Communion is a profound relational act that transcends mere ritual. It serves as a powerful reminder of Christ's sacrifice and the new covenant established through His blood. The elements, whether bread and wine or crackers and juice, are not the focus; rather, it is the relationship and remembrance of Christ's sacrifice that hold significance. Jesus' inclusion of Judas in the first communion, despite knowing his impending betrayal, highlights the depth of His mercy and the opportunity for redemption. This act underscores the heart of communion, which is about embracing God's love and grace, regardless of our perceived unworthiness. As we partake in communion, we are invited to reflect on our connection with Christ and the boundless grace He extends to us. [40:46]

Hebrews 10:19-22 (ESV): "Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water."

Reflection: As you prepare for your next communion, consider how you can deepen your relationship with Christ. What steps can you take to embrace His grace more fully in your life today?

Day 2: Goodness Rooted in Love
Goodness, as a fruit of the Spirit, is deeply rooted in love. It is not merely about being morally upright but about reflecting God's love and kindness in our interactions with others. True goodness cannot exist without love, as it is the foundation of all virtuous actions. Jesus exemplified this by showing honor and kindness to those who were marginalized and rejected by society. Our challenge is to extend this goodness to everyone, even those who are difficult to love. By doing so, we reflect God's love and draw others to Him. [01:03:14]

1 John 4:7-8 (ESV): "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love."

Reflection: Think of someone in your life who is difficult to love. How can you show them God's love and kindness this week in a tangible way?

Day 3: Honoring the Marginalized
Showing honor and kindness to others, especially those who are marginalized or difficult to love, is a reflection of God's goodness. Jesus demonstrated this by honoring those whom society rejected, teaching us to extend the same grace to others. Our interactions with others should be marked by love and kindness, reflecting the heart of Christ. As we honor those who are often overlooked, we become conduits of God's love and grace, drawing others to Him. [01:12:26]

James 2:1-4 (ESV): "My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, 'You sit here in a good place,' while you say to the poor man, 'You stand over there,' or, 'Sit down at my feet,' have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?"

Reflection: Identify someone in your community who is often overlooked or marginalized. How can you honor them and show them the love of Christ this week?

Day 4: Serving with Zeal
Goodness involves being fervent in spirit, serving the Lord with zeal, and contributing to the needs of others. It is about showing hospitality, honoring others, and living peaceably with all. Our actions should reflect God's love in our daily lives, drawing others to Him through our service and kindness. As we serve with zeal, we become a reflection of God's goodness in the world, impacting those around us with His love and grace. [01:17:16]

Romans 12:10-13 (ESV): "Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality."

Reflection: Reflect on your current commitments and service. How can you serve the Lord with greater zeal and fervency this week?

Day 5: The Ultimate Act of Kindness
The ultimate act of kindness was demonstrated by Jesus on the cross when He asked for forgiveness for those who crucified Him. This act of love and mercy is a powerful reminder of the depth of God's goodness and the call for us to reflect that goodness in our lives. As we go about our week, let us remember to be kind, to show the love of God through our actions, and to be a reflection of His goodness in the world. [01:27:10]

Luke 23:34 (ESV): "And Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.' And they cast lots to divide his garments."

Reflection: Consider a situation where you have been wronged. How can you extend forgiveness and reflect God's goodness in that situation today?

Quotes

1. "But when it becomes that, it becomes less. It gets weakened. It becomes just an act. And the reality is this relationship with Jesus Christ is literally that, it's a relationship. And there's a whole lot more depth and meaning than what we would ever see on the surface. You know? It's whether it's Communion. Today I'm talking about Communion. Or whether it's serving in a church. Serving in the church, serving in the children's area, children's ministry, serving in the nursery, is not just about wiping noses and changing diapers. There's so much more that goes on. There's so much more that happens." [00:35:22] (56 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "And the Communion has kind of become that. I mean, I remember ever since I was a little kid, we did Communion on the first Sunday of every month. That's just what you do. You know, you plan for it. You show up. In some churches, it's the highest attendance of the whole month. Because people, they can skip for all the other reasons. but you know what let's communion sunday we probably should go well it's not about the act of communion it's about communion it's about relationship hallelujah luke chapter 22 begin with verse 14 says and when the hour came he this is talking about jesus reclined at table and the apostles with him and he said to them i have earnestly desired to eat this passover with you before i suffer now understand that part of this this communion that we take you know the the cracker and the juice this however you do it you know whether it's bread and wine or whether it's i've heard of saltine crackers and coke i had a i heard somebody and it wasn't they weren't being disrespectful it's what they had but it didn't become about the ritual that it had to be a kosher cracker and a and a and a certain kind of juice or wine it became about communion about relationship so so what no matter this is in representation of the passover meal and there's so much man i just i couldn't possibly go into the depth of of what that that piece of of bread that piece of cracker represents in the jewish tradition and and there you know we we've had a a seder meal here where where you had we had somebody go through what each one of the parts would be and there's been other teachings and i've shared some over over the years but that that piece of bread that cracker wasn't just any piece of bread or cracker it was it was a specific low is one it's a specific piece out of the three loaves there were three loaves and and a I mean, I could go for hours. I'm not going to." [00:36:30] (143 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Now, I've known, you know, I've been doing this for years, 35 plus years. And I've done. I've led. I've led communion services for hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of times, literally. And I've known people who come to church or to a meeting where communion is, and they won't partake of it. Because they don't feel worthy. And I've noticed it. And it's not like I'm watching everybody. Well, who took the bread and the wine? I don't know. But I notice, and I've talked to many people. I said, so why aren't you, why don't you receive communion? And they said, oh, I just, I can't. I can't. If you know what I've done, if you know who I am outside of here, I just can't. And I'm going to be honest with you, that broke my heart. That breaks my heart. Because that's not the heart of communion." [00:41:21] (68 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "If you're here this morning, and you feel like somehow you've disqualified yourself from being able to do this, what that really means, what you're really saying to yourself is, I've somehow disqualified myself from the love of God. And that's not true. You're still breathing. If you're saying, if you can't receive communion, and you can't, you know, you're saying you've disqualified yourself, maybe you're even thinking I've disqualified myself from the whole thing of salvation. See, and I am positive. I mean, I've thought about this a lot. Jesus was giving Judas one more chance. Judas didn't have to. He didn't have to get up from the table when he said, go do quickly. He could have said, nah, it's okay. But Judas had already hardened his heart. So this morning, don't harden your heart." [00:42:42] (73 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "It's impossible to do it without love. It's impossible to decide. You can't just decide in yourself. Now, people can be good. We use the word all the time. It's good. You're good. You're a good kid. You're a good... and so on. But when Jesus, even Jesus, was called good, how did He reply? He goes, why do you call me good? He says, He says, no one's good. Huh. Isn't that interesting? If anybody could have said, well, I'm good. Well, even Jesus says, He says, only God is good. And that's the reality, is that your goodness, anything that you do good out of yourself, Paul said, is filthy rags. Why? Because most of what human beings, most of the goodness that we do is based out of selfishness. We're good for a reason. We're good for a purpose. I'll be good if the other person is good." [01:04:42] (71 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "But in the reality, as we've been seeing, God is love and He loves everybody. There's not a single person that lives on this earth that He doesn't love. There's not a single person that's ever lived on this earth. There's not a single person that lives on this earth that He didn't love. That is a kind of love that is well beyond us. It's well beyond our ability to live that way. But the truth is, He wants us to walk in love. And so He showed us love first, and then we're supposed to walk in love. Now, it is possible to be good. But the only way it's possible to be good is to follow what He did and what He did. What He does, and we're going to talk about that, what He continues to do on a daily basis that shows us His goodness." [01:06:09] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "It's His goodness that all we're doing is reflecting it. It's His goodness that we receive it, we experience it, and then we can reciprocate That's a hard word. We can reciprocate to others a friend of mine posted this last week and and on on facebook and and he he says you know this person says god get away from me leave me alone uh you know i hate you and then god says well i love you anyway and i died for you know sent jesus to die on the cross and the and the the the cartoon person repents and he goes god you're so good he says you're so amazing he says how how can i repay my my my my thanks and my my my gratitude for what you've done for me and just then somebody threw a mud ball at him and hit him and the and the voice says love him the only way that we can really express our gratitude for what what jesus has done is to love the person that you're next to wherever you are that is wherever that is it's not just the person next to you right this moment although that probably will apply in most relationships and marriages especially and especially in young adults and you know teenagers i mean junior high anybody in junior high middle school sorry i used the wrong term oh yeah oh yeah is junior high not a politically correct word anymore i don't know i didn't middle school middle school okay middle middle school is dangerous it's like a scary place man i remember when our kids went through middle school it's like man every day was a traumatic experience well even there we're supposed to show love and goodness to the very people who are hurting us and that's that's crazy" [01:07:51] (127 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "How do you be good to them? Says it right here, show honor. Honor them. Honor them. Which, okay, how do you honor somebody who's hard to get along with in your workplace? Listen to them. Really listen to them. Don't just, don't just go, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, I know, I heard your opinion before. I get it. No. You listen to that person. It's amazing. My wife, years ago, we were still in college and she was working a job at the YMCA camp. And there was a man there who was homosexual. And he was a nice enough guy. He was a great guy. I mean, we all liked him. He was a nice man. And he was a little, he could be a little forceful in his feelings. He was always a little, he was a little forceful in his pushing that you have to be accepting of him. And when Debbie started working there, he, for some reason, no, I know why, because she's good, is he started to take a liking, and he started teasing her. I mean, he started messing with her, kind of, not teasing mean, but just kind of, you know, and talking and talking. And by the end of that summer, she was the only person who could reach him. And the reason she reached him is she was just being good to him. Everybody else would start, he'd start talking and they'd walk away. She would just stand there and talk to him and listen." [01:13:24] (108 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "And by the end of that summer, by the end of the summer, he was telling her stuff that, well, he says, I'm going to be honest with you, I used to go to church, I used to be a believer. But he says, when the church that I was in found out that I was a homosexual, they kicked me out. Well, that's not good. That's not being honorable. Listening, even though they have different views, even though they have a different way of living their lives, until they're dead, they're still reachable. And how do you reach them? Well, the Bible says it's the goodness of God that draws men to repentance. The sinners, the sinners wanted to be around Jesus. They looked for him. They wanted to hang out with him. Why? Because he was good to them. It's the goodness of God. But when you're good to somebody who nobody else respects, they're going to be drawn to you." [01:15:10] (69 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "And you might think, well, I don't know that I want to put up with that. I don't know if I want to spend time with them. Okay, that's not good. You're not showing honor at that moment. You're not honoring them. You're not showing the good. The best way to show the goodness of God is, okay, I'm going to listen to you. Lord, give me grace, man. Help me. Because it's going to be hard to honor them. I've had conversations with people who never did make sense. It was a complete waste of my time. And as a friend of mine once said, I'm dumber now because they talked. Because that person talked to me. But the reality is, that may be the only goodness they experience all day long. All week long. Outdo one another in showing honor. Verse 11, do not be slothful in zeal. Be fervent in spirit. Serve the Lord." [01:16:26] (69 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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