Embracing the Lord's Supper: A Call to Unity

 

Summary

In today's reflection on 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, we explored the profound significance of the Lord's Supper and the spiritual implications of neglecting this sacred practice. The Lord's Supper is not merely a ritual or tradition; it is a command from Jesus Himself, a vital act of remembrance and proclamation of His death and resurrection. This gathering around the table is a communal act, a visible expression of our faith and unity as the body of Christ. It is a time to remember the sacrifice of Jesus, who gave His body and blood for our salvation, and to proclaim this truth until He returns.

The empty seats at the Lord's table are not just a logistical issue; they are a spiritual concern. They signify a pattern of neglect that should alarm us as a church community. This neglect is not just a personal choice but a public statement that undermines the importance of Christ's command. It is a call to self-examination, not only of our personal relationship with God but also of our relationships within the church body. We are reminded that love must act, and we cannot sit idly by while members of our church family drift away from this essential practice.

The Lord's Supper is a feast, not a funeral. It is a celebration of the joy and hope we have in Christ, who conquered death and promises to return. As we partake in the bread and the cup, we are nourished spiritually, just as bread is a daily necessity for physical life. This meal is a reminder of our dependence on Jesus, the bread of life, and the joy of His salvation. It is a call to unity, to come together as a family, and to ensure that no one is missing from the table.

As we reflect on the significance of the Lord's Supper, let us commit to making it a priority in our lives. Let us reach out to those who are absent, pray for them, and invite them back to the table. Let us be a church that treasures Christ's commands and loves His table, ensuring that there are no empty seats at His feast.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Lord's Supper as a Command: The Lord's Supper is not optional; it is a command from Jesus to remember His sacrifice and proclaim His death until He returns. Neglecting this practice is a serious spiritual issue that should concern the entire church. [17:37]

2. Communal and Personal Significance: The Lord's Supper is a communal act that requires gathering together as the body of Christ. It is a time for self-examination, not only of our relationship with God but also of our relationships within the church. [21:45]

3. The Bread of Life: Jesus is the bread of life, essential for our spiritual nourishment. Just as bread is a daily necessity, so is our participation in the Lord's Supper, which signifies our dependence on Christ for life. [26:30]

4. A Feast of Joy: The Lord's Supper is a celebration of the joy and hope we have in Christ. It is not a funeral but a feast, a reminder of the resurrection and the promise of eternal life with Jesus. [30:04]

5. Love in Action: True love for Jesus and His people compels us to act when we see members of our church family neglecting the Lord's Supper. We must reach out, pray, and invite them back to the table, ensuring that no one is missing from this essential practice. [50:39]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [16:28] - The Importance of Gathering
- [17:37] - Commanded Remembrance
- [21:45] - Communal Significance
- [26:30] - The Bread of Life
- [28:05] - Necessity of the Table
- [30:04] - A Feast of Joy
- [31:43] - The Gift of the Meal
- [33:11] - Public Proclamation
- [34:31] - The Message of Empty Seats
- [35:49] - The Seriousness of Neglect
- [37:15] - Taking Jesus' Words Seriously
- [38:44] - Devotion of the Early Church
- [40:54] - God's Seriousness About Feasts
- [42:21] - The Revelation to Paul
- [47:50] - Self-Examination and Unity
- [50:39] - Love Must Act
- [52:00] - Church Leaders' Role
- [54:37] - Begin with Prayer
- [55:36] - Follow Up and Encourage

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Significance of the Lord's Supper

Bible Reading:
- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

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Observation Questions:

1. What does 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 say about the purpose of the Lord's Supper? How does this passage emphasize the importance of remembrance and proclamation? [17:37]

2. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the empty seats at the Lord's table, and why should this concern the church community? [34:31]

3. How does the sermon describe the communal aspect of the Lord's Supper, and what does it mean for the church to gather together for this practice? [21:45]

4. What analogy does the sermon use to describe Jesus as the "bread of life," and how does this relate to our spiritual nourishment? [26:30]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. In what ways does the sermon suggest that neglecting the Lord's Supper is a public statement of disobedience to Jesus? How does this impact the church community? [35:49]

2. How does the sermon interpret the communal nature of the Lord's Supper as a call to unity and self-examination within the church body? [47:50]

3. What does the sermon imply about the relationship between the Lord's Supper and the joy and hope found in Christ's resurrection? How does this contrast with viewing it as a somber event? [30:04]

4. How does the sermon challenge the church to act in love when members neglect the Lord's Supper, and what practical steps are suggested? [50:39]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your personal participation in the Lord's Supper. How often do you partake, and do you view it as a necessary part of your spiritual life? What changes might you need to make to prioritize this practice? [39:24]

2. Consider the empty seats at the Lord's table in your church. Is there someone you know who has been absent? How can you reach out to them in love and invite them back to the table? [55:36]

3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of self-examination before taking communion. How can you ensure that your relationships within the church are healthy and unified before partaking in the Lord's Supper? [47:50]

4. How can you cultivate a deeper understanding and appreciation for the Lord's Supper as a celebration of joy and hope in Christ? What specific actions can you take to shift your perspective from viewing it as a ritual to a feast? [30:04]

5. The sermon calls for church leaders to be on the front lines of encouraging participation in the Lord's Supper. If you are in a leadership position, how can you actively promote the significance of this practice within your group or congregation? [52:00]

6. Reflect on the analogy of Jesus as the "bread of life." How does this understanding influence your daily dependence on Christ for spiritual nourishment? What practical steps can you take to remind yourself of this truth regularly? [26:30]

7. The sermon suggests that love must act when we see others neglecting the Lord's Supper. How can you demonstrate love in action within your church community, ensuring that no one is missing from the table? [50:39]

Devotional

Day 1: The Lord's Supper: A Command to Remember
The Lord's Supper is not an optional tradition but a command from Jesus to remember His sacrifice and proclaim His death until He returns. This practice is a vital part of Christian life, serving as a reminder of the profound love and sacrifice of Jesus. Neglecting the Lord's Supper is not just a personal choice but a public statement that undermines the importance of Christ's command. It is a call to self-examination, urging believers to reflect on their personal relationship with God and their commitment to His teachings. The empty seats at the Lord's table are a spiritual concern, highlighting a pattern of neglect that should alarm the church community. This is a call to action, to ensure that the significance of the Lord's Supper is upheld and cherished. [17:37]

"For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes." (1 Corinthians 11:26, ESV)

Reflection: Is there a command from Jesus that you have been neglecting? How can you begin to prioritize it in your life today?


Day 2: Unity in Communion
The Lord's Supper is a communal act that requires gathering together as the body of Christ. It is a time for self-examination, not only of our relationship with God but also of our relationships within the church. This sacred practice is a visible expression of our faith and unity, reminding us of the interconnectedness of the church body. The act of coming together to partake in the Lord's Supper is a powerful testament to the unity and love that should characterize the Christian community. It is a time to reflect on how we can strengthen our bonds with one another and ensure that no one is missing from the table. [21:45]

"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:23-25, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your church community have you not connected with recently? How can you reach out to them this week to strengthen your relationship?


Day 3: Dependence on the Bread of Life
Jesus is the bread of life, essential for our spiritual nourishment. Just as bread is a daily necessity for physical life, so is our participation in the Lord's Supper, which signifies our dependence on Christ for life. This sacred meal is a reminder of our reliance on Jesus for spiritual sustenance and the joy of His salvation. It is a call to recognize our need for Him daily and to seek His presence in our lives continually. The Lord's Supper is a celebration of the life and hope we have in Christ, who sustains us and promises eternal life. [26:30]

"Jesus said to them, 'I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.'" (John 6:35, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways are you currently relying on your own strength rather than depending on Jesus for spiritual nourishment? How can you shift your focus to rely more on Him today?


Day 4: A Celebration of Joy and Hope
The Lord's Supper is a celebration of the joy and hope we have in Christ. It is not a funeral but a feast, a reminder of the resurrection and the promise of eternal life with Jesus. This sacred practice is a time to rejoice in the victory of Christ over death and to anticipate His return. It is a moment to reflect on the hope that we have in Him and to celebrate the new life that He offers. The Lord's Supper is a powerful reminder of the joy that comes from knowing Christ and the hope that sustains us in our journey of faith. [30:04]

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." (1 Peter 1:3, ESV)

Reflection: How can you incorporate more moments of joy and celebration into your spiritual life this week, in light of the hope you have in Christ?


Day 5: Love in Action
True love for Jesus and His people compels us to act when we see members of our church family neglecting the Lord's Supper. We must reach out, pray, and invite them back to the table, ensuring that no one is missing from this essential practice. This is a call to love in action, to demonstrate our care and concern for one another by encouraging participation in the Lord's Supper. It is a reminder that love is not passive but active, requiring us to take steps to support and uplift our fellow believers. By doing so, we strengthen the bonds of our church community and honor the command of Christ. [50:39]

"Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth." (1 John 3:18, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your church community might need encouragement or support to return to the Lord's table? How can you reach out to them in love this week?

Quotes

"Why gather physically around this table when we can remember Christ's death from our screens, in our own time, at home, in our own way? Here's why. Saints, the reason we're ultimately gathered here today is because the Lord Jesus said, do this in remembrance of me. He wasn't talking about reading the Bible app. He wasn't talking about watching a movie about his passion." [00:17:05]

"On the very night that Jesus was betrayed, Jesus took bread and wine and said, This do in remembrance of me. He did not say, Do this when it's convenient for you. He did not say, Do this when you feel like it. Just do this. Simple, clear, direct, and yet there are empty seats." [00:20:14]

"the church all right i just need you to know you cannot be a solo member of christ's church god's church gathers together okay so i want you to see this pluralistic this corporate this group mindset that dominates all of the commands when jesus says i'm going to point it out when jesus says do this in remembrance of me he was a good southerner okay he actually if you look at the greek it's in the second person plural y 'all do this in remembrance of me you guys do this in remembrance of me he wasn't saying you tommy do this in remembrance of me this act is corporate by nature you have to gather to do it" [00:21:55]

"Let's talk about the elements for a minute. Let's talk about that bread that we're going to break and give out scripture calls jesus the bread of life we know this and john 6 51 this is from jesus's own lips it appears in your notes he says i am the living bread that came down from heaven if anyone eats of this bread he will live forever the bread that i will give for the life of the world is what my flesh now so notice i want you to catch this just eating this physical bread right will not impart eternal life to you okay but what he identifies later is that bread represents his broken body for the punishment of your sin and if by faith you partake of that you're saying you are receiving the broken body of christ for your salvation that's a wonderful witness what a wonderful confession" [00:25:15]

"Wine has the connotation, and the rest of scripture, not just signifying Jesus' blood, but this is a joyful thing. And in case you think it's a funeral, remember that last verse I always like to read to you after we take communion. It says in Matthew 26, 29, you tell me if a funeral was what Jesus had on his mind at the Last Supper. He says, but I tell you, I will not drink from the fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom." [00:30:04]

"Jesus knew that his disciples, his sheep, need regular reminders of his love. He knows that our hearts grow cold. He knows that our memories fade. He knows that our love would waver. And so you could put this down. Jesus didn't give us this meal because he needed it. He gave it because we need it. You actually, the saints, need to always remember the centrality of the cross and the resurrection." [00:31:15]

"That's why this is so central. And so Jesus, Jesus is saying, hey, out of all the things I've taught you, remember this. Remember this, saints. Number two. Now, that's the significance of the meal. This isn't just another regular activity where me and the staff are sitting around going, hey, we need something to do. Let's do communion. That's not what we're doing. Okay? The second thing, and this is why, and I'm gonna pastor you through it, but number two, a pattern of neglect should alarm us." [00:32:28]

"This bread and wine proclaim that our spiritual life depends on Jesus as much as our physical life depends on food and drink. And that's why those empty seats are heartbreaking. The empty seats, this is what I need you to see. The empty seats still proclaim a message. We're proclaiming something. Okay? The empty seats proclaim, I can live without this. I can live without Him." [00:33:56]

"Notice the precedent of the early church. I've preached this to you a number of times. Look at what it says in Acts 2 .42. They, those 3 ,000 believers that were baptized, devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread. That is an allusion to what we're about to do, and to the prayers. When you take that word devoted, cross -reference it to Romans 13, it talks about the authorities of our government, that they are devoted to fulfilling their task. We translate that as continually attend to." [00:38:12]

"Part of our self -examination then doesn't just involve our personal faith with the Lord. It involves our relationships with others in the body of Christ. That's what I think Paul means by recognizing the body. There can't be broken divisions and members in the body when you have communion because communion is both vertical and relational. It's a fully orbed aspect." [00:48:14]

"God disciplined that church to go, hey, hey, there's physical hunger. We got people who ain't darkening the door of this church that claims to be Christians who I'm telling you right now, they are spiritually starving to death. And we just kind of turn a blind eye. We just kind of turn a blind eye. True self -examination requires us to see the spiritual health of the whole body, not just our own personal spiritual health." [00:50:35]

"Biblical community means caring enough to say the hard thing. When we see someone consistently, I don't mean every now and then, I get it, right? But consistently choosing to stay away from the Lord's table, love compels us to act. So let me call out a couple of people. If you're a church leader, I want to talk to my church leaders. I'm talking about fellow elders, deacons, Sunday school teachers, and the reason why I think you men and women have been vested with a ton of spiritual influence, especially because you teach this flock, either through your word or example." [00:51:04]

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Transcript
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