Embracing the Sacredness and Unity of Communion

 

Summary

In our gathering today, we explored the profound significance of communion, a sacred act that has often been misunderstood or taken lightly. Reflecting on the Old Testament, particularly Leviticus, we examined the gravity of entering the Holy of Holies, a place where God's presence dwelled. This sacred space was accessible only to the high priest once a year, under strict conditions, highlighting the seriousness of approaching God. In the New Testament, we see a parallel in the act of communion, where we are invited into the presence of God through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This is not a mere ritual but a profound encounter with the divine, demanding reverence and self-examination.

The Book of Hebrews reminds us that the Old Testament rituals were shadows of the heavenly realities we now experience through Christ. The tearing of the temple curtain symbolizes the opening of access to God, not just for a high priest, but for all believers. This access, however, comes with a call to holiness and unity. Communion is not just an individual act but a communal one, where we recognize the body of Christ in one another. It requires us to be united, free from divisions and bitterness, as we partake in the body and blood of Christ.

As we prepare to partake in communion, we must examine ourselves, ensuring that we approach the table with the seriousness it deserves. This is a time to confess sins, seek reconciliation, and embrace the sacredness of the moment. We are reminded that this is not a shadow of the past but a present reality where we encounter the living God. Let us approach with fear and expectation, knowing that we are entering into the Holy of Holies, united as one body in Christ.

Key Takeaways:

- The Sacredness of Communion: Communion is a sacred act that invites us into the presence of God. It is not to be taken lightly, as it represents the real presence of Christ. We must approach it with reverence and self-examination, understanding its profound significance. [05:34]

- Unity in the Body of Christ: Communion is a communal act that requires unity among believers. We must recognize the body of Christ in one another, free from divisions and bitterness. This unity is essential as we partake in the body and blood of Christ. [30:36]

- Access to the Holy of Holies: Through Christ, we have access to the Holy of Holies, a privilege that demands holiness and reverence. This access is not a shadow of the past but a present reality, inviting us into a deeper relationship with God. [16:43]

- The Call to Holiness: As we partake in communion, we are called to holiness, examining ourselves and confessing our sins. This is a time to seek reconciliation and embrace the sacredness of the moment, knowing that we are entering into the presence of God. [18:25]

- Living as One Body: The New Testament emphasizes the importance of living as one body in Christ. This means loving one another, supporting each other, and recognizing that we are united in Christ. Our communal life reflects the presence of God among us. [54:50]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:19] - Conviction and Repentance
- [01:29] - Understanding Communion
- [02:12] - Old Testament Insights
- [03:30] - The Holy of Holies
- [05:14] - New Testament Warnings
- [06:44] - Responsibility and Warning
- [09:58] - Entering God's Presence
- [12:41] - Old vs. New Testament Intensity
- [14:38] - Access Through Christ
- [17:09] - The Reality of Communion
- [19:29] - The Seriousness of Communion
- [24:25] - The Day of Atonement
- [30:36] - Unity in Communion
- [35:26] - Going in Together
- [45:04] - Preparing for Communion

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Sacredness of Communion

Bible Reading:
1. Leviticus 16:1-2
2. Hebrews 10:19-22
3. 1 Corinthians 11:27-30

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Observation Questions:

1. What was the significance of the Holy of Holies in the Old Testament, and who was allowed to enter it? ([03:02])
2. According to Hebrews, how has our access to God changed through Jesus Christ? ([14:38])
3. What warning does 1 Corinthians 11 give about taking communion without recognizing the body of the Lord? ([05:34])
4. How does the sermon describe the communal aspect of communion and its importance for unity among believers? ([30:36])

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the tearing of the temple curtain symbolize the new access believers have to God through Christ? ([16:43])
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that communion is more than just a ritual? How does it serve as a profound encounter with the divine? ([18:25])
3. What does it mean to "recognize the body of Christ" in the context of communion, and why is this important for the church community? ([30:36])
4. How does the call to holiness and self-examination before taking communion challenge the way we approach this sacred act? ([18:25])

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your personal approach to communion. How can you ensure that you approach it with the reverence and seriousness it deserves? ([18:25])
2. The sermon emphasizes unity in the body of Christ. Are there any divisions or unresolved conflicts in your life that you need to address before participating in communion? ([30:36])
3. How can you cultivate a deeper sense of holiness in your daily life, preparing yourself to enter into God's presence during communion? ([18:25])
4. Consider the communal aspect of communion. How can you actively contribute to the unity and support of your church community? ([30:36])
5. The sermon suggests that communion is a present reality where we encounter the living God. How can this understanding transform your experience of communion and your relationship with God? ([16:43])
6. What steps can you take to regularly examine yourself and confess sins, ensuring that you are spiritually prepared for communion? ([18:25])
7. How can you encourage others in your small group or church to approach communion with the same seriousness and reverence discussed in the sermon? ([18:25])

Devotional

Day 1: The Sacredness of Communion
Communion is a sacred act that invites believers into the presence of God, representing the real presence of Christ. It is not a mere ritual but a profound encounter with the divine, demanding reverence and self-examination. As we partake in communion, we must approach it with the seriousness it deserves, understanding its profound significance. This sacred act is a reminder of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, inviting us to reflect on our relationship with God and the holiness required to enter His presence. [05:34]

"For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world." (John 6:33, ESV)

Reflection: As you prepare for communion, what specific steps can you take to ensure you approach the table with the reverence and self-examination it deserves?


Day 2: Unity in the Body of Christ
Communion is a communal act that requires unity among believers. It is a time to recognize the body of Christ in one another, free from divisions and bitterness. This unity is essential as we partake in the body and blood of Christ, reflecting the presence of God among us. As we gather for communion, we are reminded of the importance of living as one body in Christ, supporting and loving one another. This unity is a testament to the world of the transformative power of the gospel. [30:36]

"May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus." (Romans 15:5, ESV)

Reflection: Is there someone in your church community with whom you need to seek reconciliation? How can you take a step towards unity today?


Day 3: Access to the Holy of Holies
Through Christ, believers have access to the Holy of Holies, a privilege that demands holiness and reverence. This access is not a shadow of the past but a present reality, inviting us into a deeper relationship with God. The tearing of the temple curtain symbolizes this open access, allowing all believers to enter into God's presence. As we partake in communion, we are reminded of this incredible privilege and the call to live a life of holiness in response to God's grace. [16:43]

"Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus." (Hebrews 10:19, ESV)

Reflection: How does the reality of having access to the Holy of Holies through Christ impact your daily walk with God? What changes might you need to make to live in light of this truth?


Day 4: The Call to Holiness
As believers partake in communion, they are called to holiness, examining themselves and confessing their sins. This sacred moment is an opportunity to seek reconciliation and embrace the presence of God. Communion is a time to reflect on one's life, confess sins, and seek God's forgiveness. It is a reminder of the holiness required to enter God's presence and the grace available through Jesus Christ. [18:25]

"Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord." (Hebrews 12:14, ESV)

Reflection: What specific areas of your life do you need to bring before God in confession and repentance as you prepare for communion?


Day 5: Living as One Body
The New Testament emphasizes the importance of living as one body in Christ. This means loving one another, supporting each other, and recognizing that believers are united in Christ. Our communal life reflects the presence of God among us, and communion is a powerful reminder of this unity. As we partake in the body and blood of Christ, we are called to live out this unity in our daily lives, demonstrating the love of Christ to the world. [54:50]

"So we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another." (Romans 12:5, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively contribute to the unity and support of your church community this week? What practical steps can you take to live as one body in Christ?

Quotes

We have greater access into the presence of him now. It's more intense. This is not a shadow of the holy of holies. We're talking about the body and blood of Jesus. That's why in Hebrews 10, verse 26, he goes, if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of truth. There no longer remains a sacrifice for sins. But a fearful expectation of judgment and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries, anyone who set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses. [00:19:29]

And so in the same way, being one with Christ, being one with his body. His blood as being one with Christ, we know it's through Christ, this is our only way of purity is through the cross. So I don't want to not. However, you view this. Some in here are saying, well, it's just a symbol. Others say no, it turns into the flesh and blood. And then there's a million views in between. Whatever you believe. At very least. I hope you at least agree. I want this. I want every bit of this, whether it's the symbol, whatever I want to obey completely. [00:26:01]

There is something about believers coming together united. Seriously, as one, that's why he says. In in First Corinthians 11 20. And I'll talk about this more next week, but he says. When you come together, it is not the Lord's Supper that you eat. For an eating each each one goes ahead with his own meal, one goes hungry, another gets drunk, he goes on, he goes, he goes, look, when you get together, that's not the Lord's supper that you guys are eating. He goes, because you have like these, you know, oh, this guy's a rich guy, oh, you go to the rich table where there's lots of food. [00:29:36]

And then they were calling that the Lord's Supper as they broke bread and drink of a common cup. He goes, stop calling that the Lord's Supper. He says that's not the Lord's Supper. It's not the Lord's Supper when you come in thinking you're better than someone else in the room and you belong in this section or that section. Because that's not the Lord's Supper. Don't call it that. But he goes, when you come together united and when you come together as one. See, the idea of the holy of holies, like really partaking of the Lord's Supper. It requires unity. [00:30:36]

If there are divisions, if there's bitterness in here, if there's something you're holding on against someone else, you better be super careful. Because you're about to head into the holy of holies. The way I understand the New Testament now. It is not about Francis Chan having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I mean, that's in there, it's in there. But God is not just wanting Francis. To walk into the holy of holies by himself anymore. The New Testament. It's about our father. And how we used to be individuals, but now. We're a body. [00:31:56]

And that's why he says this isn't the Lord's Supper, what you guys are doing, that's you call whatever you want, but it's not the Lord's Supper. Here's the Lord's Supper. There are no divisions. There's no one more intelligent than him. I'm less intelligent than him, I'm more beautiful than her. I have more resources than they do. It's not the Lord's Supper. Here's the Lord's Supper, and then he goes on in the first Corinthians 12 because there's when you recognize you're a body. And you look around, though, I need you. I need you, I need you. [00:32:56]

I can't say that I can't say to the foot, oh, I don't need you. But just now, I need you. Don't leave me, don't leave me, don't leave me hanging. I need you. We go in together. So, Rob, why don't you stand up here with me for a second. Marcus came up here with me. So. The way I understand communion. It's like if the three of us were to go in in the presence of God, the holy of holies. Then we got to go in together. Yeah, let me know if there's anything I've done that that's offended either of you to where you're holding anything against me. [00:33:56]

Because I don't want to I'm not going to go in there with the vision right here. That is suicide. I'm not going to do it. I got to get in there. I got to get in there. I've got to become one with him. But I got to know, you guys are committed to me. And you guys need to know I'm committed to you. I'll go in there with you guys. And is the only chance we have of making it is if we go in together. So if there's something, tell me. I'm trying to wrack my brain going, man, is there anything I have against you because I want an exam? [00:34:56]

And he says, you got to you have to recognize the body. Of the Lord. Anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body, this is the body of Christ right here. We're the body. And I recognize, as I recognize, hey, we're not just friends. We're not just people that hang out together, and then once Rob offends me, OK, see you later. Hey, Mark, is this just hang out without Rob? It's not it's not friends like the world, it's body now. I'm not going to chop off my right arm because he offended me. I'm going, no, you're with me. [00:35:56]

We're going to go in the presence of God. The only way we're going to make it is together. We're going to do this. They need to know, you're not going to leave me. You're not going to ditch me. I need to know this from you guys. And you need to know it for me. And you guys know about each other. And if we're going to go in, we're going to lock arms. Go, man. Guys, we're going to go in the press. Ron, even you man, you're my brother. I am not leaving you. And we're going in. We're going in. Anything you've ever done, if I for God that you offended me somehow, whatever it's done, I. [00:36:56]

This is too intense, man. I'm not messing around with this. We're going in there together. Marcus, if I ever did anything, let you down in any way, let it go. Because we're about to do something bigger right now. You guys don't let go of me and I am not going to let it. I promise I will not let go of you. Because we are one body and Christ is our head, and we're going to go in there together and he's going to serve us at his table. He's going to have a drink of one cup. You can have us eat bread is flesh because we're one body. This presence is going to be there. [00:37:56]

This is real. This is no joke. This is no shadow of the Old Testament, the Old Testament is a shadow of what we're about to do. I love you guys. I love you guys so much. And I know there's some of you, you're going, oh, man. I want to be in that circle. Those guys are going in. I don't want to just sit there and watch them. I'm going to join that circle. That's what the church was supposed to be. Now we're together as one. Go into the presence of God. And we're praying. For more and more people to get this. And understand the sacredness of what we do. [00:38:56]

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Transcript
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