Exploring the Dimensions of the Lord's Supper
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. I’m Adam McMahon, one of the pastors here, and I want to start by wishing you all a Happy Mother's Day. I recognize that Mother's Day can be a bittersweet occasion for many, so I want to acknowledge both the joys and the sorrows that come with this day. Whether you are celebrating the birth of a new child, mourning a loss, or navigating complex relationships, we are here with you. Let’s take a moment to pray and prepare our hearts for today’s message.
Today, we are diving into the rich, multifaceted experience of the Lord's Supper, also known as communion or the Eucharist. This act of worship is deeply rooted in the traditions of Passover and has been a central part of Christian gatherings since the early church. As we continue our journey through 1 Corinthians, we find Paul addressing the chaotic and divisive nature of the Corinthian church's gatherings, particularly their approach to the Lord's Supper.
Paul begins by highlighting the divisions within the church. The wealthy were indulging in the best food and wine, while the poor were left hungry and humiliated. This disparity was a reflection of the broader societal norms of the time, but it had no place in the church. Paul admonishes the Corinthians, reminding them that their gatherings should be for the better, not for the worse. He emphasizes the need for unity and mutual respect, urging them to wait for one another and to eat together as one body.
As we delve deeper into the text, we uncover six dimensions of the Lord's Supper that Paul brings to light. The first dimension is looking around. Paul instructs the Corinthians to examine their relationships within the community. Are there unresolved conflicts? Is there someone in need? The act of communion is not just a personal experience but a communal one that involves the entire body of believers.
The second dimension is looking back. Paul recounts the story of the Last Supper, where Jesus reinterpreted the Passover meal. The bread and the cup are symbols of Jesus' body and blood, given for us. This act of remembrance is a call to reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus and the new covenant established through His death and resurrection.
The third dimension is looking upward. Communion is an intimate encounter with God. It is a moment to acknowledge His presence and to connect with Him deeply. The bread and the cup are not just symbols; they are a means of grace through which we experience the reality of Jesus' sacrifice and God's love for us.
The fourth dimension is looking outward. Paul reminds us that as we partake in the Lord's Supper, we proclaim the Lord's death until He comes. This proclamation is not just for ourselves but for the world. We are called to live out the gospel, to break ourselves open and pour ourselves out for the needs of others, just as Jesus did.
The fifth dimension is looking forward. Communion is a foretaste of the future feast we will share with Jesus in the new creation. It is a reminder of the hope we have in Christ, that one day He will return and make all things new. This forward-looking aspect of communion fills us with hope and anticipation for the day when God will wipe away every tear and restore all things.
The sixth and final dimension is looking inward. Paul urges us to examine ourselves before taking communion. This introspection is not about being worthy but about recognizing the worth of what Jesus has done for us. It is a time to align ourselves with the gospel, to repent of our sins, and to seek to live a life that reflects the grace we have received.
As we prepare to take communion today, let us dwell on these six dimensions. Let us look around, look back, look upward, look outward, look forward, and look inward. May this rich, multifaceted experience draw us closer to God and to one another, and may it transform the way we live our lives.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Importance of Unity in Communion: Paul emphasizes that the Lord's Supper should be a time of unity and mutual respect. The divisions within the Corinthian church, where the wealthy indulged while the poor went hungry, were a stark contrast to the communal nature of the Lord's Supper. This act of worship calls us to examine our relationships within the community and to ensure that we are coming together as one body. [36:31]
2. Remembering Jesus' Sacrifice: The act of communion is deeply rooted in the story of the Last Supper, where Jesus reinterpreted the Passover meal. The bread and the cup symbolize His body and blood, given for us. This dimension of looking back calls us to reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus and the new covenant established through His death and resurrection. It is a powerful reminder of God's love and grace. [52:59]
3. Encountering God in Communion: Communion is not just a ritual; it is an intimate encounter with God. As we take the bread and the cup, we are reminded of the beautiful reality of substitutionary atonement—that Jesus died in our place. This act of worship fosters a deep connection with God, allowing us to experience His presence and grace in a profound way. [57:35]
4. Proclaiming the Gospel Through Communion: Paul reminds us that as we partake in the Lord's Supper, we proclaim the Lord's death until He comes. This outward dimension of communion calls us to live out the gospel in our daily lives. We are called to break ourselves open and pour ourselves out for the needs of others, just as Jesus did. Our actions and words should reflect the love and sacrifice of Christ. [01:02:03]
5. Hope and Anticipation in Communion: The act of communion is a foretaste of the future feast we will share with Jesus in the new creation. It fills us with hope and anticipation for the day when God will make all things new. This forward-looking aspect of communion reminds us that no matter the challenges we face, there is a glorious future awaiting us in Christ. [01:05:20]
### YouTube Chapters
1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [26:18] - Introduction and Mother's Day Acknowledgment
3. [30:43] - Prayer and Introduction to the Sermon
4. [31:32] - Experiencing Nature and God's Creation
5. [33:57] - The Multifaceted Dimensions of Nature
6. [35:39] - Introduction to 1 Corinthians and the Lord's Supper
7. [36:31] - The Chaotic Gatherings of the Corinthian Church
8. [37:48] - Six Dimensions of the Lord's Supper
9. [40:55] - The First Dimension: Looking Around
10. [48:30] - The Second Dimension: Looking Back
11. [52:59] - The Third Dimension: Looking Upward
12. [57:35] - The Fourth Dimension: Looking Outward
13. [01:02:03] - The Fifth Dimension: Looking Forward
14. [01:05:20] - The Sixth Dimension: Looking Inward
15. [01:16:09] - Conclusion and Call to Examine Ourselves
16. [01:19:20] - Closing Prayer and Worship Instructions
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1 Corinthians 11:17-34 (ESV)
### Observation Questions
1. What were the main issues Paul addressed regarding the Corinthian church's approach to the Lord's Supper? ([36:31])
2. How does Paul describe the proper way to partake in the Lord's Supper in 1 Corinthians 11:23-26?
3. What are the six dimensions of the Lord's Supper that Paul highlights in his letter to the Corinthians? ([37:48])
4. According to the sermon, what does Paul mean by examining oneself before taking communion? ([01:08:12])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize the importance of unity and mutual respect during the Lord's Supper? How does this reflect the broader message of 1 Corinthians? ([36:31])
2. How does the act of looking back during communion help believers understand the significance of Jesus' sacrifice? ([52:59])
3. What does it mean to encounter God during communion, and how does this affect a believer's relationship with Him? ([57:35])
4. How does the forward-looking aspect of communion provide hope and anticipation for believers? ([01:05:20])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own experience with communion. Have you ever felt disconnected from the communal aspect of it? How can you foster a sense of unity and mutual respect in your church community? ([36:31])
2. When you partake in communion, how do you personally remember and reflect on Jesus' sacrifice? Are there specific practices or thoughts that help you focus on this dimension? ([52:59])
3. How can you cultivate a deeper encounter with God during communion? Are there distractions or barriers that you need to address to experience His presence more fully? ([57:35])
4. In what ways can you proclaim the gospel through your actions and words in your daily life, as Paul suggests in the sermon? ([01:02:03])
5. How does the hope of Jesus' return and the future feast with Him influence your daily life and decisions? What practical steps can you take to keep this hope alive in your heart? ([01:05:20])
6. Before taking communion, how do you examine yourself? Are there specific areas of your life where you need to seek reconciliation or repentance? ([01:08:12])
7. Think of someone in your life who might be in need or with whom you have unresolved conflict. How can you take steps this week to address these issues in light of the communal nature of the Lord's Supper? ([49:56])
Devotional
Day 1: Unity in Communion
The Lord's Supper is a time for unity and mutual respect. In the early church, the wealthy would indulge in the best food and wine while the poor were left hungry and humiliated. This disparity reflected broader societal norms but had no place in the church. Paul admonished the Corinthians, reminding them that their gatherings should be for the better, not for the worse. He emphasized the need for unity and mutual respect, urging them to wait for one another and to eat together as one body. This act of worship calls us to examine our relationships within the community and to ensure that we are coming together as one body. [36:31]
1 Corinthians 11:20-22 (ESV): "When you come together, it is not the Lord's supper that you eat. For in eating, each one goes ahead with his own meal. One goes hungry, another gets drunk. What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I commend you in this? No, I will not."
Reflection: Think of someone in your church community with whom you have unresolved conflict or tension. How can you take a step towards reconciliation and unity with them today?
Day 2: Remembering Jesus' Sacrifice
The act of communion is deeply rooted in the story of the Last Supper, where Jesus reinterpreted the Passover meal. The bread and the cup symbolize His body and blood, given for us. This dimension of looking back calls us to reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus and the new covenant established through His death and resurrection. It is a powerful reminder of God's love and grace. As we partake in communion, we are called to remember the immense sacrifice Jesus made for us and the new life we have through Him. [52:59]
1 Corinthians 11:23-25 (ESV): "For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when 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 also he took the cup, after supper, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.'"
Reflection: Take a moment to reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus. How does remembering His sacrifice impact the way you live your daily life?
Day 3: Encountering God in Communion
Communion is not just a ritual; it is an intimate encounter with God. As we take the bread and the cup, we are reminded of the beautiful reality of substitutionary atonement—that Jesus died in our place. This act of worship fosters a deep connection with God, allowing us to experience His presence and grace in a profound way. It is a moment to acknowledge His presence and to connect with Him deeply. The bread and the cup are not just symbols; they are a means of grace through which we experience the reality of Jesus' sacrifice and God's love for us. [57:35]
1 Corinthians 10:16-17 (ESV): "The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread."
Reflection: As you prepare to take communion, how can you intentionally seek to encounter God's presence in a deeper way today?
Day 4: Proclaiming the Gospel Through Communion
Paul reminds us that as we partake in the Lord's Supper, we proclaim the Lord's death until He comes. This outward dimension of communion calls us to live out the gospel in our daily lives. We are called to break ourselves open and pour ourselves out for the needs of others, just as Jesus did. Our actions and words should reflect the love and sacrifice of Christ. This proclamation is not just for ourselves but for the world. We are called to live out the gospel, to break ourselves open and pour ourselves out for the needs of others, just as Jesus did. [01:02:03]
1 Corinthians 11:26 (ESV): "For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes."
Reflection: How can you live out the gospel in a tangible way today? Think of one specific action you can take to serve someone in need.
Day 5: Hope and Anticipation in Communion
The act of communion is a foretaste of the future feast we will share with Jesus in the new creation. It fills us with hope and anticipation for the day when God will make all things new. This forward-looking aspect of communion reminds us that no matter the challenges we face, there is a glorious future awaiting us in Christ. It is a reminder of the hope we have in Christ, that one day He will return and make all things new. This forward-looking aspect of communion fills us with hope and anticipation for the day when God will wipe away every tear and restore all things. [01:05:20]
Revelation 19:9 (ESV): "And the angel said to me, 'Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.' And he said to me, 'These are the true words of God.'"
Reflection: How does the hope of a future feast with Jesus impact your perspective on current challenges? What can you do today to live in anticipation of His return?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "I love this time of year, like, because we get to be outside, right? It's not too hot, so hot that you're like, I have to run from air conditioning to air conditioning. And it's not so cold that you just don't really enjoy it. And I love it. However, as I can feel in my throat this morning, I always have to take allergy meds this time of year in order to love being outside. But I love being outdoors. And so last weekend, my family and I, we went to near Asheville, up in the mountains, and we spent time there hiking, like mountain biking, checking out waterfalls, just running around." [30:43]
2. "Have you ever felt like that? Have you ever, like, had been so experienced something with all of your senses and you were able to just, like, be present there? Like, maybe you don't love the mountains and so you don't really connect with that, but you love listening to the ocean and you can just be on the beach and you can feel the sand and hear the ocean. And you can feel the waves and feeling the breeze at the beach. Or I've seen people at art exhibits, museums, where they'll sit and they'll stare at art for just hours. And they'll just catch every dimension of it. And they can just get totally lost in this artwork." [34:44]
3. "So let's apply this to Integrity Church today. How can we look around? When you approach the table, think about this. Think about, is there anybody you're not right with? Ask yourself, have I wronged anyone? Have I sinned against anybody? Is there anybody in my life who's in need? Is there anyone I need to share resources with? Is there anyone I need to go to? Anyone I need to come alongside?" [49:56]
4. "The gospel is not get your act together, clean yourself up, and then when you're really nice and good, and your hair is neat and tidy, then come to church and take communion and experience God's love. No, the gospel is the other way around. The gospel is when you're a wreck, when you're in addiction, when you are in chains, you're coming out of a divorce, or you're in the aftermath and the carnage of your sin, your mistakes, your flaws. When you're empty, when you're chasing after idol after idol in an empty, vain pursuit, God chases after you in Jesus." [01:09:37]
5. "God has designed our body in such a way that the best way, the most fulfilled way to live is to follow him. Now, that's not to say that God doesn't use pain. God uses pain. He uses illness, even trauma, to transform us to be more like him. That doesn't also mean it's always discipline, though. God refines us. By the experiences that we have, in ways that are not just disciplining us. He's a whole lot bigger than just discipline. He uses all kinds of things to refine us to become more like him, to become more like his son, to follow his son." [01:12:58]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Paul does not mean you have to be worthy to take communion. You don't have to get your act together and make sure you're all neat and tidy in order to take the bread and the cup. I mean, the point of communion is that you are not worthy. The point of communion is that Jesus takes your place. His body breaks for you. His blood pours out in your place. He takes your sin, your shame, your guilt, all of that, your judgment. He takes all of that because you are not worthy, but he chases after you and loves you." [01:08:12]
2. "So the fourth facet, the fourth dimension, the fourth element of Lord's Supper is this outward dimension, recognizing we're called to show Christ, to follow Christ to the cross by how we live and how we take communion together. The fifth facet, if you're taking notes, comes from that same verse. The fifth dimension, the fifth facet is looking forward until he comes again. Look at the end of verse 26. Paul writes, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes, until he comes." [01:03:42]
3. "When you get together, you do this. Of all things, here's what you do. Bread and cup in remembrance of me. Looking back, we remember the communion is about Jesus. Communion is about the fact that God is not far off, that God steps into human history in the person of Jesus. God puts humanity on. He puts clothes on. He incarnates himself. He steps in and he reaches out and he rescues. Jesus redeems, chases after broken people, and he saves. If you're here today and you don't know Jesus, he's after you this morning." [55:54]
4. "So when we take communion, we examine ourselves. We look inward. You probe yourself. You introspect. You look inward. You take back all the layers, all the distractions, the to-do list, the things that you're thinking about what you need to do later today or this week or next month or the different meetings you have, the community group happening coming up soon or whatever those things. You take all of those distractions away. You get all of that out of your mind and you focus and you listen to the Spirit of God and you ask the Spirit to expose sins in your life, to expose those areas in your life where you're not in line with the bread in the cup, where you're not in line with the gospel, where you're not in line with what Jesus is all about." [01:08:12]
5. "So be reconciled, look around, see where you may have someone who's something or you've sinned against somebody, go and be reconciled to them. Your communion involves a community of believers. It's not simply the connection between you and God. I mean it is that as well, but it's not simply that. It involves the entire church body and actually it involves more than just our church, but it involves the entire church universal, the church everywhere. So look around and as much as is possible for you, be reconciled to those who you might have something against. Dwell on that, think on that facet of looking around." [51:26]
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