Reflecting on the Lord's Supper and Our Calling

 

Summary

In today's sermon, we reflected on the significance of the Lord's Supper, particularly as we approach Easter and celebrate Palm Sunday. We began by considering the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, riding on a donkey, an animal of peace, and contrasted this with His second coming, where He will be on a horse, an animal of war, signifying His ultimate victory and authority.

We then delved into the importance of each believer's calling within the body of Christ. Whether it's singing in the choir, teaching Sunday school, or serving in various capacities within the church, every role is vital for the edification of the church and the proclamation of the Gospel. We are all called to tell others about Jesus, and this is a responsibility we must take seriously.

I emphasized the power of personal testimony. People may dispute the Bible or theological arguments, but they cannot argue with the transformative work of Christ in an individual's life. Our stories of faith are compelling evidence of God's grace and can be a powerful tool in evangelism.

We then transitioned to the heart of the message, focusing on the Lord's Supper. I read from 1 Corinthians 11, where Paul gives instructions on how to partake in the Lord's Supper. We discussed the importance of self-examination before taking the Lord's Supper, ensuring that we do not harbor any unconfessed sin. Confession and repentance are crucial to participating in a manner that honors Christ's sacrifice.

The Lord's Supper is a serious and sacred observance. It's not just a ritual; it's a proclamation of the Lord's death until He comes again. It's a time for us to remember the sacrifice of Jesus, His body broken and His blood shed for our redemption. We are reminded that when we partake unworthily, we can bring judgment upon ourselves, resulting in weakness, sickness, and even death.

Finally, we discussed who should partake in the Lord's Supper. It is for those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling. It's a privilege to be counted among the saints, and we should live in a manner that reflects our holy calling. Baptism is a public declaration of faith and precedes the taking of the Lord's Supper, which is reserved for those who have accepted Jesus as their Savior and are living in obedience to Him.

Key Takeaways:

- The Lord's Supper is a profound moment of reflection and proclamation. As we partake, we declare the Lord's death and His eventual return. This act of remembrance is not just about looking back at the cross but also looking forward to the fulfillment of His promise to come again. It's a dual act of faith—honoring the past sacrifice and anticipating the future victory. [09:11]

- Our personal testimonies are irrefutable evidence of God's work in our lives. When we share what Christ has done for us, we offer a unique and personal witness that cannot be easily dismissed. Our stories are not just narratives; they are testimonies of transformation that can touch hearts and lead others to faith. [05:15]

- The calling of every believer is significant, and we must embrace our roles within the church with dedication and joy. Whether we are called to sing, teach, or serve, each act of service is a reflection of our love for Christ and our commitment to His mission. Our gifts are not for our own benefit but for the building up of the body of Christ. [04:31]

- Confession and repentance are not optional but essential practices for Christians, especially in the context of the Lord's Supper. We must approach this sacred observance with clean hearts, having confessed our sins and received forgiveness. This ensures that we honor the sacrifice of Jesus and maintain a right relationship with Him. [20:25]

- The Lord's Supper is an inclusive act meant for all believers, regardless of their denominational background. It is a unifying practice that transcends church walls and brings together the global body of Christ. As we partake, we join with saints from every place, affirming our shared faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior. [14:52]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Corinthians 11:23-32
- "For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus in the night in which 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 He took the cup also after supper, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.' For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes. Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner, shall be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord. But a man must examine himself, and in so doing he is to eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For he who eats and drinks, eats and drinks judgment to himself if he does not judge the body rightly. For this reason many among you are weak and sick, and a number sleep. But if we judged ourselves rightly, we would not be judged. But when we are judged, we are disciplined by the Lord so that we will not be condemned along with the world."

#### Observation Questions
1. What are the two different animals mentioned in the sermon that Jesus rides, and what do they symbolize? ([03:46])
2. According to the sermon, what is the significance of personal testimonies in evangelism? ([05:15])
3. What instructions does Paul give in 1 Corinthians 11 about how to partake in the Lord's Supper? ([08:12])
4. Who is the Lord's Supper intended for, according to the sermon? ([14:43])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important to examine oneself before partaking in the Lord's Supper, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 11:28? ([09:07])
2. How does the act of taking the Lord's Supper serve as both a remembrance of Christ's sacrifice and a proclamation of His return? ([08:54])
3. What does the sermon suggest about the consequences of taking the Lord's Supper in an unworthy manner? ([22:31])
4. How does the sermon describe the role of personal testimonies in sharing the Gospel, and why are they considered irrefutable? ([05:34])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your personal testimony. How can you share your story of faith with someone this week to demonstrate the transformative work of Christ in your life? ([05:15])
2. Consider your role within the church. Are you actively using your gifts to serve and edify the body of Christ? If not, what steps can you take to get involved? ([04:49])
3. Before partaking in the Lord's Supper, what steps can you take to ensure you have confessed and repented of any unconfessed sin? How can you make this a regular practice? ([20:06])
4. How can you cultivate a deeper sense of reverence and reflection during the Lord's Supper, remembering both Christ's sacrifice and His promise to return? ([08:54])
5. The sermon emphasizes the importance of living in a manner that reflects our holy calling. What specific changes can you make in your daily life to better align with this calling? ([12:31])
6. How can you encourage and support others in your small group or church community to take their roles and callings seriously, fostering a spirit of dedication and joy in service? ([04:45])
7. Think about the last time you participated in the Lord's Supper. How did you prepare your heart and mind for this observance? What can you do differently next time to deepen your experience? ([20:25])

Devotional

Day 1: Reflecting on Christ's Sacrifice and Return
The Lord's Supper is a profound moment that encapsulates both the remembrance of Jesus' ultimate sacrifice and the anticipation of His glorious return. As believers partake in this sacred tradition, they are invited to look back at the cross with gratitude for the redemption offered through Christ's broken body and shed blood. Simultaneously, this act serves as a forward-looking beacon of hope, affirming the promise of His second coming. It is a dual act of faith that anchors the Christian life in the past work of Christ and the future completion of His kingdom. [09:11]

"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: How does your participation in the Lord's Supper deepen your appreciation for Christ's past sacrifice and your longing for His future return?


Day 2: The Power of Personal Testimony
Personal testimonies are the unique narratives of transformation that each believer carries. These stories are not merely accounts of past events but living testimonies to the active and ongoing work of God in transforming lives. When shared, they become a powerful evangelistic tool, offering a personal witness to the reality of God's grace that can resonate deeply with others. The authenticity of a life changed by Christ is a compelling argument for the truth of the Gospel, often more persuasive than theological debates or scriptural disputes. [05:15]

"And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death." - Revelation 12:11 ESV

Reflection: What is one specific instance where you've seen God work in your life that you can share with someone this week to encourage their faith?


Day 3: Embracing Our Role in the Body of Christ
Every believer has a unique calling and role within the body of Christ. Whether it is through music, teaching, hospitality, or any other form of service, each contribution is essential for the growth and edification of the church. These roles are not just tasks to be performed; they are expressions of worship and love for Christ, reflecting a commitment to His mission. The diversity of gifts within the church is a testament to the creativity of God and His desire for His people to work together in harmony, building up one another in love. [04:31]

"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace." - 1 Peter 4:10 ESV

Reflection: What is your unique gift or role in the church, and how can you actively use it this week to serve others in your community?


Day 4: The Necessity of Confession and Repentance
Confession and repentance are not merely religious rituals; they are vital practices that ensure a believer's heart is in the right posture before God. Especially in the context of the Lord's Supper, self-examination and confession are essential to honor Christ's sacrifice appropriately. This process of turning away from sin and seeking forgiveness is a demonstration of genuine faith and reverence for the holiness of God. It is through this humble approach that believers can maintain a right relationship with the Lord and partake in the Lord's Supper in a manner that is worthy of the grace they have received. [20:25]

"Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working." - James 5:16 ESV

Reflection: Is there any unconfessed sin in your life that you need to bring before God today, and how can you seek accountability within your Christian community to help you in your journey of repentance?


Day 5: The Lord's Supper as a Unifying Act
The Lord's Supper transcends denominational lines and cultural differences, serving as a unifying act for all who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ. It is a practice that brings together the global body of Christ, reminding believers of their shared identity as saints sanctified in Christ Jesus. This sacred observance is a privilege that calls for a life lived in obedience and holiness, reflecting the transformative power of the Gospel. As believers partake in the Lord's Supper, they affirm their unity with Christians across the world, celebrating the diversity and the common faith that binds them together. [14:52]

"For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit." - 1 Corinthians 12:13 ESV

Reflection: How can you demonstrate unity with believers from different backgrounds this week, and what steps can you take to foster a spirit of inclusivity within your church community?

Quotes

"When Jesus comes back, what's he gonna be on? It's an animal of war. and everyone will know who he is, everyone. But we get to do that now. As the church, we get to celebrate Unfortunately, we're fighting every day. A world that does has no idea who he is and we're doing the best we can. I hope you are telling people about who he is, correct?" [04:31]( | | )

"There needs to be, I'll be honest with you, I've prayed about this and I've studied this and I really believe there should be no unconfessed sin Why would there be when there doesn't have to be? in God's word is that if we confess our sins, he's faithful and just to do what? Cleanse us from all our sins and what else?" [20:25]( | | )

"Paul didn't hear this from Peter or John or any of those. He received it from the Lord and this is a lot of instruction that Paul has. Paul sometimes gives his own opinion but then Paul also says this is what the Lord instructed. and what he received from the Lord was that we're to take that and make sure that we have that no one can confess sin." [21:02]( | | )

"So it's a serious thing when you take the Lord's Supper. So I'm gonna tell you, when we do that in just a few moments right here, I can tell you the conclusion is this morning that we know that Jesus wishes that every single person, Amen, do you think that's Jesus' heart when he instituted the Lord's Supper?" [23:45]( | | )

"Sanctify here means set apart to God from the world and describes a position of all who belong to Christ. As to their practical condition, they should set themselves apart day by day in holy living. But do you set yourself aside day by day for holy living?" [12:57]( | | )

"The Lord's Supper is for the church, for Christ's followers. I hope you take the name Christian or Christ's follower as a way of life Do you take it as a way of life? Do you take it as a banner or something that needs to be set before you that you take very seriously," [14:52]( | | )

"We remember the cross when we would think of the Lord's Supper, amen? You can't get away from the cross. You can't get away from that body that was broken and that blood that shed. There's no way you can get away from it if you remember the Lord's Supper." [18:32]( | | )

"We don't take it in an unworthy manner. Paul cautions you taking the Lord's Supper in an unworthy manner. If one takes it in an unworthy manner, you shall be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord. Now, I don't wanna be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. Do you?" [19:42]( | | )

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?