Reflecting on the Sacredness of Communion
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to honor and worship the Lord, recognizing His presence in every aspect of our lives—whether in moments of great joy or deep sorrow. We celebrated the Lord's Supper, a sacred observance that invites us to reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This act of communion is not just a ritual but a profound reminder of Christ's atoning death and resurrection. We delved into the significance of the Last Supper, where Jesus instituted this sacrament with His disciples, emphasizing its importance and the deep meaning behind the bread and the cup.
We explored 1 Corinthians 11, where Paul rebukes the Corinthian church for their improper observance of the Lord's Supper. Their actions had turned a sacred moment into a divisive and disrespectful feast. Paul’s correction serves as a guide for us to approach communion with the reverence it deserves. The Lord's Supper is a special, symbolic, and serious observance. It symbolizes Christ's broken body and shed blood, reminding us of the immense sacrifice He made for our salvation.
We are called to examine ourselves before partaking in communion, ensuring that we approach the table with a heart of repentance and unity. This self-examination is crucial as it helps us to recognize our need for God's grace and mercy. Communion is not just a personal moment with God but also a communal act that unites us with fellow believers. It is a time to look back at Christ's sacrifice and look forward to His return, living in the hope and promise of eternal life with Him.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Presence of God in All Circumstances: God is with us in every moment of our lives, from our greatest victories to our deepest losses. His presence provides comfort, guidance, and strength, reminding us that we are never alone. This assurance should lead us to worship and seek Him continually. [26:32]
2. The Sacredness of the Lord's Supper: The Lord's Supper is a sacred observance instituted by Jesus Himself. It is a time to remember His sacrificial death and resurrection, reflecting on the immense love and grace He has shown us. This observance should never become a mere ritual but always be approached with reverence and gratitude. [30:55]
3. Self-Examination Before Communion: Before partaking in the Lord's Supper, we must examine ourselves, confess our sins, and seek reconciliation with God and others. This self-examination helps us to approach the table in a worthy manner, recognizing our need for God's grace and striving to live in peace with one another. [49:11]
4. Communion as a Symbol of Unity: Communion is not just a personal act of worship but also a communal one. It unites us with fellow believers, reminding us of our shared faith and the body of Christ. This unity is essential, as it reflects the love and fellowship we have in Christ, transcending all differences. [52:55]
5. Looking Back and Looking Forward: The Lord's Supper calls us to look back at Christ's sacrifice and the redemption it brings, and to look forward to His return and the establishment of His kingdom. This dual focus helps us to live with gratitude for what Christ has done and with hope for the future He has promised. [45:33]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[26:32] - Celebrating God's Presence
[27:29] - Prayers for the Community
[28:20] - Invitation to the Lord's Table
[29:15] - Reflecting on Communion
[30:55] - The Last Supper
[33:06] - Jesus' Sacrifice
[35:02] - Paul's Rebuke to the Corinthians
[36:39] - The Special Observance of Communion
[38:25] - Misuse of the Lord's Supper
[40:40] - The Meaning of the Elements
[42:17] - Symbolism of the Bread and Cup
[44:04] - The Cost of Salvation
[45:33] - Looking Back and Forward
[47:18] - The Seriousness of Communion
[49:11] - Self-Examination
[52:55] - Communion and Unity
[55:24] - The Real Meaning of Communion
[01:00:00] - Invitation to the Table
[01:10:58] - Closing Remarks and Announcements
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. 1 Corinthians 11:17-34
2. Matthew 26:26-28
3. Romans 5:9
### Observation Questions
1. What were the issues Paul addressed in the Corinthian church regarding their observance of the Lord's Supper? ([35:02])
2. How did Jesus institute the Lord's Supper during the Last Supper with His disciples? ([30:55])
3. What are the two elements of the Lord's Supper and what do they symbolize? ([42:17])
4. According to the sermon, what should believers do before partaking in the Lord's Supper? ([49:11])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize the need for self-examination before participating in the Lord's Supper? How does this practice benefit the individual and the community? ([49:11])
2. How does the Lord's Supper serve as a reminder of both Christ's sacrifice and His future return? What impact should this dual focus have on a believer's life? ([45:33])
3. In what ways can the Lord's Supper foster unity among believers, and why is this unity important? ([52:55])
4. How does the misuse of the Lord's Supper in the Corinthian church serve as a warning for modern-day believers? ([38:25])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt God's presence during a difficult moment. How did that experience influence your faith and worship? ([26:32])
2. Before the next communion service, what steps can you take to ensure you approach the Lord's table with a heart of repentance and unity? ([49:11])
3. How can you make the observance of the Lord's Supper more meaningful in your personal and communal worship? ([29:15])
4. Think of a relationship in your life that needs reconciliation. How can you seek to mend this relationship before participating in communion? ([50:21])
5. How can you remind yourself daily of Christ's sacrifice and His promise to return? What practical steps can you take to live in this hope? ([45:33])
6. In what ways can you contribute to fostering unity within your church community, especially during the observance of the Lord's Supper? ([52:55])
7. How can you ensure that the Lord's Supper remains a sacred and serious observance in your life, avoiding the pitfalls of routine and ritual? ([39:37])
Devotional
Day 1: God's Presence in Every Moment
God is with us in every moment of our lives, from our greatest victories to our deepest losses. His presence provides comfort, guidance, and strength, reminding us that we are never alone. This assurance should lead us to worship and seek Him continually. Whether we are celebrating a joyous occasion or navigating through a period of sorrow, God's presence remains constant and unwavering. This understanding should transform our daily lives, encouraging us to live with a sense of gratitude and reliance on Him.
In recognizing God's omnipresence, we are invited to cultivate a deeper relationship with Him. This involves not only acknowledging His presence but also actively seeking His guidance and comfort in all circumstances. By doing so, we can experience a profound sense of peace and assurance, knowing that we are never alone. Let this truth inspire us to worship God with a heart full of gratitude and to seek His presence in every aspect of our lives. [26:32]
Psalm 139:7-10 (ESV): "Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me."
Reflection: Think of a recent moment of joy or sorrow in your life. How did you experience God's presence during that time? How can you seek His presence more intentionally in your daily routine?
Day 2: The Sacredness of the Lord's Supper
The Lord's Supper is a sacred observance instituted by Jesus Himself. It is a time to remember His sacrificial death and resurrection, reflecting on the immense love and grace He has shown us. This observance should never become a mere ritual but always be approached with reverence and gratitude. The bread and the cup symbolize Christ's broken body and shed blood, serving as a profound reminder of the cost of our salvation.
Approaching the Lord's Supper with the right heart and mindset is crucial. It is a moment to pause and reflect on the depth of Christ's love and the magnitude of His sacrifice. This sacred act calls us to remember the price He paid for our redemption and to respond with heartfelt worship and gratitude. Let us never take this observance lightly but always approach it with the reverence it deserves. [30:55]
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: Reflect on the last time you participated in the Lord's Supper. How did you prepare your heart for this sacred observance? What steps can you take to ensure you approach it with reverence and gratitude in the future?
Day 3: Self-Examination Before Communion
Before partaking in the Lord's Supper, we must examine ourselves, confess our sins, and seek reconciliation with God and others. This self-examination helps us to approach the table in a worthy manner, recognizing our need for God's grace and striving to live in peace with one another. It is a time to reflect on our spiritual condition and to seek God's forgiveness and cleansing.
Self-examination is not just about identifying our shortcomings but also about seeking to align our hearts with God's will. It involves a sincere desire to repent and to make amends where necessary. By doing so, we can approach the Lord's Table with a clear conscience and a heart that is fully devoted to Him. Let this practice of self-examination become a regular part of our spiritual discipline, helping us to grow in our relationship with God and with others. [49:11]
2 Corinthians 13:5 (ESV): "Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!"
Reflection: Take a moment to examine your heart. Are there any unconfessed sins or unresolved conflicts in your life? How can you seek God's forgiveness and make amends with others before participating in communion?
Day 4: Communion as a Symbol of Unity
Communion is not just a personal act of worship but also a communal one. It unites us with fellow believers, reminding us of our shared faith and the body of Christ. This unity is essential, as it reflects the love and fellowship we have in Christ, transcending all differences. When we partake in the Lord's Supper, we are reminded that we are part of a larger community of believers, bound together by our faith in Jesus.
This sense of unity should inspire us to live in harmony with one another, fostering a spirit of love and cooperation within the body of Christ. It is a call to set aside our differences and to focus on what unites us—our shared faith in Jesus. Let us strive to build and maintain this unity, reflecting the love and fellowship that Christ desires for His church. [52:55]
Ephesians 4:4-6 (ESV): "There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."
Reflection: Think of a fellow believer with whom you have had disagreements or conflicts. How can you take a step towards reconciliation and unity with them today, reflecting the unity we have in Christ?
Day 5: Looking Back and Looking Forward
The Lord's Supper calls us to look back at Christ's sacrifice and the redemption it brings, and to look forward to His return and the establishment of His kingdom. This dual focus helps us to live with gratitude for what Christ has done and with hope for the future He has promised. It is a reminder that our faith is rooted in the past event of Christ's crucifixion and resurrection, and it is also oriented towards the future hope of His return.
Living with this dual focus can transform our perspective on life. It encourages us to live with a sense of gratitude for the past and with hope and anticipation for the future. This hope should inspire us to live faithfully and to share the message of Christ's love and redemption with others. Let us embrace this perspective, allowing it to shape our daily lives and our interactions with others. [45:33]
Titus 2:11-13 (ESV): "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ."
Reflection: How does the hope of Christ's return influence your daily life and decisions? What practical steps can you take to live with a greater sense of gratitude for the past and hope for the future?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "But the amazing thing when we come together, no matter where we've been, what we've done, what we've left undone, whether we've won great battles or we have suffered great defeat, there is always an invitation to the table. And it's no different for you and I today." [29:15] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "If Christ is your Lord and Savior, you are welcome to the Lord's table. And when you come to the table, it is to be special. When you come to the table, it is to be worshipful. And when you come to the table, it is to be honoring to our Lord. I pray that every time we have this opportunity, that is our heart." [41:26] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Look back at what God has done for you. Not only in your salvation, but how He has provided for you and protected you and walked with you. And not only look back, but look forward to what God has planned for you. Look forward to what He wants to do in your life. Look forward to who He wants to use you to reach." [47:18] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "There's a day I will return and I will establish my kingdom. And so we celebrate the Lord's Supper. We not only look backward, we look back to His sacrificial death on the cross. We look forward to the establishment of His heavenly kingdom. A day of no more pain and no suffering and in His presence." [46:20] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "While the gift of salvation is free and we come and we accept the gift of Christ, it was not free. It cost Jesus His life for you. So because of this, our walk with God is not something we take casually. And the observance of the Lord's Supper should not be something we take casually." [44:41] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "When we think about the Lord's Supper and we come to the Lord's table in communion, we must remember first it is a very special observance. It is a very special observance. Now at first here in the beginning of this part of this passage Paul is kind of doing a let's get your attention church of Corinth and let's set some things straight." [36:39] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The Lord invites those to His table that love Him. Who have earnestly repented of their sin. And seek to live in peace with one another. That is the picture of a Christ follower. And that's who He invites to the table." [41:26] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The bread, it symbolizes His broken, His beaten body. It symbolizes His life that was taken at the crucifixion, referring to His death. In order for us to be saved, it was necessary for the Son of God, the Lord Jesus, to die for the remission of sin, that He would be the Lamb of God and die once and for all for humanity's sin, including yours and mine." [43:13] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Paul says in verse 28, everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. He goes on to say that such self-examination, without it, ignoring it, you bring judgment upon yourself. And so it is up to us, it's up to you to stop and look and reflect and that you judge yourself harder than anyone else ever would." [49:11] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Communion is not intended to be exclusively just your moment with God. I know as we come and we take the cups and we take them back to our seat and we have that moment of introspection, and seeking the favor of the Lord, His forgiveness, all of those things. It is a very private moment. But communion is also intended to be a moment of unity with all others." [56:07] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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