The Significance of the Lord's Supper in Faith
Summary
In the exploration of the Christian faith, the significance of the Lord's Supper is often emphasized as a memorial and symbolic ordinance, akin to baptism, that followers are commanded by scripture to observe in remembrance of Jesus Christ. This act serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifice Christ made for humanity's sins. The discussion draws from Isaiah 53, where the prophet Isaiah speaks of the coming Messiah, who, despite being a figure of salvation, would not be recognized for his physical attributes but rather for his spiritual mission. The Messiah is depicted as a tender plant growing from dry ground, symbolizing the emergence of hope from a barren lineage, specifically after a period of silence before his birth.
The text describes the Messiah as a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief, and rejected by men, which aligns with the New Testament accounts of Jesus being despised and not accepted by his own. The narrative continues to detail the suffering of the Messiah, who bore the griefs and carried the sorrows of humanity, was wounded for transgressions, and bruised for iniquities. The chastisement for peace was upon him, and by his stripes, healing was offered. This passage underscores the belief that all have strayed like sheep, turning to their own ways, but the iniquity of all was laid upon the Messiah.
The Messiah's experience of oppression and affliction, his silent endurance like a lamb led to slaughter, and his unjust treatment in the judicial system are highlighted as part of the redemptive journey. The ultimate purpose of his suffering and death was for the transgressions of the people, fulfilling the role of a sacrificial offering for sin. The satisfaction of divine justice through the travail of the Messiah's soul is a central theme, with the assertion that only Christ's sacrifice can appease God's wrath against sin, not the punishment of the damned.
The discussion then transitions to the New Testament, specifically 1 Corinthians 11, where the Apostle Paul addresses the church at Corinth regarding the proper observance of the Lord's Supper. Paul corrects their behavior, emphasizing that the Lord's Supper is not an occasion for feasting and drunkenness but a solemn remembrance of Christ's sacrifice. He recounts the institution of the Lord's Supper by Jesus on the night he was betrayed, where Jesus broke bread and shared the cup as symbols of his body and blood, instructing his followers to do this in remembrance of him.
The Lord's Supper is presented as an act of obedience, remembrance, praise, testimony, and examination. It is a command to be observed by the church, a remembrance of Christ's body and blood and the new covenant, an opportunity to give thanks and praise for the sacrifice made, a testimony of faith in Christ's death and resurrection, and a time for self-examination and renewal. Believers are encouraged to ensure they are in right relationship with God when partaking in the Lord's Supper, as it is a sacred act that should not be taken lightly.
Key Takeaways:
- The Lord's Supper is a profound act of remembrance that calls believers to reflect on the depth of Christ's sacrifice. It is not merely a ritual but a symbolic representation of the body and blood of Jesus, meant to stir the hearts of the faithful towards gratitude and reverence for the price paid for their redemption. [24:00]
- Isaiah's prophecy in Isaiah 53 provides a poignant foreshadowing of the Messiah's suffering and mission. It emphasizes the unexpected nature of the Savior, who would not be recognized by outward appearance but by the profound impact of his life and death on humanity's spiritual condition. [19:34]
- The Apostle Paul's instructions to the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 11 serve as a timeless guide for the church, emphasizing the importance of approaching the Lord's Supper with the right attitude and understanding. It is a sacred tradition that demands sincerity and self-examination, ensuring that the act is carried out with the respect and solemnity it deserves. [26:20]
- The concept of divine justice satisfied through the sacrifice of Jesus is a cornerstone of Christian theology. It is believed that Christ's suffering was not in vain but was the means through which God's wrath against sin was appeased, offering believers the hope of reconciliation and eternal life. [22:49]
- The Lord's Supper is an opportunity for personal and communal consecration. It is a time for believers to introspect, confess sins, and renew their commitment to living in accordance with God's will. This act of examination is not only a personal endeavor but also strengthens the collective faith and unity of the church body. [29:26]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Isaiah 53:1-12
2. 1 Corinthians 11:23-32
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Isaiah 53, how is the Messiah described in terms of his appearance and reception by people? ([19:34])
2. What specific sufferings and actions of the Messiah are highlighted in Isaiah 53:4-5? ([20:46])
3. In 1 Corinthians 11, what issue does Paul address regarding the behavior of the Corinthians during the Lord's Supper? ([24:39])
4. What are the five aspects of the Lord's Supper as outlined in the sermon? ([26:20])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Isaiah 53:10-11 explain the purpose and outcome of the Messiah's suffering? What does it mean that "the Lord was pleased to bruise him"? ([22:11])
2. Why does Paul emphasize self-examination before partaking in the Lord's Supper in 1 Corinthians 11:28-29? What are the consequences of not doing so? ([26:20])
3. How does the description of the Messiah in Isaiah 53 challenge common expectations of a savior or leader? ([19:34])
4. What does it mean for the Lord's Supper to be an act of testimony, and how does this relate to the believer's daily life? ([28:06])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the description of the Messiah in Isaiah 53. How does understanding the depth of Christ's suffering impact your personal faith and gratitude? ([20:46])
2. Paul warns against taking the Lord's Supper unworthily. How can you prepare your heart and mind before participating in this ordinance to ensure you are in the right relationship with God? ([26:20])
3. The sermon mentions that the Lord's Supper is a time for self-examination and renewal. What specific steps can you take this week to examine your life and seek renewal in your relationship with God? ([29:26])
4. Considering the communal aspect of the Lord's Supper, how can you contribute to the unity and spiritual health of your church community? ([26:54])
5. The Lord's Supper is an act of remembrance and thanksgiving. What are some practical ways you can incorporate remembrance and gratitude for Christ's sacrifice into your daily routine? ([27:27])
6. How does the concept of divine justice being satisfied through Christ's sacrifice influence your understanding of God's character and your approach to sin and forgiveness? ([22:49])
7. The sermon emphasizes the importance of approaching the Lord's Supper with the right attitude. How can you cultivate a heart of reverence and sincerity in your worship practices? ([26:20])
Devotional
Day 1: Remembrance Ignites Gratitude
The Lord's Supper is a profound act of remembrance, stirring the hearts of believers towards gratitude for Christ's ultimate sacrifice. It is a moment to pause and reflect on the depth of love and mercy that was poured out through the broken body and shed blood of Jesus, which is symbolically represented in the bread and wine. This sacred tradition is not just a ritual; it is a spiritual practice that calls for a deep appreciation of the redemption offered to humanity. [24:00]
Luke 22:19-20 - "And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, 'This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.'"
Reflection: How does participating in the Lord's Supper deepen your understanding of Christ's sacrifice, and how does it inspire gratitude in your life?
Day 2: Recognizing the Unseen Savior
Isaiah's prophecy reveals a Messiah who would not be recognized by outward appearance but by the profound impact of his life and death. This unexpected Savior, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief, would carry the weight of humanity's sins. The prophecy calls believers to look beyond the physical and acknowledge the spiritual significance of the Messiah's mission. [19:34]
Isaiah 53:2-3 - "He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of sorrows, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem."
Reflection: In what ways can you shift your focus from external appearances to the deeper spiritual truths embodied by Christ's life and mission?
Day 3: Approaching with Right Attitude
The Apostle Paul's guidance to the Corinthians underscores the importance of sincerity and self-examination when partaking in the Lord's Supper. This sacred tradition demands respect and solemnity, reminding believers to approach with a heart that is right before God. It is a time to reflect on one's relationship with the Lord and the community of faith. [26:20]
1 Corinthians 11:27-28 - "So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup."
Reflection: How can you prepare your heart to receive the Lord's Supper in a way that honors the significance of Christ's sacrifice?
Day 4: Divine Justice Satisfied
The concept of divine justice satisfied through Jesus' sacrifice is central to Christian faith. Christ's suffering was the means by which God's wrath against sin was appeased, offering hope and reconciliation to believers. This cornerstone of theology affirms that the punishment of the damned is not what satisfies divine justice, but rather the willing sacrifice of the Messiah. [22:49]
Hebrews 9:26-28 - "But now he has appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself. Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him."
Reflection: How does understanding the satisfaction of divine justice through Christ's sacrifice influence your view of God's character and your own redemption?
Day 5: Consecration in Communion
The Lord's Supper is a time for personal and communal consecration, a moment for believers to introspect, confess sins, and renew their commitment to God's will. This act of examination not only serves as a personal spiritual discipline but also strengthens the unity and collective faith of the church body. [29:26]
2 Peter 1:5-7 - "For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love."
Reflection: What steps can you take to ensure that your participation in the Lord's Supper is a true act of consecration and reflection of your commitment to live according to God's will?
Quotes
"As we partake of the Lord's supper tonight, we must remember again that it is a memorial, a symbolic ordinance just like baptism is an ordinance that we, as a church, are commanded by scripture to do in remembrance of the Lord Jesus Christ." [18:59] (Download)
"The Messiah is not going to be necessarily a great-looking man; it's not that his physical attributes are going to draw people to him. That's what it's saying." [20:08] (Download)
"God poured his wrath out upon his son because of our sins that he bore, that he took upon himself. He saw our seed, he saw us, he saw future Believers." [22:11] (Download)
"Only Christ satisfies God's Wrath. Only Jesus Christ's death, burial, and Resurrection satisfies the wrath of God upon sin." [23:24] (Download)
"As we take the Lord's Supper, it's to remind us of the body that was bruised, battered, and beaten in order that our sins might be forgiven." [24:00] (Download)
"Paul is writing to the church at Corinth, this was a carnal church with a lot of carnal Believers in it and so he's addressing some problems." [24:39] (Download)
"For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you do show the Lord's death till he come." [25:44] (Download)
"It's an act of obedience, he said this do in remembrance of me. It's a command." [26:54] (Download)
"It's an act of remembrance, this do in remembrance of me, remembering his body and his blood, remembering the New Testament Covenant that he made." [27:27] (Download)
"An act of examination, Paul says to them let a man examine himself; it's a time of introspection, it's a time of Consecration and renewal." [29:26] (Download)
"We are tonight testifying a testimony showing the Lord's death till he come, showing that the Lord shed his blood, showing that the Lord body was broken for us." [28:48] (Download)
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