Unity and Reflection in the Lord's Supper
Summary
The sermon at Colton Community Church, titled "A Reflective Reminder," begins with a look back at the year's events and activities, including community gatherings, a soccer game, and a baptism, with gratitude extended to Janaa for organizing these moments. The congregation is invited to share personal reflections on blessings received or witnessing God's work in 2023. The sermon then transitions to the Apostle Paul's letter to the church in Corinth, drawing parallels between the issues faced by the early church and contemporary challenges.
The speaker describes the disheartening scene of division and self-indulgence among the Corinthians as they gather for worship, contrasting it with the example set by Jesus on the night he was betrayed. Jesus, the bread of life, gave thanks for the bread that symbolized his body, soon to be broken. The speaker emphasizes the importance of unity and proper conduct during the Lord's Supper, as outlined in 1 Corinthians 11, where Paul criticizes the church for its divisions and lack of consideration for one another.
The sermon addresses the divisions within the Corinthian church leadership and the congregation's failure to live according to Christ's values, including issues of immorality and legal disputes. Paul's guidance on marriage and food sacrificed to idols is mentioned, as well as his call for the church to be free from any kind of bondage.
The speaker highlights the stark contrast between those in the church who live by the spirit, manifesting love, joy, peace, patience, and kindness, and those who live by worldly standards, causing divisions and disputes. The selfish behavior during the Lord's Supper, where some would eat and drink excessively while others went hungry, is condemned.
The congregation is encouraged to reflect on the past year's blessings and answered prayers, as depicted in a slideshow of church events. The importance of community and celebrating God's presence in their lives is underscored.
The concept of taking the Lord's Supper unworthily is discussed, with the speaker urging self-examination and understanding one's identity in Christ before partaking. The congregation is invited to a time of reflection before breaking the bread.
The significance of breaking bread in remembrance of Jesus is emphasized, with the speaker urging the congregation to remember Jesus' suffering and sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins. The New Covenant established by Jesus' blood is also highlighted, with the Lord's Supper serving as an invitation, notification, and anticipation of Jesus' return.
Key Takeaways:
- The act of breaking bread during the Lord's Supper is a profound reminder of Jesus' sacrifice. It is not merely a ritual but a powerful symbol of the suffering he endured for humanity's redemption. As believers hold the bread, they should contemplate the physical and emotional pain Jesus experienced, recognizing the depth of his love and the forgiveness it offers. [21:39]
- The divisions and disputes within the Corinthian church serve as a cautionary tale for modern believers. The presence of factions and a lack of unity during worship gatherings can harm the church's witness. It is crucial for church leaders and members to model their behavior after Christ, fostering a spirit of unity and selflessness, especially during the Lord's Supper. [13:20]
- The Apostle Paul's rebuke of the Corinthian church's worldly behavior and mindset is a call for Christians to live counter-culturally. Believers are to stand out by walking in the spirit and displaying the fruit of the spirit, which starkly contrasts with the strife and selfishness of the world. This distinction is essential for the church to be a true reflection of Christ's love and grace. [15:38]
- Taking the Lord's Supper unworthily is a serious matter that requires believers to examine themselves and their approach to this sacred practice. It is a time to remember Jesus and to align one's identity with what he has accomplished on the cross. This self-examination ensures that the sacrament is approached with the reverence and gratitude it deserves. [27:44]
- The New Covenant, ratified by Jesus' blood, is central to the Christian faith. The Lord's Supper is an invitation to all believers, a public declaration of one's allegiance to Christ, and an anticipation of his return. This multifaceted sacrament is a celebration of the forgiveness available through Jesus and a reminder of the hope believers have in his second coming. [24:31]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: "A Reflective Reminder"
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 - Paul's instructions on the Lord's Supper and the issues of division within the church.
2. 1 Corinthians 1:10-13 - Paul's appeal for unity and against divisions in the church.
3. Galatians 5:22-23 - The fruit of the Spirit as a contrast to worldly behavior.
#### Observation Questions
1. What were some of the key events and activities that the Colton Community Church celebrated in 2023? ([01:48])
2. According to the sermon, what were the main issues Paul addressed in the Corinthian church? ([10:20])
3. How did the behavior of some members during the Lord's Supper reflect the divisions within the Corinthian church? ([16:43])
4. What does Paul mean by taking the Lord's Supper "unworthily," and what are the consequences of doing so? ([27:44])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize the importance of unity and proper conduct during the Lord's Supper? How does this relate to the overall health of the church? ([13:57])
2. How do the divisions and disputes within the Corinthian church serve as a cautionary tale for modern believers? What lessons can we learn from their mistakes? ([15:00])
3. What is the significance of the New Covenant established by Jesus' blood, and how should it impact the way believers approach the Lord's Supper? ([24:31])
4. How can the fruit of the Spirit, as described in Galatians 5:22-23, help believers stand out in a world filled with strife and selfishness? ([15:38])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the past year. How has God blessed you or answered a prayer in 2023? Share a specific example with the group. ([04:45])
2. In what ways can you contribute to fostering unity and selflessness within our church community, especially during worship gatherings? ([13:20])
3. How can you ensure that you approach the Lord's Supper with the reverence and gratitude it deserves? What steps can you take for self-examination before partaking? ([27:44])
4. Identify one area in your life where you struggle with worldly behavior. How can you actively work on displaying the fruit of the Spirit in that area? ([15:38])
5. How can you help someone in our church who might feel marginalized or overlooked, ensuring they feel included and valued during our gatherings? ([17:50])
6. What specific actions can you take to remember and honor Jesus' sacrifice during the Lord's Supper? How can this practice deepen your faith and understanding of the New Covenant? ([21:39])
7. How can you live in anticipation of Jesus' return, and what changes might you need to make in your daily life to reflect this hope? ([27:03])
Devotional
Day 1: Unity in Communion
In the act of breaking bread, believers are called to remember the profound sacrifice of Jesus and the unity it signifies among them. This sacred moment is not just a ritual but a deep reflection on the love and forgiveness that Jesus' suffering brought to humanity. As the bread is held, thoughts should turn to the sacrifice made and the unity it demands from the body of believers. [21:39]
1 Corinthians 10:17 - "Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all share the one loaf."
Reflection: How can you contribute to fostering unity within your church community, especially during times of communion?
Day 2: Counteracting Division with Christlike Unity
The early church in Corinth struggled with division, a problem that persists in churches today. As modern believers, it is imperative to avoid factions and strive for unity, modeling behavior after Christ's selflessness. The Lord's Supper is a time to come together, setting aside differences and focusing on the shared faith in Jesus Christ. [13:20]
Ephesians 4:2-3 - "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."
Reflection: What steps can you take to resolve conflicts and promote peace within your church family?
Day 3: Living by the Spirit in a Worldly World
The Apostle Paul's rebuke of the Corinthian church's behavior is a reminder to live by the spirit, not by worldly standards. Believers are called to exhibit love, joy, peace, patience, and kindness, which stand in stark contrast to the strife and selfishness of the world. This distinction is crucial for the church to reflect Christ's love and grace authentically. [15:38]
Galatians 5:22-23 - "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."
Reflection: Which fruit of the Spirit do you need to cultivate more in your life, and how can you actively do so this week?
Day 4: Self-Examination Before Communion
Approaching the Lord's Supper unworthily is a serious matter that calls for introspection and alignment with Christ's identity. Before partaking, believers must examine their hearts and minds, ensuring they approach this sacred practice with the reverence and gratitude it deserves. This self-examination is a crucial step in fully appreciating the sacrament's significance. [27:44]
2 Corinthians 13:5 - "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?"
Reflection: Before your next communion, what aspects of your life require reflection and possible repentance to partake worthily?
Day 5: Celebrating the New Covenant
The New Covenant, established by Jesus' blood, is a cornerstone of the Christian faith. The Lord's Supper is an invitation to believers, a declaration of allegiance to Christ, and an anticipation of His return. This sacrament is a multifaceted celebration of the forgiveness available through Jesus and a reminder of the hope believers have in His second coming. [24:31]
Hebrews 9:15 - "For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant."
Reflection: How does your participation in the Lord's Supper reflect your understanding of and gratitude for the New Covenant?
Quotes
"Reflect on a time that you've received a blessing or witness God working in 2023, so take a couple of minutes and share that with each other at the table." [04:45] (Download)
"Jesus declared he is the bread of life he is the bread that satisfies he is the bread that gives life... what satisfies your very Soul... your deep satisfaction will be met in nothing else other than the Lord Jesus Christ." [19:41] (Download)
"First I hear that there are divisions among you and when you meet as a church and to some extent I believe it but of course there must be divisions among you so that you who have God's approval will be recognized." [15:00] (Download)
"The Believers who were walking in the spirit and the Believers who are manifesting the spirit with the fruit of the spirit in their lives they would stand out because they had the love of Jesus they were experiencing Joy they were experiencing peace and patience and kindness." [16:12] (Download)
"Paul is really getting after the church it shouldn't be like this the church should be a place where we all come GA especially the Lord's Supper where we come gather and share at the level of the foot of the cross." [17:50] (Download)
"When you take the Lord's Supper, you remember Jesus, you remember who you are in light of what he's done, and you have hope of where he's going to take us." [27:44] (Download)
"Jesus Took the pain, the abandonment, the Betrayal for your forgiveness and mine so that your sins could be forgiven and you're going to break that bread and you're going to hold it in your hands and go this is not an ordinary piece of bread this reminds me of what Jesus has done for me." [23:51] (Download)
"Jesus was ratifying this new covenant with his own blood, the New Covenant that promises that when you put your faith in him you are forgiven." [25:10] (Download)
"Every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are announcing the Lord's death until he comes... it's an anticipation of his return. We eat this not in desperation and discouragement but we eat this in hope, in anticipation of the Lord Jesus Christ's returning." [27:03] (Download)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?