Unity and Reverence in the Lord's Supper
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, church family. Today, we have several important announcements and events coming up. This Wednesday, we need volunteers for our monthly food distribution with the East Texas Food Bank. Additionally, on September 21st, we have babysitter and CPR training to support our fostering families. The Dogwood Trails Baptist Association Stepping Up Conference and Annual Meeting is also approaching, so check your bulletins for more details.
Today, we celebrate the ordinances of baptism and communion. We witnessed the baptisms of Rachel Landers and Wyatt Naismith, who shared their heartfelt testimonies of accepting Jesus as their Savior. This is a powerful reminder of the transformative work of Christ in our lives.
Our focus today is on the Lord's Supper, also known as Communion. We turn to 1 Corinthians 11, where Paul addresses the church at Corinth, which had strayed from the true meaning of this sacred observance. Paul highlights three main issues: divisions, gluttony, and disrespect within the church. These issues were contrary to the unity and reverence that Communion is meant to embody.
Paul emphasizes the importance of self-examination before partaking in Communion. We must ensure our hearts are right with God and with each other. Communion is not just an individual act but a communal one, reflecting the unity of the body of Christ. Paul also warns against taking Communion in an unworthy manner, as it brings judgment upon oneself.
As we prepare to partake in Communion, let us reflect on the significance of Jesus' sacrifice. His broken body and shed blood are the foundation of our faith. Let us approach this sacred observance with reverence, unity, and a heart of gratitude.
### Key Takeaways
1. Unity in the Body of Christ: Communion is a time to reflect on the unity of the church. Paul rebukes the Corinthians for their divisions, reminding us that the Lord's Supper is meant to bring us together as one body in Christ. We must strive to eliminate any divisions or factions within our church community. [33:05]
2. Self-Examination: Before partaking in Communion, we must examine our hearts. Paul warns against taking the Lord's Supper in an unworthy manner, which includes harboring bitterness or unforgiveness. This self-examination is crucial for maintaining a pure and sincere relationship with God and others. [41:58]
3. Reverence and Respect: The Corinthians had turned Communion into a gluttonous and disrespectful event. Paul calls for a return to reverence and respect for this sacred observance. We must approach Communion with a heart of humility and gratitude, recognizing the profound significance of Jesus' sacrifice. [40:45]
4. Communal Aspect of Communion: While personal reflection is important, Communion is also a communal act. It is a time for the church to come together in unity, remembering Christ's sacrifice as a collective body. This communal aspect strengthens our bonds and reinforces our shared faith. [35:09]
5. The Seriousness of Communion: Paul highlights the serious consequences of taking Communion in an unworthy manner, including illness and even death. This underscores the gravity of this observance and the need for sincere repentance and reverence. We must not take this lightly but approach it with the utmost respect and seriousness. [46:01]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[05:16] - Announcements
[11:34] - Baptism of Rachel Landers
[13:22] - Baptism of Wyatt Naismith
[14:29] - Prayer for Baptism Candidates
[29:31] - Transition to Communion
[30:17] - Introduction to 1 Corinthians 11
[30:54] - Conclusion of Firm Foundation Series
[31:38] - Understanding the Lord's Supper
[32:21] - Issues in the Corinthian Church
[33:05] - Divisions in the Church
[35:09] - Communal Aspect of Communion
[36:39] - Gluttony and Disrespect
[41:58] - Self-Examination
[46:01] - Wait for One Another
[49:41] - Invitation to Respond
[52:46] - New Members and Communion Preparation
[55:11] - Observing the Lord's Supper
[01:06:30] - Closing and Dismissal
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. 1 Corinthians 11:17-22
2. 1 Corinthians 11:27-32
### Observation Questions
1. What were the three main issues Paul addressed in the Corinthian church regarding their observance of Communion? ([32:21])
2. How did the Corinthians' behavior during Communion show disrespect for the church of God? ([40:45])
3. What does Paul mean by taking Communion in an "unworthy manner"? ([41:58])
4. How does Paul suggest the Corinthians should prepare themselves before partaking in Communion? ([41:58])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize the importance of unity within the church during Communion? How does this reflect the broader message of the Gospel? ([33:05])
2. What might be the consequences of taking Communion in an unworthy manner, according to Paul? How should this influence our approach to this sacred observance? ([46:01])
3. How does the communal aspect of Communion strengthen the bonds within the church? Why is this important for the body of Christ? ([35:09])
4. In what ways can self-examination before Communion lead to a deeper relationship with God and others? ([41:58])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt divisions within the church. How did it affect your spiritual life and the unity of the congregation? What steps can you take to promote unity in our church community? ([33:05])
2. Before taking Communion, Paul urges us to examine our hearts. Is there any bitterness or unforgiveness you need to address? How can you seek reconciliation this week? ([41:58])
3. Paul calls for reverence and respect during Communion. How can you cultivate a heart of humility and gratitude as you approach this sacred observance? ([40:45])
4. Communion is a communal act that reflects the unity of the body of Christ. How can you actively participate in fostering a sense of community and shared faith within our church? ([35:09])
5. Considering the seriousness of taking Communion in an unworthy manner, what practical steps can you take to ensure you approach it with the utmost respect and sincerity? ([46:01])
6. How can you use the time of Communion to reflect on the significance of Jesus' sacrifice and renew your commitment to live for Him? ([41:58])
7. Think about someone in the church who might feel left out or marginalized. How can you reach out to them and include them in the communal life of the church? ([33:05])
Devotional
Day 1: Unity in the Body of Christ
Communion is a time to reflect on the unity of the church. Paul rebukes the Corinthians for their divisions, reminding us that the Lord's Supper is meant to bring us together as one body in Christ. We must strive to eliminate any divisions or factions within our church community. [33:05]
1 Corinthians 12:12-13 (ESV): "For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. 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."
Reflection: Is there someone in your church community with whom you have unresolved conflict? How can you take a step towards reconciliation and unity today?
Day 2: Self-Examination
Before partaking in Communion, we must examine our hearts. Paul warns against taking the Lord's Supper in an unworthy manner, which includes harboring bitterness or unforgiveness. This self-examination is crucial for maintaining a pure and sincere relationship with God and others. [41:58]
Psalm 139:23-24 (ESV): "Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!"
Reflection: Take a moment to ask God to reveal any hidden sins or unforgiveness in your heart. What steps can you take to address these issues before the next Communion service?
Day 3: Reverence and Respect
The Corinthians had turned Communion into a gluttonous and disrespectful event. Paul calls for a return to reverence and respect for this sacred observance. We must approach Communion with a heart of humility and gratitude, recognizing the profound significance of Jesus' sacrifice. [40:45]
Hebrews 12:28-29 (ESV): "Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire."
Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper sense of reverence and respect for Communion in your personal worship? What practical steps can you take to prepare your heart for this sacred observance?
Day 4: Communal Aspect of Communion
While personal reflection is important, Communion is also a communal act. It is a time for the church to come together in unity, remembering Christ's sacrifice as a collective body. This communal aspect strengthens our bonds and reinforces our shared faith. [35:09]
Acts 2:42-44 (ESV): "And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common."
Reflection: How can you contribute to the sense of community and unity within your church during Communion? Is there someone you can reach out to and encourage this week?
Day 5: The Seriousness of Communion
Paul highlights the serious consequences of taking Communion in an unworthy manner, including illness and even death. This underscores the gravity of this observance and the need for sincere repentance and reverence. We must not take this lightly but approach it with the utmost respect and seriousness. [46:01]
1 Corinthians 11:27-30 (ESV): "Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself. That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died."
Reflection: Reflect on the seriousness of Communion. How can you ensure that you approach this observance with the reverence and respect it deserves? What changes might you need to make in your attitude or actions?
Quotes
1. "What a great testimony to show what Jesus has done in our lives, to show it in front of our family and friends. And these waters await anyone who would put their faith and trust in him and who will bring the next one." [14:29] (11 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We will be starting a brand new series in a couple of Sundays. This is the final message in our Firm Foundation series. We've been covering that throughout the summer months, focusing on some of the most important foundations of our faith, things that why we believe, what we believe about different things." [30:54] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "I want us to think about this idea of, Lord's Supper or Communion. And those terms are interchangeable. I usually say both of them because you come from different backgrounds. When I was growing up, it was always Lord's Supper. But some of you come from a background where it was always Communion. And they're the same thing." [31:38] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Communion was designed to bring the body together, to be celebrated in unity. But Paul even says something that some think may be a sarcastic comment in verse 19, for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized. In other words, he's saying, well, it's okay that there's factions because now we see who really means it." [38:31] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "It is important that we take an individual look at that and that we do not come and receive the communion from the Lord in an unworthy manner. That we don't have, bitterness in our heart, that we don't have lack of forgiveness in our heart, that we don't have harsh feelings towards the Lord or towards anyone else." [43:02] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. There is no particular prescription for how often, you should receive communion. Some churches observe it once a week and there's nothing wrong with that. Some do it less often." [44:02] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Wait for one another. As I was studying this text this week, it just hit me between the eyes. It hit me right in the chest. Wait for one another. I said, this is talking about the church. This is talking about the body of Christ. That we should be concerned for the condition of one another." [46:01] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "If you find yourself as one of those that have something in there that's just, I can't let go of that. I was talking with someone this week that said that as a very active believer in the church, that there was a period of time, multiple years where they said, when we had Lord's Supper, I did not partake of it because my heart was not in the right spot because of one particular relationship. And man, I respect that." [47:48] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "By the same token, if there's someone here today that, you've never received Jesus. You've never had that assurance of the blood covering your sin. You've never had that peace in knowing that your eternity is taken care of. You've never made that pledge to walk in faith with Him. You've never said, Jesus, I want you to lead my life." [48:19] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Let's do business with God as we prepare to partake of the koinonia, the communion, the fellowship that Jesus has provided for us. Lord, we are so thankful for this privilege to honor the body and the blood which was given for us. You've been so good to us." [48:39] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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