“the Lord’s Supper”
Pastor Allan Kircher SPBC
October 16th 2011
INTRODUCTION:
1. Psalm 96:9; John 4:24
Worship is an eternally important and challenging subject.
To be performed so as to please God.
“Worship IS ACTION!
Is not associated with passiveness
it is not sitting around waiting for something to happen to us.
In worship we participate, we are active and involved.
• In worship God is present and we respond in …
As we begin to focus on the acts of worship today, we will begin with the Lord’s Supper.
But, first, let us consider a few items as an introduction:
The Lord’s Supper is variously designated in the NT as: “Breaking of Bread” (Acts 2:42), “To Break Bread” (Acts 20:7); “The Lord’s Table” (1 Corinthians 10) and “The Communion” (1 Corinthians 10:16).
The Lord’s Supper is a very important action in the Lord’s Day worship.
• However, nowhere is it said to be the most important item of worship.
• The Lord’s Supper belongs in the assembly and is to be eaten together (1 Corinthians 11:20ff).
Message:
I. The Lord’s Supper is Discernment.1 Corinthians 11:27-29.
“discern” literally meaning to “look through”
People use microscopes and telescopes to bring into view something otherwise invisible.
• We look through them to discern these objects.
• The Lord’s Supper is intended by God to bring before us in clear spiritual vision our Savior and His sacrifice.
• Unfortunately, It is human nature to forget.
The Greeks used to say that “time wipes all things out of memory”
As if the mind were a writing slate and time were the eraser.
Memory can play tricks on us unless something is done to keep it straight.
At times, facts are only partially remembered /confused.
So, it is the place and significance of the Lord’s Supper to keep our memory clear, straight, and focused.
• What we discern serves as an anchor to our faith.
• As we discern in this action of worship:
We are connected to the past.
We are given meaning for the present.
And, we are inspired with hope for the future.
It was because of the Corinthians’ immaturity in failing to discern to look through, the Lord’s Body, that Paul urged them to partake worthily.
This does not refer to the person being worthy.
It is an adverb – it refers to the manner taken.
The warning: Any careless, thoughtless participation at the Lord’s table is a failure to discern.
II. The Lord’s Supper is an Act of Separation
1 Corinthians 10:21.
The Lord’s Supper reminds us who we are and whose we are.
We have been called and chosen in Christ 2 Thessalonians 2:14
There has been a separation from the world and reconciliation to God (Ephesians 2:16).
As we partake of the Lord’s Supper we examine ourselves.
No one can judge another’s motives
Each must examine himself.
We must consider our attitudes and actions.
The Lord’s Supper is a call to repentance.
4. Paul instructed, “You cannot partake of the Table of the Lord, and the table of demons.”… Sincerity is called for and Hypocrisy is to be dispelled.
III. The Lord’s Supper is a Communion
1 Corinthians 10:16
This means the Lord’s Supper is a vital sharing and vital communication.
While the Lord is always with His faithful
There is a very special and intimate way that He is with us during the Lord’s Supper.
This vital identification with Christ was initiated when we were baptized into Him (Romans 6:3-4), and is continued when we share with Him, and He with us.
Jesus promised to drink with us in the Kingdom (Matthew 26:29).
So, each Lord’s Day there is a fresh and loving encounter with Christ.
It is a designated place and time when He keeps an appointment with us.
The Lord’s Supper is not a meaningless habit!
IV. The Lord’s Supper is an Act of Remembrance
Jesus said, “This do in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19).
We have a challenge before us to “REMEMBER” as we partake of the Lord’s Supper …
o We must discipline our minds
o We must control any wandering thoughts.
What are some things we should remember as we share with Christ in His feast?
o Remember His Name => Philippians 2:9.
o Remember His works (creation and redemption) Colossians 1:14-18.
o Remember His love Ephesians 3:18-19.
o Remember His exaltation:
o He arose! 2 Timothy 2:8,
o He reigns! Hebrews 4:14
V. The Lord’s Supper is a Bond of Christian Fellowship
1 Corinthians 10:17.
o Not only is the Lord’s Supper a memorial meal – it is a sharing meal.
As we partake of the Lord’s Supper we bear witness to the unity of the body of Christ.
• There are no “superiors” or inferiors” at the Lord’s Table.
• “The ground is level at the foot of the cross.”
• The Supper is a call to unity.
• This bond was so strong in the early church that:
They shared one heart and one mind,
When one suffered, all suffered,
When one was weakened, all were affected,
When one was strengthened, all were built up.
The Lord’s table should prevent all bitterness and backbiting among those who share a place in the body of Christ.
It should promote greater love among us
Pettiness is beneath the dignity of those redeemed in blood of the Lamb.
VI. The Lord’s Supper is a Powerful Proclamation.
1 Corinthians 11:26.
o As we partake of the Lord’s Supper we preach a powerful sermon
o “We proclaim the Lord’s death.”
o What does participation in the Lord’s Supper proclaim?
o It proclaims the vital facts of the gospel (1 Corinthians 15:1-4).
It preaches “that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).
It affirms that “faith is alive and well.”
It testifies “that Jesus is not dead, but lives.”
It declares He is coming (John 14).
It states that Judgment is sure (Acts 17:30-31).
The great essentials of the gospel are preserved in this memorial.
Commence with the Lord's Supper
