Remembering The Death Of Christ – The Lord’s Supper

Lesson 3

Every act of worship is significant and important, but the Lord’s Supper is at the center of Christian worship.  The Old Testament prophets pointed forward to the death of Christ, Isaiah 53.  All the New Testament writings center on His death, 1 Corinthians 15:1-4.  Baptism is a picture of his death and resurrection, Romans 6:3-5.  It is only reasonable that his sacrifice should play a primary role in our worship.  By a proper observance of this memorial feast each week, our appreciation of that sacrifice is increased, our purpose in life as a Christian is re-emphasized, and our strength to resist temptation is renewed.  In getting started right, it is essential that I fully understand this Supper.

I.    Instituted By Jesus At The Passover.

A.  Luke 22:14-20; Mark 14:22-26.

B.  Its Purpose:  To Remember The Lord, 1 Corinthians 11:23-25.

1.   If God wants us to remember something, it must be crucial to our spiritual well-being.

2.   A memorial to the sacrifice of his body and shedding of his blood.

C.  It Is A Proclamation Of His Death; A Reminder Of His Second Coming,
1 Corinthians 11:26.

D.  It Is A Symbol Of The Covenant, 1 Corinthians 11:25.

E.  As We Stand At This Memorial We Look Three Ways.

1.   The past – to His death on the cross.

2.   The present – at the covenant under which we live today, whereby we are sealed.

3.   The future – looking for and praying for his return.

II.   We Also Look Inwardly – To Our Own Hearts.

A.  1 Corinthians 11:27-29, Tells Us About Our Manner Of Observance.

1.   “Unworthily” is an adverb, modifying the verbs denoting action.  Thus, it has reference to the manner or the state of mind in which it is done and not the worthiness of the individual.

2.   “Unworthily” has reference to coming to the Lord’s table in a careless or irreverent manner, with no intention or desire to commemorate the Lord’s death.  Beware!  The consequences are extremely serious.

B.  Characteristics Of The Proper Observance Of The Lord’s Supper.

1.   Meditation on Christ’s suffering.

2.   Contemplation of one’s own sinfulness.

3.   Thankfulness and joy for receiving salvation in Christ.

4.   Reflection on one’s own commitment and need for greater service.

5.   Anticipation of Jesus’ Second Coming.

III.  How Often Should The Lord’s Supper Be Observed?

A.  What Indications Do We Have Regarding The Frequency Of Observance In The Early Church?

1.   Acts 2:42, “continued steadfastly” indicates something with regularity,
1 Corinthians 11:25.

2.   Acts 20:7, the disciples came together on the first day of the week for the purpose of breaking bread.  The first day of the week was the day on which Christ was resurrected from the dead and also the day the Lord’s church was established.

a.   If the practice of the church here was wrong, the Bible would say so.

b.   It most certainly is right to follow the example of early Christians, Philippians 4:9.

c.   Compare “first day of the week” with “remember the Sabbath day,” Exodus 20:8.  The Israelites understood every Sabbath a day of rest and worship.

d.   Everyone understands what “first day of the week” means in 1 Corinthians 16:1-2.

B.  Some Have Objected To Following This Bible Example.

1.   Some say take it on whatever day you want, but how would we determine that such is accepted by God?  This attitude is one of presumption, not submission and obedience.

2.   Some take it only quarterly because they believe taking it too often will destroy its solemnity.  What if we were to apply this reasoning to Bible study and prayer?  The Lord’s Supper is a privilege.  It is a time of strengthening for the child of God.  It is gravely needed.

IV.  Who Should Partake Of The Lord’s Supper?

A.  We Can Find Out Who Should By Finding Out Who Did.

1.   The church at Jerusalem, Acts 2:41-42 – Those who were baptized.

2.   The church at Troas, Acts 20:7 – Disciples.

3.   The church at Corinth, 1 Corinthians 11:20 – “You” is the church.

4.   We conclude, that, those baptized/disciples/members of the church should partake.

B.  Jesus Sums It Up In Luke 22:29-30.

1.   The Lord’s Table is in the kingdom.

2.   Citizens of the kingdom then have the right to partake of this privilege.  Those who have been “born again” (John 3:3-5) are those who belong to the Lord’s kingdom.

C.  May Non-Christians Partake?

1.  The Lord’s Supper is not designed for non-kingdom persons.  However, at the time of the Lord’s Supper, we are told to examine ourselves, 1 Corinthians 11:28.

2.  Just as we do not forbid visitors to our services from singing, giving or saying “Amen”, we should not forbid them from partaking if they do not understand the Lord’s Supper is for Christians.  Their partaking does not in any way desecrate the taking of the Lord’s Supper by Christians.

 

Conclusion:  Christians must take care to properly commune with Christ, 1 Corinthians 10:16-17.  The memorial is designed not only to help us remember the Lord’s suffering and to honor Him, but to aid us in our daily spiritual warfare as Christians.

Questions:

1.   Since the Lord’s Supper is at the heart or center of Christian worship, does this mean that the other acts of worship are less important?  Why or why not?

2.   What are some specific things that you can do while the Lord’s Supper is being observed to keep your mind focused on Christ?

3.   What should you do if someone sitting near you who is not a Christian attempts to partake of the Lord’s Supper?

4.   How would you refute the teaching that one could partake of the Lord’s Supper on any day of the week?

5.   How could one partake of the Lord’s Supper in an unworthy manner or “unworthily”?

6.   How is the Lord’s Supper helpful in aiding us to overcome temptation?

 

Page last revised January 19, 2008 by Bob Sarrett.